About Us
Dedicated to the hobbyists and small businesses—because we’re one of you.
Bringing EDM to Creators for Decades
ArcForge has been around by a different name for a long time. HomeBuilt EDM Machines (homebuiltedmmachines.com) was started by Ben Fleming over two decades ago, with the mission to help hobbyists and small businesses get access to EDM tools.
Our Founder
A little about myself: My name is Ben Fleming, and by profession, I am a research machinist from Fayetteville, Arkansas. I thoroughly enjoy anything that has to do with machine work and building projects. In my younger years, when I was learning to become a machinist, I was introduced to the world of EDM—where else, but at a yard sale!
I purchased two boxes of old Popular Science and Popular Mechanics magazines which I read through during a time of unemployment. In one of the magazines, the basic EDM theory was explained, along with details of how to build a very simple, manually operated EDM.
I built the machine and became obsessed with the EDM process, but the task of manually advancing the electrode was no fun! The EDM process was slow, and a person could spend lots of time twisting handles back and forth a few degrees at a time while accomplishing very little! I quickly saw the need for an automated control to accurately position the electrode.
Several months passed and I was at an electronics store (I think it was Radio Shack), looking through electronics books; I read a description of a window comparator circuit, and wondered if it might be used to control the position of the electrode. I built the circuit and connected it to a relay to control a DC motor. After much experimentation, I was able to develop a system that provided some automated control of the electrode; that was an exciting day in Charleston, South Carolina!! The books and kits found on this website are a result of my journey into the world of EDM.
Where We’re Headed
ArcForge is committed to Ben Fleming’s original purpose in making EDM technology more accessible to hobbyists and creators. We are aimed at improving our designs and methods and expanding the products we offer to cover a broader scope of the EDM world.
Adding to the Team
My name is Jackson Guthrie, and am a grandson of Ben Fleming. I am a student at Brigham Young University, studying Computer Engineering. I have a love for electronics, and I am a hobbyist by nature.
I was introduced to the world of EDM by my grandfather, Ben, while he was sharing some of the difficulties he was having with improving the electronics. I was immediately captivated and started doing as much research as I could into the world of EDM. Ben needed help with his website, so I took over, and here lies the result of my efforts! I will be taking on the designs from Ben and working to expand their capabilities and performance while continuing to provide support for the original products.
We Want to Hear from You!
Got questions? No problem! We will do our best to provide you with the information you need to succeed.
Wish there were some additional features? Having trouble? Please let us know! We seriously value your feedback, and it’s likely that your suggestion gets incorporated in our next iteration of products.
Not only that, but we love hearing the success stories and even the difficulties our fellow hobbyists. We love seeing the creative and innovative ways you are implementing our products. Send us an email with your story, and maybe we’ll feature you on our website!
Send Us an Email!