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Thread: next step

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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jan 2011
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    0

    next step

    Hello guys i'm a new in this forum i read Beginner Troubleshooting and Building Considerations and many others articles over the internet but that didn't answer my question...so i builld my first cnc table 3 feet by 5 feet but now i need to connected somehow to the computer.

    What will be good not to expensive, accurate around 1/32", USB kit so i can connect to the laptop with windows vista (board, small 3 stepping motors,power supply) working in 3 axis with easy to use software like autocad? ( something like draw and print) My cnc don't have to move fast because i will be cutting most of the time in 2 axis in wood and sometimes in aluminum but i wanna be able to cut in 3 axis sometimes. THANK you

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
    Posts
    1166
    You can draw your parts in Autocad.
    Then you need a CAM program to translate the drawing into G code. Search this site for recommendations. Vetric makes some lower cost software.
    Mach 3 will run the G code file and send commands out to your motors to move your machine. Typically you use the parallel port to do this along with a motor controller like the Geckodrive G540 (if it is appropriate for your motors - it might be overkill if they're small). However if you are dying for USB, you could use a smooth stepper for additional expense. Then you would go from that to the G540.
    CNC mill build thread: http://www.cnczone.com/forums/vertical_mill_lathe_project_log/110305-gantry_mill.html

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jan 2011
    Posts
    0
    thank you for the info, is there any option in mach3 software that adjust how fast router is moving on axis Z,X,Y?

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jun 2005
    Posts
    19
    The "G Code" programming that Mach3 runs includes a FeedRate instruction,
    here is a tutorial on G Code:

    CNC G code Tutorial | Lumenlab

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jan 2011
    Posts
    0
    cool thx

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