Welcome thread-tell us about you. [Archive] - Page 4 - CNCzone.com-The Ultimate Machinist Community

microdesigns2k

12-17-2007, 12:12 PM

Hi all. I've been a "no-poster" for probably a couple of years now. I just pop in once in a while to see if anybody has something new. I like seeing things like the neat roller blade designs. There is even a guy running them on aluminum-angle supported by mdf! How cool is that? (I wonder how long THAT will last.) When I finally get around to building a big table, I'll probably "steal" most of my ideas from the great stuff I've seen here.

I bought and converted my mill about ten years ago. I designed, etched the boards and built my own micro-stepping drives because I was being really cheap. After all, I had just bought the mill and a bunch of tools for it. Not to mention, I paid full price for the three stepper motors from Oriental Motor. I got free samples of the H-bridge chips from National Semiconductor and used some processors from Microchip to drive the bridges. The four drives cost me about $75 to build. If I had to do it again, I'd probably use geckos or something. You wouldn't believe how much time was involved! It was one of those, "when I get around to it" projects.

I am currently using BobCad V22 and Mach3 to run my mill. Super!

If anybody would like to see a few pictures of my stuff, I'll take a few and post them.

Thanks for the great CNC community!

barryhc

12-18-2007, 10:18 AM

Hello folks. This is my first post. :)

I've been doing CNC work professionally for 35 yrs. The last 29 yrs. in my own machining business. Most of my experience is with Fanuc controls. We've had a Haas VF-6 for 12 yrs. now as well.

I ran across this site while researching small "home built" CNC machines.

Very nice site you have here.

Have a Great day! > Barry

bambauer

12-19-2007, 01:40 PM

Hi,

I'm interested in building a small CNC router when my shop warms up. I live in south central BC, Canada and it's quite cold here now. I'll use the router for wood and foam cutting and maybe light metal engraving. I know zip about CNC, but have a well-equipped shop and room for a small desk-top router. Just looking looking at plans for now, and deciding which way to go, with a budget under $700. Later, I'd like to build a sub-$1500 lager version for small production runs with a cut area of about 25"x36".

Looking forward to learning more and sharing my projects with you as they are completed

blackflyjim

12-24-2007, 05:55 AM

I think forums are probably the best part of the internet. It's truly a free exchange of ideas and a chance to learn from some great mentoring. When I have any kind of problem it seems that the answer or at least guidance comes from one forum or another.
I am a model airplane builder and designer and would like to use a CNC router to cut parts out for my aircraft. I am a pilot by trade and so a little weak in the engineering department. I have great admiration for the natural or trained engineer who can build something out of nothing and make it work. I struggle and do a lot of trial and error and certainly search for answers in the forum.
I have built a Rockcliff basic router table and am using Xylotex steppers and driver and so far have been able to make the table move a bit with Mach3. I design in AutoCad LT and Compufoil. I think the mdf has huge limitations but it's a learning machine. Right now rail binding and motor speed control are issues and I am investing in new and better drive screw couplers and bearings and building a new table and gantry to try to true things up.
Thank you to all of you patient mentors out there.
I guess my first question is whether it is normal for stepper motors to get quite hot -almost too hot to touch even when they are stationary?
Great forum.
jim

jetpig1

12-24-2007, 09:08 AM

I've been a programmer since '76 and a machinist of 15 years, I still hope I'm a beginner! Love the stuff!

If yer green, yer growin'.. If ya ripen', then ya start ta rot!

I try to respect everbody's voice, ya never know when ya just might learn something!!!

Peace to All,
Geo

IOWOLF

12-24-2007, 09:09 AM

Hello, I hate that one of my first posts is a solicitation for help,But..

I have a grizzly mini lathe that i would like to convert to CNC for small parts, I am in the Omaha area and if anyone is close to Help me with building it it would be nice. Cash compensation is available. Or if someone knows of a place where one could buy a Drop in unit, LOL. I have a full machine shop at my disposal if needed.

Contact through Email.

jetpig1

12-24-2007, 09:13 AM

hi I'm from Philippines...i want to know what materials i should use to molding a plastic fender for my bike...pls help

treadly pedly or motor ? You can use PETG and a heat source such as an oven to mold for a pedal bike. I have made drape form mold or mandrels for those. Fiberglass is great, but one crash usually trashes it. PETG can bounce back, and isn't as likely to break off into sharp pointy ends...

GeneralMayhem

12-24-2007, 09:28 AM

Sorry, I've had my hands so full with customer orders, I haven't had a chance to get my first router started. Hopefully in the New Year.

Happy Holidays everyone!

~ Steve

Geetar-ist

12-24-2007, 11:01 AM

where am I ?

in the workshop trying to fix my CNC :(

seriously - I could probably post many many questions but im an inexperienced and self taught CNC'er and helping others out wont happen until I get some experience of their issues - then ill up my post count !

in fact !
heres a top tip - if its brass monkeys (cold) in your workshop and youre running servos with gecko drives - the gecko's hate the cold, I had to wrap mine in electric heater mats before they would work !!!

hope that helps.

Jaden

chester1957

12-24-2007, 07:56 PM

The fall of 06 I bought my first bike with fuel injection and was completely baffled by the number of problems related to performance tuning fuel injected motors. I joined a forum and read up. After a while you figure out who knows what. Needless to say I couldn't be happier with the forum and the way my stage 1 turned out performance wise, not to mention saving a bundle in the process, by not buying incompatible components and trying to figure out how to integrate them.
Which is why I'm here, I have programmed and run cnc equipment for more years than I care to remember. But, I only have a basic knowledge of the hardware.
I have a unimat lathe to convert to cnc to work out all the kinks as dollar wise the motors won't be too expensive and I have a power supply from an old pc that should suffice for my first attempt. I will be searching archives and try to figure out if my plan is solid. Which is to start small and cheap. Drivers are expensive and would hope to only purchase them once and get the best I can afford at the time and scale up the power supply and motors on to a larger machine.

Any opinions on the viability of my plan would be greatly appreciated.

Ray Unger

12-25-2007, 05:21 PM

Hi, everybody! This is my frist post. I have been an electrican for the past 40 years.
If there is one thing I have learned is that the older I get the less I know. I joined this sight because of the great info. I am going to build me a cnc lathe. I am thinking of using a HF 8x12 or 9x20. I am doing PLC programing on the side now. I love the sight
with all the great ideas. Thanks for making me wecome and a MERRY CHRISTMAS to all.

khaled.ayyad

12-28-2007, 07:40 AM

Hi everybody,
I am a cnc hobyest, trying to build a router, the info in this site is overwhelming and there is a great number of real experts, I enjoy reading technical stuff here so much that my wife is really jelous.
I did post a reply once, but I really feel guilty because I think I can participate more (maybe I am shy!!)
have a happy new year everybody.

Khaled Ayyad

khaled.ayyad

12-28-2007, 07:58 AM

yes it is quite normal for steppers to heat up even when they are stationary, although some driver boards do have the feature "reduced current when stationary" that is supposed to reduce heating, hope this is useful.

Santa Fe Al

12-28-2007, 10:41 AM

Gentlemen and/or Ladies,

I have been reading this forum since June 2007. To date, I have redesigned my Gantry router about a 100 times or more. As I read more and more, I kept making changes because of the better ideas presented in this forum. Also, despite not being current on electronic technology ( 25 years behind), I keep seeing and reading about things I would like to add to my router. Some of which I may actually incorporate. Some of which are unneeded and only wishful dreaming.

