There is a plethora of Mach3 users on the Zone here, and of all the people I know who use Mach, they are all quite satisfied. IMO, it will get you back up and cutting better than you were. I don't use Mach, only because buying the computer to run Mach would have cost more than I had in my entire machine.
The only problem I forsee is that their controller program works through your USB port, whereas Mach is a parallel port controller program. You would probably have to buy a different electronical set up (i.e. drivers, breakout board, etc.) to use Mach.
You must have either Windows 2000 or Xp to run Mach, and it is recommended that you have a fair amount of processor speed to boot.
You might consider borrowing another Pc to test out the Cnc Master controller program on. If it is going banannas on you now, my guess would be something screwy about the Pc. If you use another Pc, and no problems arise, then buy another Pc. If it acts the same, then it is the Cnc drivers, quite possibly.
Your statement that they have replaced/repaired the controller before, do you mean the driver box that goes to the motors, or the Pc software?
I would honestly suggest just dropping the money to get Mach3 software, and a good dedicated CAM program, get three Gecko 201, 202, or 203's, a breakout board, and a power supply. I would be willing to bet you are able to cut your parts a lot faster, and the whole operation will go a lot smoother. I believe it will feel like a completely different machine.
Going this route will set you back a bit, depending on the Pc you have now and whether it will support Mach, and whether you have to invest in a better Pc.
It may sound like a bit of a hassle, but it will be worth it. You may spend anywhere from 500 up to 1500 dollars to go this route, but you will have a guaranteed winner on your hands.
After all, how much is a new machine from *Manufacturer XXYY*?
(Note: The opinions expressed in this post are my own and are not necessarily those of CNCzone and its management)
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