Jim
I first came across the CNCzone a few years ago and was amazed at what people had built/bought and the work they did with them. I was put off on the whole CNC idea as I thought I would never be able to pick it up. When Sears first started selling the compucarve I got interested again but for reasons you referred to I put off getting one. I was going to have only one crack at a cnc router and if it did not work out the banker (wife) would be a hard sell for another one. I purchased Vcarve pro last year to make sure I would be able to pick up that end of CNC and would be able to make something that would be more than shop vac full of sawdust. Two months of playing with it and I was committed to getting a CNC router.
The HS1 is ready to run out of the box, install your spindle hook up the cable(s) to your pc and your off. If I had known anything about Mach3 it would have taken me less then 15 minutes to have it moving.
I am very happy with the HS1. I was playing with it today trying to get me head round Mach3. It has a “massive” feel (not sure that is the correct word) for its size. Nothing on this machine makes you think it was an afterthought or add on to correct a design error or gives you the impression it was put together by someone that has a cut off saw and a big hammer and wants to make quick buck.
I was running it at 60 ipm today, (Ron provides conf files for 60,100,300 and 1200ipm. Nice touch for people like me that know zip about Mach3 and changing the configuration) I have it setting on a large table and it did not move. After I get more confidence in setting up with the correct work offsets will try 100 or 300.
When I created the part in Vcarve and loaded it into Mach3 I was also getting a bunch of circles with the part I loaded, had no idea why. Quick email to Ron and an even quicker reply and problem solved. Nice to have this type of customer service. (on a Saturday even)
And the old man learned a few things today.
1. The big red stop button is there for a reason. I drove the bit to the table. No real damage, the router was not powered on and I had it “loose” fit in the mount, (know idea those steppers had so much power)
2. I now know what people mean when they say, “cut air” first. The picture of the scrap MDF with the word "Anything“ on it had a burn hole on the end. Seems I have a problem comprehending + and – on the Z axis. (Yep, that big red STOP button sure comes in handy)
3. Be sure to remember what bit I use in Vcarve and try and mount same in router. (CNC With Romaxx) plus take your time to line up you scrap board with your axis.
I think I’m going to like this CNC stuff.