[Metalman2]

So I bought this PROJECT as is and have really no idea where to start. I believe it's a bluebird machine from what I've learned. Am I in the correct place to start boring people with a bunch of questions?

[Metalman2]

A little more info.. I've got 30+ years of programming/machining experience ZERO years in the build department!! That's where I need the help!

[Jim Dawson]

Close enough, fire away.

[Metalman2]

I've stalked this site for years and it's been a great source for help. As I stated I'm green on the build side of CNC building. I'm pretty sure this thing has never been operational and I'm guessing it's not set-up right. Looking for a place to start. Do I need to start with a new USB board and software to get this project started?

[Jim Dawson]

I guess I would take a hard look at what you have there, then decide how to proceed. Is there any controls at all on the machine? Is the mechanics complete? Any wiring done on it? what software and controller do you want to use? Does it have axis motors and drives? Any documentation at all?

[Metalman2]

It has all the drives, power supply and is wired. I've noticed a lot of wire punctures so I think the wiring/settings may not be correct. The drives are cw230 and the motors have a 8 wire configuration, they are from buildyourown. As far as software goes I'm open for suggestions. You all have the experience in that area!

[Jim Dawson]

I guess I might take a hard look at Centroid Acorn to run that machine. https://www.centroidcnc.com/centroid...ontroller.html

[Metalman2]

Can that be ran from a laptop? I'm hoping to keep this simple! Appreciate the help!

[Metalman2]

This came with 2 USB boards but I'm not sure what they are. Do you need a license to make the boards operable? Would it be easiest to start with a new board?

[Jim Dawson]

Can that be ran from a laptop? I'm hoping to keep this simple! Appreciate the help!

Yes

This came with 2 USB boards but I'm not sure what they are. Do you need a license to make the boards operable? Would it be easiest to start with a new board?

If they are Mach3 compatible then you could use the demo version of Mach3 to test. I don't know if Mach4 has a demo version, most likely does. In either case you will need some documentation for the existing boards, pretty hard to set up the configuration without instructions.

[Metalman2]

Any preference if I just purchase a new board? I'd think that would be the easiest way to get started.

[Metalman2]

Sorry. I just looked at the centroid link. Looks like that has it all.

[Jim Dawson]

Sorry. I just looked at the centroid link. Looks like that has it all.

Yup

[Metalman2]

spent some time checking out their product. It looks great but maybe a little bit of overkill for a 3 axis wood router.. My hopes for this is to get my feet wet and move on to something bigger and better that could utilize this product better. Any recommendations for something with less bells and whistles or is this the best bang for the buck?

[Jim Dawson]

Well you might be able to piece something together for a bit less, but not much.

A Mach3 license is $175
Then add:
a breakout board $42 on Amazon
24V Power supply $16 on Amazon
an maybe some other bits & pieces of hardware.

So now you are up to $233, and no documentation. However, documentation and support is available from various on-line sources.

You could always move the Centroid system over to another machine in the future if you wanted, of course you could do the same with any system.

Since you have a vast experience in commercial CNC machines, no matter what you do in the hobby class hardware/software it is going to be a bit of a slap in the face.

[koenbro]

Just go with the Centroid Acorn. You get an amazing value in that product. I am in the final steps of converting a mill to CNC and am still discovering details on the Acorn but am very impressed.

My wood router CNC is on Mach4 and works well but Acorn is in a different league and is by far the better product .


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[Metalman2]

That's why I came here!! Thanks for the recommendation and advise. I guess I'll get it ordered.

[Metalman2]

Well you might be able to piece something together for a bit less, but not much.

A Mach3 license is $175
Then add:
a breakout board $42 on Amazon
24V Power supply $16 on Amazon
an maybe some other bits & pieces of hardware.

So now you are up to $233, and no documentation. However, documentation and support is available from various on-line sources.

You could always move the Centroid system over to another machine in the future if you wanted, of course you could do the same with any system.

Since you have a vast experience in commercial CNC machines, no matter what you do in the hobby css hardware/software it is going to be a bit of a slap in the face.

I don't have high expectations for this machine. It's more of a challenge/project for the winter to give me something to do. I appreciate your input!

[Metalman2]

Looks like I'll have to upgrade to a touchscreen to run their software. Is that correct?

[Metalman2]

After further digging it looks like I need a different PC. They don't recommend using a laptop and my cpu isn't good enough.. Sure wish I had more computer knowledge!??