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Hi jjg

I evaluated a number of CAM packages during my search and found VM to be the most intuitive to use. I use TurboCAD Pro Plat 21 to create my geometry, then import it into the CAM package. I...

I am running a 30-day evaluation of SprutCAM 8 Expert build 0.3 on a Windows XP SP3 box with 2GB ram and it seems very stable and fast to me

Mike Campbell

Hi mikemill

I use Turbocad 15.2 Platinum Pro and this definitely supports STL in 3 different flavours for output. Check the Turbocad site for the latest information.

Hope this helps

Mike

Hi cnc_toad
Thanks for your frank feedback on Visual Mill. From the demo version VisualMill 6.0 Std seems to be able to do simple neck profiles in 3D. However it is always good to get the opinion of...

I agree with ger21. You can run the CAD and CAM packages on the same PC but you should have a dedicated PC to run the Mill controller software. Normally you have the minimum of software on this...

Hi Cnc_toad
I would be interested to know any specifics of the issues you encountered with this package, as the demo version does not generate any CNC code to try out in a simulator or on an actual...

Hi Dinky

I've been following your thread with interest as I am going through this whole process as well. I too am building a cnc machine to make guitar bodies and necks for profit as a side...

Hi. It depends what you want to do with your CNC. I use Turbocad 15 Platinum Professional which I got from a dealer at a fantastic price. Together with the CAM plugin it is the cheapest 2.5D solution...

Have you used the demonstration version yet? The supplied tutorials are really good and the whole package is intuitive to use. I have reviewed about 10 CAM packages and Visual Mill was the only one I...

Hi Ekfer,
I'am at the stage where I have my ballscrews, rails and bearings and doing my design. My MC will have 1100mm x 750mm x 300mm ball screws to cut wood and
aluminium. I think you need bigger...

Great to hear about the performance improvement you are getting from the servodrives. For me, this justifies the use of 8020 profile to build the machine becuase you can make this type of upgrade and...

Adding my 2p's worth...

In the UK, using aluminium profile works out MUCH cheaper than quality wood. Was looking to build a Solsylva 37" x 25" machine and the wood alone (American red oak for...

Hi Tony,

I will be using Bosch profiles from Machine Building Systems (http://www.mbsitem.co.uk/) Not the cheapest but the stiffest I've found in the UK (4.2kg/m) The Bosch profiles (Profile 8)...

Hi Steve

I've really enjoyed reading the posts on your build of a CNC machine using Aluminium extrusions. I too have come to similar design decisions as yours, as in the UK it is cheaper to build...

Hi Nikhil

My advice would be to build something a bit smaller - say up to 3 feet and spend a lot of time researching what is required before you start your build. This forum is very good for...

Hi Carveone

I've been in contact with the guys on mycncuk forum and they were the ones who suggested the use of aluminium sections, so your advice is sound!
For the gantry wood remains an option,...

Hi everyone,

Sorry for the late reply - busy at work! but thanks for all the kind advice and input. It's been really useful. It's a real pity that over here in the UK everything costs 40 - 60...

Hi CarveOne

Thanks for your input and advice. I have decided to go down the aluminium extrusion route for the whole machine and yes I've been thinking down the same lines as your idea for the...

Hi All.
I've been following these threads for a while and thanks to the great build log by CarveOne for his 37" X 25" Solsylva design, I decided to get a quote for American red oak. Here in the UK...

Thanks irving2008 for the links. The Zapp link has proved to be very useful (and competitive pricing!). Also I've joined the UK CNC forum

Again another question for the UK builders using HobbyCNC controllers - How much did Customs & Excise slap on top for the HobbyCNC Kit with controller and stepper motors?

Thanks

Mike

Hi All,

For all of you in the UK who have built their own CNC routers, can you recommend source(s) for Multi-Start ACME Leadscrews / Ball Screws which are "reasonably" priced? I want to make a...