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Gadget_Eric · (This post was last modified: 01-29-2010 01:46 AM by Gadget_Eric.)

Hi All at the Community
I have started saving my pennies to build a CNC Router and Foam cutter. I was wondering if you know of any free or cheap software to run it. I have some plans but have a few ideas to maybe make it better and you may also have some sugestions / modifications that will help to make it the best.

Not sure if I have done the right thing but I have already purchased the stepper motors and the driver card Ebay Here so the project is on the way

**Cosha** · (This post was last modified: 01-29-2010 11:28 AM by Cosha.)

Hey Eric!

I can help!

Ok, So you need the design programe - I Use Rhino4.0 or AutoCAD (Rhino Is alot Better)

Next You need to turn that design into 'G-Code' this is what tells the CNC machine setter motors to move in what direction in number co-ordinates, i Use 90% of the time 'SheetCAM' this is for 2d work only though.

Then you need a programe to use the G-Code, ONLY use MACH3, all the rest of them are rubbish!

You can download, Rhino, Sheetcam and MACH3 all as demos, this will only let you create 100lines of G-Code! to buy both programe it will cost you about £150 (You can buy Sheetcam with MACH3) at the same time

Design of the machine:

You can have a sliding 'Gantry' - this is where the top half of the machine moves over the bed where you cut

Or

Fixed gantry - the head of the CNC router is staionary, and the bed or base moves left and right

I have a whole CD full of designes and usefull information!

I cant view Ebay on my work pc, could you coppy the info from the listing here so i can look see, as you need to figure out the ratio between the ball screw : pitch of the screwbar and the steps on the motor Tongue

Ok i will warn you now, you will swear alot when making it, it wont work out first time round but its the most rewarding thing in the world when it all works perfectly! Ill try and make a video to night for you!

Here you go:

http://www.sheetcam.com/register.shtml

you want 'Sheetcam TNG with mach2/mach3'

Gadget_Eric · 01-29-2010, 01:03 PM

Thanks Ben
Here is what I have
# 1 x 4 Axis TB6560 Driver Controller
# 4 x Nema 23 57BYGH56-401A Stepper Motor
# 1 x DB25 parallel cable

***Grandcaravan*** · 01-29-2010, 01:15 PM

Hi Eric!

Interesting project. Can you please tell us what you´ve paid for this?

Thanks and best regards Wink

Heiko

**Cosha** · 01-29-2010, 01:34 PM

Perfect eric

nema motors are very good, i can work it out from there!

have you got ball screws? linea bearings yet?

Gadget_Eric · (This post was last modified: 01-29-2010 02:37 PM by Gadget_Eric.)

(01-29-2010 01:15 PM)Grandcaravan Wrote: Hi Eric!

Interesting project. Can you please tell us what you´ve paid for this?

Thanks and best regards
Heiko

It was about US$250

(01-29-2010 01:34 PM)Cosha Wrote: Perfect eric

nema motors are very good, i can work it out from there!

have you got ball screws? linea bearings yet?

Good at least I bought good motors. I dont have the screws or bearings yet. A friend has just told me that they have a table off a milling machine that was removed when new and the machine was converted to another use so he is going to try to get it tomorrow. Should be able to get some parts out of that or even use the whole table as a try out while I learn a bit.

I have a copy of Turbo Cad and I have downloaded SheetCAM and MACK3 so now all I need to do is work out how to use them Big Grin

**Cosha** · 01-29-2010, 03:16 PM

Over the weekend ill make a video!

Showing you design, how to use sheetcam, and then into mach 3 followed by a cut!

it will save you a few hours of swearing at least! Big Grin

Also, start thinking about building a sound proof box!

its VERY VERY loud!

***Grandcaravan*** · 01-29-2010, 04:03 PM

Hey Ben! Your idea with the video is very nice! Looking forward to watch it Wink

Gadget_Eric · (This post was last modified: 01-30-2010 12:38 AM by Gadget_Eric.)

(01-29-2010 03:16 PM)Cosha Wrote: Over the weekend ill make a video!

Showing you design, how to use sheetcam, and then into mach 3 followed by a cut!

it will save you a few hours of swearing at least!

Also, start thinking about building a sound proof box!

its VERY VERY loud!

Thank you Ben very much. At the moment I am very much confused Huh

But now I know I will have some good help Tongue

I have a plan for the cover to keep the noise down but that can wait untill I at least try it out.

I know this will take a while and lots of work and frustration but I can't wait to get it going. Must be these nice new bits sitting on my desk.

Gadget_Eric · 01-30-2010, 05:58 AM

I have been havining a play with the software and am starting to understand it so its all looking good