Regardless of that, I am actually gathering my parts - rails, screws, bearings, etc to begin construction. A lot of the things are being acquired out of order and may not be used if I make more changes. I HOPE NOT! They cost money. Before I retired, I just didn't have the time to do something like this. I couldn't even fly real or RC planes, which I did until 1995.

Now, the wife is actually expecting me to stay busy with her Honey-do-lists - MANY, MANY, MANY - and getting longer every day. My impression!!!!! I shouldn't have retired. Didn't know how easy I had it!!!

However, I am standing up and asserting my right to finally do something I want to do - until she tries to stop me with another Honey-do-list. I am exaggerating a bit - big bit - but that's my impression. :stickpoke:stickpoke

Now to the point of this addition. I knew nothing about CNC before this forum, but found it very interesting. The more I read, the more I wanted to know. I will be on here asking dumb questions and hoping to get good answers. I don't mind asking once I have exhausted all search capabilities if time permits.

Just a warning to get ready for another dumb noobie. This forum is the greatest I have ever come across. Keep it up. :rainfro:

Al

dsquire

12-28-2007, 10:47 PM

Gentlemen and/or Ladies,

Now to the point of this addition. I knew nothing about CNC before this forum, but found it very interesting. The more I read, the more I wanted to know. I will be on here asking dumb questions and hoping to get good answers. I don't mind asking once I have exhausted all search capabilities if time permits.

Just a warning to get ready for another dumb noobie. This forum is the greatest I have ever come across. Keep it up. :rainfro:

Al

Al

The only dumb question is the one that isn't asked. I keep researching and reading and asking questions. It seems the more I learn, the more I realize there is to learn. Just ask away Al, I'm sure someone will try to answer or point to another link with the information. Welcome aboard.

Don

PortlandCNC

12-31-2007, 03:52 AM

This is my first post. I don't know much. I'm trying to learn. I just bought some DVDs on Mills and Lathes from Heintz Putz @ Center for CNC.

I haven't had time yet to watch them but I'm looking to learn.

My shop is just 6 years old and between programmers. Seems the boss can't find a programmer so instead he's keeping all the small shops in town busy!

He was lucky as he built an incredibly great reputation with the largest non-ferrous foundry in Oregon, so he hasn't had to look for work and he's already on major companies' vendor lists.

To make a long story short, I see that this company has huge growth potential and I'm trying to put myself into a position to be a player. My boss is a loyal, share the wealth type person so I know even if it takes a long time to learn it will pay off.

Since I don't have a lot of knowledge, I'll probably do more lurking than logging.

Goody

12-31-2007, 05:52 PM

Hello all,
New to the forum. Been looking around the forum for information on a used cnc router I just bought. So far I know its a Magnum Phoenix CNC3. It has a centroid controller in it with micro 1 drives in it. And has some old dos software installed in it. Cencomm and Pro-cad cam is installed in it. Its using 7 amp 450 oz/in mae stepper motors. Im planning on rewiring it to be windows based and figure out what the best software will be. Been an electrician for 40 years in the automation field and a wood carver for 20. Time to integrate my work knowledge to my hobby and start setting up for retirement.
Goody

Loren Peters

01-01-2008, 10:43 AM

Hi, I am also new to this kind of project. I do not think that there is a dumb question. Only people that do no know the answer at this time. I hope that you continue to read and respond to the different threads. I just retired today, Jan 1, 2008. I also hope to be able to set up a business using CNC machines and my meager knowledge on electronics and woodworking. I have several ideas and plan to work on them this winter and spring

jipeess

01-01-2008, 01:38 PM

hi all

ive been working with stone machinery for a while now (design and construction). http://www.scandinvent.com/index.html

i sold the company last year and have now plans for starting up a small business focused on small and compact cnc-plasma´s.

i´ll post some pics later...

jps

noeld

01-01-2008, 07:19 PM

Hi, I am a newbie looking for information on building a 5X12 Downdraft Plasma Table. Dose any one know where I can get plans or information on downdraft tables?

Kind regards Noel

Hawkercnc

01-02-2008, 07:51 AM

To the request as to where are my postings, I will relate my CNC history. I am not am engineer, but have been tinkering for 48 years so far, in initially my bedroom as a kid, through shared garages, taken over garages and now garages and heated sheds. Is this making it to the big time! I now have to wear glasses with large numbers of diopters for close up work and my left hand bears numerous white lines from old injuries, I am right handed and the best (worst) requiring 60 stitches is on my right hand. Not very clever for a medic.
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I decided to have a go at CNC after attending a model makers show and ordered a Wabeco CNC mill with 4 axes and the german DOS based software, I was running Windows 2000 by then. I was told that this was not a problem. Eventuly the machine arrived: it required a dongle to run the software and the board was designed to make it incompatible with other software. Upgrades were very expensive and multi axis moves were impossible. One stepper motor was mis-wired and the software was a total nightmare. It also took a month to get the second parallel port running to drive the fourth axis. This debacle meant that in reality 2 years later I had got nowhere.
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Then came Steve to the rescue. Steve is very good at engineering and electronics and works from home. He worked out how the board worked, hacked into it, brought out the appropriate wires, designed and etched a bespoke breakout board with opto-isolators and then with a copy of Mach 2 got the whole machine up and running. Since then I have fitted Accu Rite digital read out struts (DROs), which can be read by Mach 3 directly. Note this point well as it means that if you can get your hands on old Accu Rite struts or similar you do not have to buy one of those grossly overpriced read out boxes. Any old computer with a copy of Mach3 can be used in isolation without the CNC bit. It is also possible to cut down the struts with great care to fit a small lathe! Steve has also done this for me. I use this system on the mill with a measuring monocular microscope held in the collet system with the Perspex shield lug to hold it still and move it over a component to measure it, prior to converting it to G code as a copying technique. I do have a Logitech view cam available with centre cam software (cross hair) which is jogged from Mach3 to do the same thing, this is read into a wizard which you tell whether it is a straight or curved move, it prompts you for the point (one for a line and two for a curve) and creates the g code as you go. This is care of Steve again. This is still embryonic, but does work, however I have a new software problem in that I cannot get into the config screens on Mach3 even after reloading windows XP pro and I think that it is due to something in the cross hair software. I will have to trash Windows and reload it again, this time trying to delete all document and settings data.
<o:p></o:p>
I have also bought a Deckel FP4 NC from e-bay very cheaply and this is excercising the mind somewhat. It had a problem which turned out to be a duff servo motor driver board, which was £1400 to replace with the cost of the call out on top. I only paid twice this for the whole machine in good condition. Steve came to the rescue again and essentially replaced every componenton the double sided complex board. The ics were changed first with the capacitors – no good – then eventually the transistors and it worked – total cash cost £18 and a huge mountain of indebtedness.
<o:p></o:p>
If I was starting again I would
<o:p></o:p>
1: get a cheap old computer – greater than 1 gigaherz with windows 98se or 2000 or XP

2. load Mach 3
<o:p></o:p>
3. get a cheap low power stepper driver and tiny stepper motor and practice wiring it up and driving it on the desk top. Eg arceurotrade.co.uk ($60 and $20) The dollar rate is lousy at the moment for the US but this shows the type of kit available let alone second hand or from the scrap yard. The big units from arceuro will easily drive a Bridgeport
<o:p></o:p>
4 look for second hand ball screws in the scrap yards or on e bay (can be metric or imperial – take care when setting up a machine) Look out for second hand DROs and stepper motors. The motors on larger CNC industrial systems are normally servo- motors. Mach3 can run these but different drivers and the encoders are needed.
<o:p></o:p>
5 If going for 4 axis try getting a second parallel port running. Reloading windows with the card in may be necessary for this. It will appear to install but will not run the stepper driver/motor. Create some g code and view it in simulated cutting mode in Mach 3

