[dmparrott]

Hi guys,

This is my first post here but I have been reading this forum for the last year and a half and have been absorbing all the great information all of you have shared, especially for us newbies - thank you all!

I have definitely been bitten by the CNC bug and have spent many hours researching machine designs, motion control, etc. About ten months ago I embarked on my own first design for a CNC router that I could use in my woodworking business. I bought an inexpensive 3 axis system from Stepperworld, not so much for production work but mainly as a learning tool. My design worked but wasn't practical because of weight, poor design and inadequate power from the steppers. So I have now started to design a better router system using many of the ideas I have found on this site. I do have a couple of questions though - maybe someone out there can help.

I purchased the Xylotex 3-axis system with the 497 oz. in. NEMA 23 steppers and plan on running DeskCNC as the control software (mainly because my PC is using Windows 98 OS). I was led to believe that Mach 3 can't run on that OS - is that correct? Does anyone have experience with this control/software combonation and if so, how well has it performed for you?

I will be using 5/8" - 8 acme lead screws (until I can afford ball screws!) with Delrin-type lead nuts. Can anyone tell me with this configuration what speeds (ipm) can I expect during cutting and rapid?

I have a ways to go before I actually have the machine up and running. I have a machinist background with some time on some CNC equipment - mostly Maatsurra VMC's as well as 20+ years as a woodworker - both as owner and employee. I own an ENCO mill/drill as well as a full compliment of woodworking machinery so I feel I am somewhat capable of fabricating parts as I go along but by no means am I an expert. This will be a learning process but, that's where the fun is, right?

Thanks for all your help.

Dennis

[ger21]

Mach3 only runs on Win2K or XP, you are correct. For the price of DeskCNC ($350), you could buy a new PC on Ebay and a copy of Mach3.

As for speeds, could be anywhere between 30-80ipm. It really depends on the particular machine.