[crixnix]

Hello all

I am new to CNC having acquired a 3 axis woodworking router earlier this year. I have appreciated having access to so much information and experience through CNCZONE, and have become productive fairly quickly as a result.

Having thoroughly researched the local market before buying, I know that there is extensive use of CNC technology in South Africa, from wood and metalworking to laser to plasma to stone engraving. I find it strange that there seems not to have been any activity on this club forum.

I am running a Chinese machine with Chinese sourced software, and so far, both have proved extremely reliable and user friendly. I would be happy to share my limited experience with anyone who is interested, both locally and the wider CNC community.

Come on, guys...:stickpoke Let's start contributing

[sjnelcumberland]

HI crixnix i also acquired a chinese cnc plasma cutter been in a box now for 7 months only starting with it now runs on fastcam stuggling with the dxf files but would like to be part of the cnc south african community i am in the vaal triangle let see if we can set up something regards SPECTRONICS

[crixnix]

Hi sjnelcumberland

I would be happy to help in any way I can. Are you having trouble creating DXF files? Do you need to convert other formats to DXF files? There is plenty of software out there, and some of it is freeware.

I am not sure what the reference to SPECTRONICS is about either. Please explain.

all the best

crixnix

[3barboost]

Hi - I am here and been here a while, I have found that SA based cnc operators cry too much about the cost of setting the machine up (even if i have the dxf or similiar file.....) they dont understand the flexibility a small business needs, they want production runs of 10000 of units and i just want one intercooler flange, enough whining

I am based in Johannesburg running a specialised motor vehicle and performance workshop - my cnc needs are typically mild steel and ally based for flanges, fittings, couplings and mounting brackets etc - I normally draw on autocad and email and then have my local ally supply store do the easy part ! I am dying to do it in house and will probably go the diy route, so i am keen on any group buys etc to save on shipping to SA etc

[crixnix]

Hi 3barboost

good to know there are others out there in the void. I tried to build a budget machine, making everything myself including the linear bearings. I learned a great deal, but realised that to do it properly and build one using imported bearings, racks, motors and control electronics was not going to save me anything over a Chinese machine, which used the same parts.

I agree about SA CNC operators. I think that because it is relatively new technology here and that machines cost so much to import in the past, the mindset is to find one job that pays and keep cranking it out. Personally, I would jump at the chance to do one or two things different with my day, but, in general, there seems to be limited imagination here. And as for the cost of setting up the machine - I think that is often just a poor excuse for being unable to think outside the box.

I would encourage you to get or make your own machine. In your business it will make a massive contribution. What I have found is that at first, it is a bit daunting, and somehow different, but as time goes on it just becomes another tool which contributes to the way you plan and imagine the future.

[3barboost]

yip agreed 100%
however as a small workshop our bills may be high but retained margin isnt so buying a machine will take a while, but we working on it

i know what an impact it will have ! i cant wait

[Lord_Draco]

Hi guys I'm from Limpopo. I'm a cnc operator and programmer for 2 years now. Ive been reading and learning allot in this forum (starting my own build soon)

[rockhopper300]

Hi there crixnix, I am from Pretoria and run haas cnc machines. I have also started learning how to use the components in other machines. I posted a thread regarding the cnc club that runs every first thursday of the month. I got a great deal of info there. The Prof that runs the club must be one of the most competent people I know and he shares our interest. As for the spares you need: a company based in Edenvale called cnc direct can supply the ballscrews, linear guides and stepper or servo drives. Greg also helped me setup my computer with the software and the guys at the club helped me to calibrate and set the soft limits. If you are thinking of building your own machine, you would get the help you need from them.

[Aquatic]

The South Africans who would benefit from CNCZone and should be posting here are usually not allowed to by their bosses!

In the SA engineering comunity the internet is seen as toy and not a resource.

[sjnelcumberland]

Hi i have been to china a few times and there is now way you you will build a small machine for what you can get it imported for but only if you import yourself the problem here in sa is the forwarders want to make 50% on what you import i found that it cost me 1000% more to get it from durban to jhb than from shangai to jhb the problem in china is to get the real deal there there is many scams there i have set up a agent there and she handles the stuff there before i pay annything so i did not yet lose money there the machine i have now cut 1.5 meters x2.5meters and with importing cost 3000us plasma to 16mm tortch to 250mm Can someboddy give me the clubhouse deatails thanks

[Quentinb]

Hi All,

I am new here and have recently build my own cnc machine, using a STD router. It works ok, but not as good as a bought machine. I see you mention an import from china at about 3,000 US? Can you give me more details? I would be keen to get one at that price and size. I need it to cut 1.2m x2.4m.

Thanks!

[crixnix]

Hi All

Great to see more activity.

sjnelcumberland did you come right with your DXF problems?