6 if being successful and beginning to learn what can be achieved, go for the full system and get the Mach 3 licence. The frame can be extruded aluminium and as flimsy or strong as you desire. It could run a cheap wood router, plasma cutter, mill, lathe, engraver, measuring machine etc. Remember if milling steel get as rigid a structure as possible that is the U shape from the table up the back of the machine and forward to the cutter. Cast iron is good, steel fabrication is possible, but when tried by Steve even with multiple bracing plates the cutter will move sideways a thou or so with just pressure from ones’ thumb. Steve has sourced the guts of an Aciera and is just making a new machine, the progress can be seen on http://www.flickr.com/photos/10205288@N08/ (http://www.flickr.com/photos/10205288@N08/)
This is the third machine that he has made and is the largest. The previous ones were not accurate enough or rigid enough and were home fabricated. He is trying to get to a tenth of a thou! Most of the extra kit is for the scrap yard with fabricated and re-sprayed casings.
<o:p></o:p>
7 I create the G code myself and am just trying using a cheap version of turbo cad ($20) from e bay with Lazycam (Mach3 included) I am too tight to buy one of very expensive packages!
<o:p></o:p>
I am now 4 years into this and still learning like mad. I hope that some of this information is useful to someone. John
<o:p></o:p>

biesse

01-04-2008, 06:45 AM

Hi all
29y.o
Croatia,Cnc Programmmer,Rover A3.30,biesseworks,ACD,furniture design

will_lewis

01-04-2008, 07:10 AM

I am a fairly new servo motor technician in the great state of Ohio. My back ground is primarily in electronics but wanted a change from the norm. There is always something new and challenging in this field. This site gives me a chance to get familar with the types of applications that the motors I repair are used on.

mlind

01-05-2008, 05:16 AM

Hello everyone,

Just a newbie here. I just completed my CNC router (other than a couple tweeks needed). I'm running a stepper world SP3 hobbyist kit with the latest Kcam software. This project took me about a month to build. So far I have made a couple signs and look forward to learning/cutting more.

Thank you everyone for allowing a former lurker to learn by reading questions others had.

Great forum with lots of great advice.

iamthesnakeman

01-05-2008, 11:21 AM

I am getting closer to mine,digging out all the stuff it got buried under.I really took to big a bite for my first router.The table is 48"x 48" and now about 500 lbs. I got my x and y assemblys. done and finishing my z. My whole stuff got seriously delayed when I fell at work in 05.since then I have gotten two surgeries,including a double fusion.About 12 injections. I really need some shop therapy. and all the good friends here. Thanks for all the replys.
Bill

senneville

01-07-2008, 09:37 AM

Hi everyone.

Just buying a CNC Thermwood 5'x 10' and 90% production is for cabinet kitchen and the 10 % it's for my pleasure.

So I will be ready for cutting carbon graphit sheet for RC community.
No matther how,,,, I will do it.

RustyCH

01-08-2008, 08:57 AM

Hi,
I'm also a "low count" poster, but I watch interested various treads. Because CNC is only my hobby, and my CNC conversion project has no milling machine yet :-( , I will also in near future no heavy poster. Anyway, I would be very unhappy to get thrown out of the forum because of my low post counter. (I find the Mail helpful, maybe a "editor's Pick" category with interesting or/and curious treads would be nice)

Ecclesiastes

01-08-2008, 10:38 PM

Post a "hello" for the new member as a part of registration and then the current members can say "hello" back.

Sacemoi

01-09-2008, 12:25 PM

Hi all,
I have to apologise for possibly posting this before in the incorrect place & still am not sure how to post at all on this forum but,
I have been using a Atlas 618 for the past year & a half, so I do concider myself still a newbe to turning metal. The 618 was loaned to me by a neighbor and took very little TLC to get it working again from being idle for several years. Not being able to purchase it from my neighbor (sentimental reasons), I just yesterday placed an order to Grizzly for A G4000 & after realizing the 3/4" HS opening, I re-called the factory & upgraded my order to the new G0602 10 X 22 that has the 1" HS opening. Estimated delivery by Thursday or Friday of next week.... Really looking forward to making curls on the new machine. Looking forward to learning new things on this forum....
Lee (Sacemoi)

Sacemoi

01-10-2008, 05:06 PM

Hello All,
To follow up on my last (2nd) post, Wednesday 01/09 my new
G0602 Lathe arrived. The lift gate service is definitely a must for home delivery...Well, right off I could see what others have been saying about the crating from the factory as the lathe support crate crossmembers had broken allowing the lathe to go through the bottom of the container. In addition to the supports being too small & frail there is a hole drilled through each for the bolts attaching the lathe, producing a weak point in the support.
The lathe (headstock end) had gone through the bottom of the crate & the weight was being supported by lead screw resting on the toolbox. After uncrating & lifting the lathe off of the lower part of the crate & toolbox, I noticed several places on the lower part of the base had paint missing, due to the 5", 4 jaw chuck (unsecured) comming in contact during transportation.
After examining the lead screw, I determined that no significent damage had occured to it, although the toolbox was trashed. Seeing this having happened to other members from pictures posted, I took several pictures of the damaged crate, paint damage & bent up toolbox & attached to an E-Mail to Grizzly along with suggestions on how to improve their shipping containers.
I have received two calls from Grizzly, thanked for providing them with pictures of where their containers failed & was told the information was being forwarded to the shipping department for review.....so hopefully this action will allow others to receive their new G0602 lathe in better condition in the future.........I got her all de-greased, run-in & mounted her to the repainted bench in her new home ready to take on some turning.........:)
Lee (Sacemoi)

albyrne

01-17-2008, 07:50 AM

Hi All,
Still here, and visit daily, but have been very busy cutting, engraving
electrical panels and not able to post.
So I shot this off real quick.

Thanks to all,
Al Byrne

Buck Coleman

01-26-2008, 04:25 PM

Looking to replace wincnc post, can't get any tect support. Fairly new at this cnc programing. Have had many problems with machine and they all go back to the wincnc, ini file. I've had enough, and I'm ready to replace the whole program. I running a 3-axis router, (3d, wood milling only) Can you please lead me to a good company that can help me out.........Thanks Buck
buck4@mail.tds.net

W3Driver

01-27-2008, 03:48 PM

Hello from Switzerland
I`m on the way to buy my second cnc, and I`m interested to know what people wordwide think about quality and experience.

Redeyzz

02-01-2008, 12:44 PM

Hi , running mazak mills and lathes. mazatrol and mastercam software

just got a mori horizontal and a daewoo lathe, so I might need some help here. Mazak i know well, the others still learning.

Jakobsen

02-01-2008, 01:17 PM

Hi all, my name is Bevan and i am an older fellow who does a bit of aluminium casting at home and would love one of these machines. My ideas of joining this group was to see if i can work out how to build one of these fine machines. So far i have just been reading the replys and doing some homework. Thanks for all the info so far. Bevan. ( PS. I forgot to mention that i am from in the Wide Bay Burnett area in Queensland, Australia )

Hi Bevan.

