I've been in computer/network/telecoms area, for a long time. Then I 'cracked', and decided to move to something completely different.
So, here I am, having a CNC machine in my room (just arrived few days ago), too scared to even think about assembling it (well, almost).
I have no knowledge about CNC, nor do I have any knowledge about machining, but I've definitelly decided to learn. So, I've spent past 2 months reading and reading and reading, and reached 'information overload' stage, where I ended up knowing lots of things, but not actually understanding them
To make things even more complicated for myself, I live in a place where you don't find CNC stuff in shops (milling bits, collets, etc, etc) - I have to order things from abroad, so I have to really know what I need in advance.
Therefore, at risk of being laughed at, I am going to ask some very stupid and basic questions. Hope I'll get some responses.
(yeah, I know - there are no stupid questions, only stupid answers )
1. How do you people know what speeds (spindle) to use for what materials, and for which milling bits? This has been puzzling me for some time now. Is there a resource (table, list, ...) that shows combination of speeds/materials, or it all depends on experience and "trial & error"?
2. CNC machine that I've bough came with Kress 1050 FME spindle/motor. It has a 'slider' on the back (from 1 to 6), which is supposed to control speed of the motor. However, manual doesn't explain how do I set the speed. So, how do you know at what speed spindle runs, and how do you 'finetune' spindle speed (for example, you want it to run at 17,000RPM)? Before machine actually arrived, I thought (for some reason) that software controls spindle speed. Seems it's the case on more expensive machines only, right?
3. Machine came with controlling software (WinPC-NC Light), which turns out not to be able to load G-Code files. As if I've bought a car without an engine. Although I can upgrade to version which can open G-Code files, it is going to be annoying process (due to way I have to order things and pay, then do customs procedure, blah, blah). Now, I'd like to try EMC2 or some other controller software, but I am not sure if it'll work with controller I have.
Controller is here:
http://www.cnc-router-routers.com/ht...nel_2_1am.html
Is there a way to know if EMC2 would work with it properly, without opening the controller box and looking inside for parts details? Or I should simply try EMC2 and see what happens?
Btw, machine which I have is CNC-STEP High-Z S-1000/T (more details here: http://www.cnc-router-routers.com/html/t-series_with_ball_screws_cnc_.html), so if anyone has it and successfuly used other control software than WinPC-NC, I'd be happy to know about it.
4. Ok, funniest question. If spindle runs at high speed, and miling bit breaks - can it be dangerous in case broken piece decides to fly in my direction?
5. After browsing many sites (milling bits manufacturers), I have often seen milling bits being recommended for metal work. Would such bits work with wood (and other 'lighter' materials) as well, or I should be trying to find bits specifically made for cutting 'softer' materials?
6. Nut and collets are driving me crazy. Basically, there is this part (collet):
https://ssl.kundenserver.de/s8472815...2049080%253D29
and it goes into this part (nut):
https://ssl.kundenserver.de/s8472815...2821208%253D29
Once it's fit, it's a nightmare to take it out and replace with other collet. Do you take out collets from nuts by hand, or you use pliers, or you just have spare nuts loaded with different collets, so you don't have to bother with changing collets all the time?
Although I am planning to order some spare nuts, I have to order them from Germany, so I am bit worried that I don't break existing nut (or collet, for that matter) before I get spares. Any guidelines on preferred nut/collet 'replacement' procedure is welcome (even if it only involves 'brute force').
Well, that's it for now.
Any help is much appreciated