I would love to be part of the Gauteng club, but it is a bit far fron the Eastern Cape.

The offer still stands for help and advice - the little I have learned so far.

My machine uses a R0501 DSP controller, which I know some people don't like. This is a hand-help controller, which incorporates the jog buttons, but which reads the g-code off a USB flash drive. I managed to "brick" it on the 2nd day I had the machine - wiped the memory clean, and had a steep learning curve getting it all set up again, with very little info available on the web, but it now holds no fear for me. I just know that the one thing you must not do with the controller is drop it.

I run a factory making musical instruments, and the machine is already earning its keep doing a lot of the grunt work - without days off and with 100% accuracy and consistancy. I plan to get into making guitars and other string instruments, using the router for sound boards, necks, inlays, solid bodies, arch tops etc.

I am slowly exploring 3D design - the chinese software I am using is actually quite good, being able to import IGES and STL files, but also having a very powerful built-in 3D design capability.


I am also involved in aviation, and have already successfully machined a propellor - although just for display so far. There is a definite possibility that the machine will help me build my own aircraft one of these days.

I will try to post pictures of interesting projects if they come up.

Cheers

[GARTH LEE]

Hi Everyone
I have heard of Prof Rudy in PTA area and he sounds like a really sorted and top rate guy and what he brings into the local cnc community are some serious foot steps to follow in, as for building machines I started with a little 3d router then found Greg Paxton from CNC Direct and hav'nt looked back, ball screws, linear guides stepper motors, servo motors, breakout boards, Gecko Drives and machine grade HF spindels. With new resources and parts built a machine for shaping surfboards and a plasma cutter 3m x 1.5m cutting area( machine is a bit bigger) this machine was built with view in mind that the machine could also work as a router bu swoping out the z axis for router work and a extra work surface installed. So climb in and have "fun" and it is really great now havingthis forum for local births( new machines ) and swapping ideas and happenings. I am running Mach3, Deskcnc, Sheetcam, zwcad 3d so if can help or assit along the way ask. As this forum grows so will all the locally built machines. In all fun by all so post the questions get less grey hair and enjoy what will I hope be a growing online CNC community, and many thanks to the originator of this forum 10/10 to you.

[sjnelcumberland]

HI there quentinb you talking about a router that is more expensive i did import a portable cnc plasma cutter so this have less hardware in than a gantry type but if i can help you i have a agent in china that will make sure that you dont lose money i might be importing 2 3.8 x 6m ganty plasma machines soon so if you need something i can load that in the container for you it will save you some money but think you must go the mack 3 way it looks good software about 165usd interface card about the same regards

[GARTH LEE]

For any plasma related info another very good chap is Willie down in Cape Town, he is also a local source of Hypertherm units and was very helpful and has built a number of machines, and carries stock if you need contact details pm me

[Quentinb]

@sjnelcumberland

Thanks for the feedback. I currently use Mach3 as the control software for my machine. I use cut2d for generating the tool paths and find it very easy to use. I also use draftIT pro for CAD as it suite my needs nicely.

It would be Great to share a container and help reduce the import costs!

[AlanP]

I am from Vryheid in Natal.

I have been interested in cnc for quite some time. However it's only been the last few months that I have really started doing research. I agree, cnc is still relatively new and still expensive in SA, especially for the hobbyist.

I'm happy to see that prices are dropping, and it's something I something I really want.

I am planning on starting to build my own CNC router in December when I get my bonus, but am not sure if I should import a kit or just import the stepper motors ans electronics etc.

I do have a few plans, but I am still planning on table size, as I would hate to spend all that money, just to find in a while that I'm limited by size.

On the other hand, I'm totally new to cnc, so I still have to learn everything, including CAM/CAD. So maybe I should just build a small machine and learn the in's and out's first.

Maybe if and when I do need a larger machine I can convert the older one to a 3D printer.

Any comments/suggestions would be greatly appreciated

[xtrmn8]

Hi AlanP

Check out Greg at cncdirect it may be cheaper to buy from him than importing, he is our local agent for gecko drives.

[Loffie Botes]

Hey Fellow SA members

Get me involved in your business.
We do cad/cam software for the cnc industry from wood thru to steel cnc.
Any cnc software you want we do...
All support is local and lekker.

Mail me direct to [email protected]
We are in Edenvale gauteng, so come and be a part of us.

Kind Regards
loffie@stillam
011 663 2600

[rockhopper300]

Hello all SA'ners. I recieved an email from Bertie that the meeting for the first thursday was cancelled. Sorry. Prof Rudy had an operation but is recovering quickly. Next months meeting should be interesting with some new projects proposed and completed ones shown. I plan on making a 4 axis double chuck lathe to produce small parts. If time permits I would like to go through the basic functions and listen to suggestions you might have.
Hope to see some of you there.