I'am living in, Bundaberg.
I made a machine, started 4 years ago, and it is running.
If you wish you can send me a E-mail: jja12219@bigpond.net.au
I am not a big wreighter, but maybe I can give you som advice.

Regards Jorgen

pootsnicker

02-03-2008, 11:56 PM

Hello my name is Mark. I am interested in getting or building a cnc router. I am woodworker makeing mostly furniture. I have never used a cnc machine before but looks like fun. I am just looking to learn everything I can about these machines before I make the leap.

van37725

02-10-2008, 10:26 AM

Hi all, new to the forum. I've had a very serious interest in CNC for about 5 years, but am just getting around to doing something about it. I've got plenty of machining experience with manual machines, but no CNC. Gunsmith by profession x 27 years. I mostly try to learn by reading the posts, that way I won't be annoying! I love the site and have started buying supplies for a build or conversion. Thanks for all the good information!

UOS

02-10-2008, 03:55 PM

Hi everyone,

I am an Electrical and Electronics Engineering student from Turkey. I am studying at the TOBB University of Economics and Technology (www.etu.edu.tr (http://www.etu.edu.tr)). My hobby is Robotics and so I want to build a basic CNC machine that can help me about building the robot parts. At the same time building the CNC, I think, I can learn something about mechatronics that will be useful in my career. I am looking for hearing from anyone that can help me about the basics...

Regards...

Wishmaster1527

02-11-2008, 03:08 AM

Hi everyone!
i've been lurking the site so long now!

my name is Emiliano and i'm from italy
by the end of february ill get my electroninc eng. degree and i'll buy myself
a CNC, 12"x12"x4" to get started in the milling world!
i'll try to machine wood, acrylics and a little of aluminium, so expect to see me post thread like " please help me i can't do nothing " :P

i had project about building a cnc myself, but always delayed the start
so i decided to just buy it !

expect some spec soon!

bye bye!

marchantdice

02-11-2008, 07:54 AM

Dear Emiliano, we can supply all you components and advice.
Regards / Kevin
www.worldofcnc.com

Hi everyone!
i've been lurking the site so long now!

my name is Emiliano and i'm from italy
by the end of february ill get my electroninc eng. degree and i'll buy myself
a CNC, 12"x12"x4" to get started in the milling world!
i'll try to machine wood, acrylics and a little of aluminium, so expect to see me post thread like " please help me i can't do nothing " :P

i had project about building a cnc myself, but always delayed the start
so i decided to just buy it !

expect some spec soon!

bye bye!

brotherbear

02-11-2008, 04:53 PM

Hello everybody,
My name is Lyndell.....I am new to CNC. it seems this forum is the place to learn and I'm ready. I will most likely lerk for a while. Too much cool stuff to process all at once.
Thanks...Lyndell

Tinkertoy41

02-11-2008, 06:56 PM

Goood Evening:

Some time back Home Shop Machinist had an article about installing hydraulic feed on a horizontal Band Saw(late 1990's). Can not find that issue.

Does any one manufacture a good system at this time??

Thanks tinkertoy41

Loren Peters

02-12-2008, 02:52 PM

I am also new to this sport or job. I am looking forward to building a machine. I have David Steele's book and am starting to build the large one in the front. I have been eagerly watchinbg the machine built by Joe2000, I believe. I have been trying to download his plans that were supposed to be on the internet. I have not been able to receive any of the links that I found listed on the site. Can someone please help me? Loren

Jakobsen

02-13-2008, 11:26 AM

hi Bevan !
Tell me, where are you in WBB, I can give you som clue about building a CNC machine.
jja12219@bigpond.net.au

See you, Jorgen

fuller

02-15-2008, 01:09 AM

Hi im Matt,

I reside in Australia, i found this forum from a topic discussion on www.overclockers.com.au which is a forum i am heavily involved in.

Looking forward to learning much from everyone here. :)

ifeelfein

02-15-2008, 07:39 AM

Hey how's things. We have a Haas VF# a Komo Butler and a Cincinnati Sabre 750, and I use Mastercam software. I have lurked this place for awhile and decided to acknowledge my presence. It goes without saying that I think this is a great site.

mastertech

02-15-2008, 11:27 AM

hello all. my name is Kevin and i am currenty building a X2 cnc. started the build with Nook ball screws (from cncfusion) and mounts, acquired some double stack pacific sci. motors, xylotex driver and old ?10 amp power supply? going to be running mach3 but need Cam sofware soon. dont know what im going to get. (dont have nor would i need 20k worth of software) but things are looking good. im mainly interested in firearm/trigger modifications. have several ideas but have yet to implament any (with percision.) soon enough. many thanks to the moderators for supporting this wealth of knowledge, and to all those who are willing to help the noobs without cynicism.

mrfreon

02-18-2008, 06:52 AM

Hi all, I live in Plymouth Devon UK. Got a chester db7 lathe and looking to build a cnc router, I'll probably have a lot of questions later. Medically retired at the age of 45 due to a bad back injury so lots of spare time on my hands. Married 22 years to Jan with 2 kids emma and Jonathan. Trained in the army as vehicle engineer 6 years and worked for British Rail for 15 years as a multi skilled technician. Interests are science wildlife and computers. Pets Koi and tortoises. Nice to meet you all.

stelios_25

02-18-2008, 09:17 AM

Hello to everybody!
:cheers:

I'm also new to the forum!
I work with a CNC Laser Machine with NUM 1060 controller.

Best regard to all,
Stelios_25

Twisted

02-18-2008, 09:29 AM

Welcome All.

Mr Freon your just down the road from me eh!

George Harris

02-18-2008, 04:36 PM

Hi from the other side of the planet. I have just updated my password to one I can remember, and am now more likely to join in. I am in Hobart, Tasmania. (that is the island off the south coast of Australia. My time is GMT + 11) Hobart has a population of 200,000 people, and today is a beautiful summer's day, expecting a temperature of 31 degrees C. (what is that in F? high 80's, low 90's?) Check us out on Google Earth.
I am a woodworker becoming interested in CNC routers, and Laser Engravers. Will probably want to discuss brand comparisons, parts, backup, etc. A friend is about to purchase a laser... Will be in touch, cheers, George

Larry32138

02-19-2008, 08:17 AM

I am just a lurker where there is too much info to digest. I have not posted because I have nothing to add at this time. Bought a Joe 2006 kit in October 2007 and am just building slowly because of work schedules.

sivaguru

02-19-2008, 09:45 AM

Well, I have been bit by the CNC bug. Thinking of building one ... a small one ... for starters to work on light machining and PCB routing. Still looking for parts in this part of the world ... they are expensive though.

Anyway, hello to all and hope I will pick up some good ideas soon.

Digital Design

02-19-2008, 11:33 AM

Good afternoon,

My company just got a Syil X3 CNC Mill. I did research on this forum on which one to purchase for an "extreme hobbyist" and chose this model (based on our needs and budget). I have no milling experience and have no idea what I am doing. :confused:

Right now I am on the hunt for CAD software, I have the Mach3 program but it makes zero sense to me. I am also cleaning off that horrible anti corrosion grease thats all over the mill. Any good solvents for this?

The mill is something that we will be using to make small parts for various operations we do here. I need to learn how to setup and use this mill, and I have no idea where to start. This is my second post here, and I don't post more because I have nothing to add. I feel the search option is my best friend at this point.

