#27 - Can Modern CNC Match Ancient Egyptian Precision? | Graham Van Zuilecom

Graham Van Zuilecom is a machinist from Australia. In this episode, he shares how he recreated the “OG” Egyptian vase in aluminium using modern CNC technology. We discuss the machining process, the time and cost involved, the results of our 3D scans, and his plans to make a version in granite.

Graham's business: https://cncroutersaustralia.com.au/

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Chapters:

0:00 Intro

2:02 Graham’s Machining Background

5:38 What Is a CNC Router?

11:19 How Graham Got Into Ancient Technology

14:49 Measuring Ancient Stonework in Egypt

19:21 Ancient Saw Cuts, Core Drills & Abrasives

29:13 Serapeum & Abusir Measurements

34:28 The Precision of Ancient Egyptian Vases

36:24 Can Modern CNC Reproduce the OG Vase?

39:55 Making the Aluminium Vase Replica

48:55 Machining the Interior, Handles & Exterior

01:01:57 The Hardest Part & Cost of the Replica

01:13:50 Laser Scanning the Replica

01:27:29 Concentricity, Heat Maps & Tolerances

01:43:47 Comparing the Replica to the Original Vase

01:46:08 The History of Precision Machining

01:54:01 Could the Ancient Vases Be Modern Fakes?

01:59:33 The Next Challenge: Making It in Granite

02:04:24 Chinese Replicas & What “Accurate” Means

02:10:15 Final Thoughts & Outro