Cheers,
Rob

mystr_mike

02-19-2008, 03:55 PM

Hello All,

I apologize for not posting sooner.(chair) I have not had as much experience as some and slightly more than others. I recently took delivery of a Haas VF 4 and have been experimenting with its capabilities. It has worked quite well but, since I have not had the opportunity to mass produce parts on a regular basis, I have not honed my skills programming it.

I will from time-to-time post once I become more familiar with the machine and help others to become operational quicker than I have. I look forward to conversing with you and enjoy your machines.

Mike

cgholt

02-19-2008, 05:38 PM

Hello I am interested in laser engraving and have been looking into it for two years. Now my biggest problem is cost so I have also looked at cnc routers.The product I am looking to make is 3d images in wood, stone,plastic,corian. Mostly to sell in stores here at the beach,so beach thyme ,ships,crabs.People on vacation don't care about price.Also looking for software that is easy to pick up and go.

gsdsm

02-20-2008, 04:45 PM

Hi, My name is Gary and I have recently gotten a maxnc10 with an upgraded motor and allot of cutters and engraving bits. I have been looking thru the site and come to find out this was a bad purchace cause for the money I could have gotten a better and more reliable mill. I guess everyone has to start somewhere.LOL.
I am not totally new to cnc or atleast to machining and Mills but the learning process is slow. I hope to slowly build a larger 5 axis flatbed mill for building custom parts once I get my feet wet with this little machine. The one nice feature was the digitizer tht came with the machine which I have been toying with for some time now. I have Bobcad software that came with it along with Rams and Mach 2.
I am very glad that this site is here cause I know I will have more questions as I work toward building the mill I have been drawing up.

kayedoe

02-21-2008, 03:10 PM

Hi all,

My name is Mary, located in Cleveland, Ohio. I spent 17 years in Technical/Quality & Prod. mgt with a Tier 1, JIT, job shop coating facility (electrocoat, powder coat, wet spray and zinc plating).

I wanted to break into the manufacturing side of industry. I really thought my experience in Tech/Quality would enhance what I had to offer in a manufacturing environment; At the same time I felt I needed more knowledge to bring it all together.

So here I am, a full time student again :)

I just began working on my associates degree in manufacturing. Currently taking PM l, ll & CNC. Classes began 2/18/08, So I am really a NEWBIE, to machining!

When I came home from class today I did a web search on tramming and the web link for this forum came up. Looking through the files it was apparent the wealth of experience and information presented by group members here. I'm looking forward to learning more, being active in the group and hopefully getting to know many group members along the way.

Today, we were out on the shop floor and had an exercise tramming the head of a Bridgeport mill. Unfortunately, the team I was on bombed out. The first student took way too long :stickpoke and I didn't get my turn...... OK, maybe I wouldn't have done so hot either my first time in but jiminey crickets I didn't even get a chance. :violin:

Whahhh, I'm officially whining!

Anyway, I have sooooo much to learn and Monday I'll get another chance to get tramming skills under my belt. Feedback is much appreciated!

Glad to be here, thanks for supporting this forum.

mgmaker

02-23-2008, 07:33 PM

I just purchased my first cnc machine; an Acra FEL-1640 ENC w/ Anilam 4200 T control 2005 model. I spent the day moving my 1929 South Bend 9" lathe
and an Enco 11" X 30" 1984 Lathe to make room for the New Machine that should arrive in about 2 weeks. If anyone has experience with this machine or the control; I would appreciate any information you have to offer because I have no cnc experience.

Looking forward to making new cnc friends... and parts!

Jim
Jim@mgmaker.com

boslab

02-25-2008, 06:09 PM

well, time to put finger to keyboard, have lurked for a little while and got the bug, i fancy building a cnc router to take say 6' x 3' sheets of verneered mdf and suchlike as i intend building a new kitchen, at least thats what i plan.
i live in wales and work in a steelplant lab, have a reasonable workshop/mess with lathe miller welding etc so the machine work dosent bother me too much, but the rest, well i havent a clue at the moment.
knowledge to date, 3 stepper motors [ i think] somthing to drive them, and somthing to drive the somthing.
due to a little illness heavy work is outers for the moment, however somthing to exercise the head muscle would be wonderful.
i've looked at a few of the vidios, i'm impressed, to think you people made that from scratch is just overwhelming, it nust be great to see your projects work for the first time.
anyway thanks for reading this.
regards
mark

EagleEye9

02-25-2008, 08:35 PM

Hi Everybody.

I joined in 2004 and I wanted to build a Cnc Mill out of a series 1 Bridgeport. My wife then got sick with cancer and died in june of 2006. I took me up till now to get my interest back. I am sorry that I haven't written before.
I live in Vancouver, Canada and came original from Denmark. I am machinist by trade and have a provincial and interprovincial millwright ticket. So machining is just a hobby of mine.

Cheers Flemming

slowhandd

02-25-2008, 09:33 PM

Hello all! I think I am going to be glad I ran across this forum.
My backgound:
8.5 years exp with CNC routers in coustom cabinet shop.
Self taught with G-code,
AutoCad; CAM. (Amature for sure)

Toys I get to play with:
(good o'l) Motion Master six axis router. with A&B control.
Two spindels one 3 AXI and one 5 AXI.

Andi 18 with FANUC control
(Main Machine I use now.)

Twin CABMAXX 21'S with FANUC control.
Used for stack panel processing.

My job:
Solid
Wood parts manufacture. Very often take custom projects from R&D to production.

Yes! A dream job for a CNC "nut".

Thats me.. hello every one.

skippy

02-26-2008, 03:26 AM

As far as I know I've never subscribed to a thread with this name ("tell us about you") and yet I just received the link by email which would suggest that it was called something else and someone recently changed the name...... If this is the case, how about someone corrects it to read "tell us about yourself" otherwise all our non-English speaking members will get the idea that we actually say things such as "tell us about you"? We can never hope to have the content of these threads even close to being grammatically correct but surely having the titles somewhere close to being right is not too much to ask for.

kennbobvilla

02-26-2008, 09:19 AM

well, I am a lomg time wanna be machinist, need lots of help. I have done much in woodwork but no metalwork. Just learned to weld, now time to learn how to machine. I hope to have as much fun as it looks.
Ken

o1roadkingrider

02-26-2008, 10:25 AM

My name is Jimmy. I'm an engineering manager for a local manufacturer of aluminum products for the construction industry. Business is slow in this industry for us of course, but we are utilizing the time to ramp up our internal manufacturing and bring more items in-house.

I'm here to learn and network. I'm looking for knowledge for use in my day job, as well as in my own business at home. My wife and I are starting up a business called JED Custom Cycles. The intent is for production of one off and highly detailed, unique custom motorcycle parts and accessories.

I am already purchasing the base equipment we need for the shop, but one of the key elements to our success is going to me a cnc machine capable of milling aluminum, and possibly some stainless steel. I keep seeing information here about wood working routers, but I would like to build my own metal cutting mill with a tool changer.

I'm really impressed with the information I have found here already. This is amazing source of data and experience. Thanks for the oportunity.

Peace,

JJ

robotjunkie

02-26-2008, 12:47 PM

Hello,
I am a college student with a desire to make/own/use a CNC machine. I came to this site looking for answers, and as luck might have it, I have found more questions. I think this is a great site, and look forward to meeting and learning from the members of this forum.

-Mark

Engineer_Karl

02-26-2008, 04:00 PM

I am a retired Professional Engineer with a long term interest in both manual and CNC Machining. My father was a toolmaker and I received some initial training in machine usage at a very early age. However, Dad wanted me to have a better life than him and pressed for an engineering education.

It worked and I have been an engineer all my life, but with little hands on machine work.

I would like to get a small lathe and mill (Maybe CNC). The soon to be manufactured Syil X4 Plus looks like real fun (He wipes a small drop of saliva from the corner of his mouth).

The good news about being an engineer is that I have a great 3D CAD/CAE background so that part of CNC should be easier.

More later, Pleased to meet all of you

Karl

gadget47

02-26-2008, 07:38 PM

Greetings!
I guess I'm due to post on this forum- I have been "lurking" for some time :)
A bit about myself- My profession is automotive repair and instruction for a private school. Im a model r/c hobby nut (my passion is heli) for about 38 years. I'm also a frustrated machinist (most of my friends and their fathers Are machinists) and would be metal worker. Im also a biker-riding for almost 30 yrs.
Here is my tale of woe.....(i know i can be painfully long winded)
About 6 years ago a good friend gave me an old atlas 4' lathe w/gearbox and told me if i could fix it, i could keep it. I did
I found Dave Gingery and his series of books "build your own metalworking shop from scrap" and began my journey into machining. I since built a horz. mill, a shaper and recently a Rockcliff CNC router. Now I'm going to learn cad/cam/nc (bobcad/cam v22) and have more fun! Its been good "lurking" for me and soon I will post some pics. Thank you all for your participation in this community!

kamiy

02-27-2008, 04:51 AM

Hello to everyone!:cheers:

I'm a Hungarian guy and I'm a senior stundent at Budapest University of Technology and Economics (http://portal.bme.hu/langs/en/default.aspx).
So this is my final semester and I came to this forum to get some help and information to be able to finish my studies.

surfer13

02-27-2008, 10:54 AM

I'm a surfboard builder (part-time) interested in CNC hot-wire foam cutting to expand my business.

wwendorf

02-27-2008, 11:54 AM

Hi all,

I've been on CNC zone for quite a while now. Just never really noticed this forum, or forgot that I already posted. Anyway, I may as well post now.

I've been into the CNC world for about 1.5 years now. Started with CNCing my little sherline and quickly got frusterated at how slow it was. Saved up and bought a Syil SX3. It worked good, but too slow without coolant, so now I have a 2 nozzle fogbuster as well. I do my cad/cam work with Dolphin. I have a copy of BobCad/Cam newest version, but I don't care for it, so if anyone is interested in a copy for cheap, let me know.

I'm using my cnc equipment to build a modern version of an antique woodworking machine, so that has been keeping me very busy.

Cheers!

Wade

guyfire

02-28-2008, 09:39 PM

I have visited this site on occasion, but until recently, have not have a need to be more involved. But now that I have started designing and building my CNC wood router/inlay engraver, I have a more important reason to be a part. I am thirsty for knowledge from within the CNC router community to solve some issues in my mind on my build and design.

I am experienced woodworker (40 years) and currently am working in a professional level rustic furniture design/creation/manufactuiring shop as an advisor and problem solver in developing assembly procedures, tooling, jigs and problem solving. The shop is running very well and I have sort of worked myself out of a job, so I now have more time to pursue my own inventing and designing projects. I have stated building musical instruments (guitar, mandolin, violin) and have come to the conclusion that a CNC router would be a great addition to my shop. Carving mandiolin tops, necks, routing for inlays and logos and cutting out jigs are a few of the potential projects I hope to accomplish. So my CNC machine must have repeatiblity, accuracy and flexibilty. Therefore I have decided not to build just a basic tabletop sign routing type rig, but one with mid sized capabilty (20" x 30" x 6") with more substaintial bearings, drives and structural design than I have seen on many home shop routers. Although I have made many decisions on my machine design and have started securing some materials, there are still alot of issues unresolved and undecided.

Hopefully I can find an "old hand" here on the CNCzone to help guide me thru the technical realm, give me advice to avoid the common cnc-beginner mistakes and misconceptions and direct me in an upward direction to see my project thru. Like I told my mandolin teacher a couple years ago. "if my musical skills were as strong as my desire, I'd be an accomplished muscian!" So, maybe there's a cnc teacher out there that will take me under the wing and get me going.

Glad to be part of this community, looking forward to broading my horizons.

Mike

razataz327

02-28-2008, 11:29 PM

Hi all, I am Garnet from central Alberta Canada. Just finishing off a new house and garage/workshop... 40ft by 40ft... lots of room for a cnc router I hope to build this fall, and maybe a plasma one too. I hope to use it for my rc army tanks.. see www.rctankcombat.com ...my tanks are numbers 11 and 42. www.scaledtanks.com. Cnczone is full of so much information that I would need a life time to read it all but what I have read is great and very helpful. I have learned alot and can use it to build my own systems. Thanks to all the people who have supplied their thoughts, work, and pictures.

Garnet

apburner

02-29-2008, 02:58 PM

Hi all. I am new to this forum Just found it through instructables. I am in Kentucky USA. I have been doing electronics and wood working as a hobby for years. This site is a natural extention of that. Ialso have been working as an electrician with mechanical abilities at a local factory for 18 years for I have the mech and elec ability now to get the parts and start building. I am sure this site will help me in the design and implementation of the project.
Steve

nokode

03-01-2008, 04:29 PM

Hello, i'm from Portugal, and i´m just starting to gather information about CNC machines. I'm interested in building my machine to save money (a commercial model is way too expensive to me), and also for the fun of making my own tool.

There's a lot of stuff that i still don't understand, and i will need your help for sure.

I think this machine is usefull for me, because i'm studing design, and with a CNC a could make some stuff like models, prototypes...

I have some (little) experience on electronics, metalworking, woodworking, and i'm a student-worker, studing design and working on electrical machines (power tools mostly) repairing (hard life lol)... so i think i have some knowlege to try building this.

By the way, sorry for my bad english.

Cheers, Rui.

ferdi

03-02-2008, 10:32 AM

hi all, i am ferdi, from sri lanka. just starting to explore cnc i have a panel bender with fagor 8025 gp . i need help in setting it up. thanks

Jackal66

03-02-2008, 10:49 AM

Hello,
I am Jack from N. W. ARK. Welding for about 24 years and machining for 23. 2 college degrees in machine shop, welding, CAD drafting ,metallurgy, etc.

Presently working at a shop during the day, and at my home shop on nights and weekends. Looking for CNC mill. Already have 2 lathes,1 mill, large Hobart CyberTig machine.

Looking for more customers, have 2 good ones already.

Would like to work at home full time.

JAckal

jemmyell

03-02-2008, 11:01 AM

Hi, I am James Leonard. I have been casually involved in CNC for years, but my shop is currently offline until a complete rebuild is done. I was working in my patio but the dust from mother of pearl and recon stone became so bad I couldn't open the window to the master bedroom!

So, as a part of remodeling my house I remodeled my main shop (some call it a garage) put in a computer floor (power and dust collection can go underneath) and I'm now making dust collection enclosures for my small CNC routers. I do CNC Inlay for Fine Woodworking / Musical Instruments.

Joe2Lmaker

03-02-2008, 01:36 PM

As a moldmaker, I tried very hard to learn everything I could about Unigraphics CAD/CAM and Makino mills.
After ten years working with injection molds, I took a job in the medical device industry. The new job started me out on a new learning curve and I worked very hard to learn Pro/E and SURFCAM. In addition to that, I took advantage of our company's tuition reimbursement and went back to school at UW-Stout.
As a devout masochist, I accepted a better position with a different division in our company and again found myself on a new learning curve. This time I needed to learn Mastercam, Haas controllers, Charmilles (sinker and wire) controllers, and a Hermle control.
After a year, I'm beginning to feel like I'm finally getting into my comfort zone, but now I've finished my B.S. degree and have begun to interview for a new position which will hopefully build on my degree and work experience.

Now, what are my hobbies? I enjoy motorcycling. I love to ride my Yamaha FJR. I have figured out a way to make my favorite past time a chore. I've made a few motorcycle parts and spend more time working on parts for the bike than I spend riding the bike. My excuse is that it gives me something to do during the long Minnesota winters, but spring will soon be here and I really need a break.

Thanks,
-Joe

Jynxd1

03-02-2008, 03:30 PM

Finally found it!! the intro forum! woo hooo! Hi everyone, My name is John, been in the trade for a few years, currently in the market for a "garage sized" cnc mill, and maybe some insight from some local guys in the K.C. MO area on affordable cad/ cam software that is user friendly, its been awhile since I have had the pleasure of running CNC equipment, and I am looking forward to it again.

R.O.M.O.A.S

03-03-2008, 09:20 PM

hello everyone my name is Robert.
this is my first post and have been looking at this site for a wile. I decided to register do to all the handy info I have found and see allot of good help and people here and hope to be able to contribute to this forum as well.
a little about my self is that I am retired from the USMC and disabled I am self employed do what I can my hobbies are electronics,machining,welding,designing things main machine experience is with manual machines but hitting the books on CNC lately want to learn real bad have a degree in electronics welding certified.got allot of common sense don gov contracting as well. now I am registered I can see more of the forum and hope to get to know more of other people in here as well. located in wash state.
enough of me so hello all.....

littlerobb

03-03-2008, 11:11 PM

My name is Robert, I am a professional machinist. I think the reason this site gets so much attention from the Hobbiest community and not enough from the professional community is that Hobbiests really love and enjoy what they do and (my opinion) the Professionals are tired and frustrated. Not to say that we dont have anything to learn, or that we dont enjoy our work. Maybe that when we get home from work the first thing on our minds is not get online and hang out with other machinists, lol, one to be talking right. Any way just my thoughts
Robert

littlerobb

03-03-2008, 11:12 PM

Hey Im a different person than that Robert nothing personal Bob

MrFluffy

03-05-2008, 07:24 AM

Ah so this is the elusive introductions "forum"!

Hello Im a expat brit living in central france, machines are one of my hobbies rather than anything too serious.
I have a few motorcycles I like to make parts for, a Bimota yb8, three gpz turbo's (one factory, one in a spaceframe chassis, and one with fireblade running gear and gsxr forks, Im a mod at 750turbo.com too), a gs750 with a supercharger and turbo on it, xt500 supermoto project, sp370 thumper, xl125 trail bike. Building a car from scratch too with a midmounted v8 and grp nova/sterling shell. Plus various other bits n bobs on vehicles.
Have a fair workshop with manual lathe (harrison L5a) and mill (Arno universal with powered knee), tig etc. Just started to seriously look at cnc, and throwing myself in at the deep end converting a old S2F production turret lathe to cnc controls with ballscrews and things as a learning exercise. If all goes well, Id like to do a mill afterwards.
By day for a living I do unix consulting, so computer side of things is kind of familiar to me. And I am a radio ham, so quite used to soldering irons and stuff too...
So hello!

WhichDawg

03-09-2008, 09:32 AM

Hello all ;) My first post (like others have said, not easy to find this section) and I hope to meet/talk to many of you; cheers and peace to you all...

wschoenbeck

03-10-2008, 01:11 PM

Yes, this is a difficult thread to find. I don't have any CNC equipment as yet. My home shop is all manual. But I'm always interested in finding new sources of machining information and CNC is facinating to me. I do have access to a Track mill with CNC at work but so far have only used the DRO features. I work in the comunications field in RF and microwaves and use the mill at work to make and modify fixture to support testing I do in the lab. At home I have a SB9A lathe, Clausing 8520 mill and a Rotex horizontal mill under refurbishment.

Bill

JROM

03-10-2008, 06:04 PM

Hi there,
OK a little about myself.
Served a tool and die apprenticeship, finished in 1980, built stamping dies.
A few years after that my ball and chain left and I went off to have some fun!
I took my skill set and went to work for a guy building Cosworth Race motors for Indy cars. Did that for 3 or four years and then got hooked up with Dan Gurneys outfit
All American Racers. (google it up). Worked there for 14 years building some real nice stuff! We won two national championships while I was there. Got my first CNC mill in 1985 and my first CAD/CAM system shortly after. That was the Gibbs system. People would stand around and watch the CNC mill run like it was magic! I have run Gibbs, UG, Catia, and Now use Mastercam. "They don't call me wagon wheels for nothing!
I'm now working in a small two man shop building medical prototype equipment.
(No one around here is building race cars anymore or I'd be there in a flash!)
Just puttin in my time now waiting to go fishing. Anybody out there want to build race cars?

JROM

03-10-2008, 06:25 PM

Lets hook up!
I've been there done that a lot! Just the kind of stuff your trying to figure out
be talking to you.
oldjrom@aol.com

crakdOS

03-10-2008, 06:39 PM

Hello, Im an electrical engineering student. I have been lurking here for a long time and I am finally ready to build my first machine. I plan to start a thread of my build log in a week or so. Thank you all for all the great info.

jfmonod

03-10-2008, 11:07 PM

Hi there,

Been lurking in the shadows for a while, like everyone else it seems.

I'm in the process of getting my architecture degree (slowly), and CNC is becoming a real interest that I would like to integrate in the design flow.
I have been looking at a variety of router designs for fine cutout work in basswood for architectural models but my main quest is for a tangential cutter / pen plotter combo which can handle museumboard. The vinyl cutter on steroids !

Onwards to shred the learning curve !. Of course any tips of pointers would be much appreciated :)

Later

JFM

Beginagain@60

03-11-2008, 09:49 AM

Hello:
I have retired, after 40 years. A friend showed me his CNC machines. (I will get even with him if I live long enough). After seeing the others members backgrounds I think I will just lurk and learn for a while.

iforeman

03-11-2008, 11:12 AM

Hiya

I have been here a wile just reading and trying to digest all that is going on.

I have decided to plunge in and build a gantry style cnc machine. That was the easy part, now working through everything has made me realize how much I don't know.

So now I am on the learning drive.

Is there anybody else in Ireland who is in the same position. Maybe we can get together and compare notes etc.

Thanks

Ian

luvz2cnc

03-13-2008, 02:21 PM

I must say I love boards like this, you can learn so much from so many.Thanks for letting me in. back to the bisness at hand, does any one knoe how to unlock utility codes for the centroid controls: M-15 version 1.21, and m-400s.

BBBBill

03-14-2008, 10:34 PM

Well, I kept looking for the Introductions Forum per the message I get everytime I log in. Google got me here.
Some of you might recognise my user name from some other forums.
I'm a hobby machinist/gunsmith. I've been inactive other than posting on a few forums for quite a while due to being mobilized in the Army for the last 5 years. No end in sight, but I may have a bit more time for this now. An old family friend (who I lost track of when I was about 6 years old and got reaquainted with 30+ years later) taught me the basics of lathe and mill work. Sadly, he passed while I was deployed to A'stan in '04. No time or opportunity to find another mentor since then. My current assignment appears to be such that I will be able to set up my recently acquired M head Bridgeport along with a 9" SB lathe that I've had for some time.
Looking to pick the brains of knowledgeable folk to improve my skills with this stuff. This looks like the place to do that. Glad to be here.

jessccsm

03-15-2008, 01:59 PM

Hello from Mid. Mo.

I'm one of those Old Codgers .. started in woodworking in 1957, now retired
but I'm not so old that I can't adjust to this computer era.

I've got 10 kids and about 20 grand & great grand kids so I need to get hold of the times .. I intend to build or purchase a CNC router and CNC plasma for my shop at Lake Ozarks.

At this point I have "0" knowledge in this field but I do have a couple of savy sons and we are looking forward to garnering all the advice, knowledge, and tips/tricks from y'all, and at some point being able to add a little input myself.

Jess in Mid. Mo.

shortcut

03-16-2008, 05:50 PM

hi all.......me been snooping around.....love learning about cnc but never been exposed to any practical experience (except watching in workshops). Blokes must think I'm nuts as I can stare and absorb for hours .....even the most mundane things to them.....love machinery....its a late passion in life....would love my own machine(cnc mill) but have promised myself will get to know more first....besides cant afford one. Greetings to all from South Africa....Port Elizabeth....lotsa sun....good weather....never seen snow in my life.....great seafood....have a small "backyard" injection "factory"....2 machines at the back of the house,.....always tell everyone that I walk to work and back home every day.... need to learn toolmaking....havent done to badly manually, but need to expand the business to make it worth it.
Want to eventually specialise in making closure injection moulds....and small injection moulds.....
love reading all the comments....very educational
So much to learn....the blokes with experience and teaching ability....you are very fortunate....wanna be like some of you one day.....so off I go to read more and more and....

PHAT Prints

03-16-2008, 06:26 PM

Hello everybody... I am new to the vinyl cutting business but a long time graphic artist and currently doing large format printing also. It looks that tomorrow my new Camm 1 pro will be arriving and am really looking forward to get started in vinyl cutting as another part of my business.

Any helpful tip would greatly be appreciated.

Thnx

njl76

03-16-2008, 08:23 PM

I have been a member of this forum for several months and this is my first post.

I have just a new job as a CNC operator. I discovered that the machining I had been doing was ancient in comparison to what I will be doing. To say I'm a little nervous would be an understatement.

This forum looks very comprehensive, but I don't have a clue where to begin. I guess since I'm working with metal and on a mill, I lurk around there. Since I want to start learning programming, I'll lurk there also... it would be nice if there was a newbie forum for the ignorant like myself. A glossary would be nice also. (this site is in English, isn't it?)

peelmachining

03-17-2008, 02:16 AM

Well Im new and still struggling to navigate this site so........
Hi,
I was looking around here and was directed to Hobby CNC.com
found a great kit for my first Abrasive waterjet/or gas torche machine.

I would like to know if i could use the linear scales out of a DRO mill (TTL signals running on 5 Volts)instead of the encoders in a motor (wich then has backlash between it and the tool)to send positioning info back to pc. I am thinking this would be an average price solution and no hastle of trying to get your backlash system perfect.

Laurence Nelson

03-18-2008, 08:50 AM

Hello!
I'm new here, I'm working on Walters Helitronic, I was trained with the basic "Pkg 1" 10 years ago, I never really worked on them since my trip to Fredricksburg. I worked on Anca for 10 years. Now I've been thrown into working on Walters, I still have a basic understanding, so I came to CNC Zone.com looking for help from time to time. I've done some work in Package's 1, 2, 3, 4, 13, and 32. looking to get into expert mode!
Thanks and I'll see ya around the water cooler!
Laurence Nelson

This was the message I got when I signed up and have spent 2 days looking for the Introductions forum,

"Hello Laurence Nelson,
Our records indicate that you have never posted to our site before! Why not make your first post today by saying hello to our community in our Introductions forum."

fish1234

03-18-2008, 12:51 PM

Hello from a CNC virgin! I signed up the other day and this is my second post, the first was on the "How old are you" thread. That was a safe place to start! I guess to start I am a retired sheetmetal journeyman due to torn up rotator cuffs in both shoulders and two surgeries on the right with no help so far! I have been a woodworker for as long as I can remember and turning on the lathe is my passion! (also not to bad on the shoulders). My dad has been wanting to do something with CNC and I think making some signs and doing some engraving would be fun. Dad has to metal lathes and a small mill so I can get some things machined when I really get going on my CNC router. I have most of the parts collected and I just need to expand my woodshop to accomodate the new tool. With what I have collected so far the cutting area will be 30"x48" I hope I can pull it off with some luck and help from the forum! I live in Wisconsin and we had a sloppy mess fall from the sky yesterday and last night, rain, sleet, snow etc! But it is warming up and melting away. Have a great day!

mark1945

03-18-2008, 04:14 PM

Introduction
Hi everyone I just joined up,I am a retired power generator tech.Just getting started with machining as a hobby to keep from older.I have a HF 9x20 and a HF 7x10 lathe,A HF mini mill,and just purchased a Taig CNC mill w/4th axis.I am reading the books now to see if I can figure it out.Im sure you will all see some questions posted by me from time to time.I have Vector software to learn.

otterpot

03-18-2008, 05:40 PM

I was looking for the introduction forum, but this'll have to do:)

I'm an Electrician by trade, in the UK.

I'm reading the DIY wood routing build logs, got some ideas.

Need to learn CAD, and most things CNC.

Lee.

shiney66

03-18-2008, 07:31 PM

Welcome to the site its very time consuming just reading through all the messages I have been away for 8 weeks visiting UK thought I would pick up some gear in UK but didnt pick anything other than several KGs of extra tummy soon work it off knocking garden back into shape I also lost the thread I was working with I have some ideas floating round about useing angle aluminimum drilling ball bearing holes in one piece as a carrier and samwiching the strip between two angles to give linea movement made a test piece that works well still working on machine design slow and steady is all I can manage.hope I havent bored the pants off you by the way hopeing to build CNC router.

THX-1138

03-19-2008, 12:20 PM

Greetings!

I've been interested in machining for decades, and finally I'm doing something about it. A long time ago I saw a Unimat at Brookstone's store in Peterborough, Vermont, and remembered it ever since. When I saw something of the same name on ThinkGeek.Com, I decided to go for it. I think the Unimat1 (which is what I got) has a different manufacturer from the Unimat I saw years ago, but I've been making do.

Unfortunately, I keep running into precision problems, and the fact that the Unimat1 accessories are wicked expensive. While I'm doing turning and milling (aluminium and brass at the moment), I'm thinking of getting a professional mini lathe. I've bought stuff from MicroMark before, but it turns out that their MicroLux is only calibrated in inches with no metric possibilities; I'd rather have something with dual markings. Of course, I don't know how the MicroLux compares to Sherline compares to ..., which is something I'm hoping to find out here before I buy. I'm expecting to pay under US$1'000 for a basic mini lathe. Well, hoping if not expecting.

Cheers!

shiney66

03-19-2008, 01:28 PM

Just read your thread I personally think stick to one metric scale or imperial as you lose accuracy with dual scales the reason the lead screws are one or the other so graduations are more compatable with each other as for brands I cannot help as we are too far away in NZ and you need to look at and feel the machine try checking any movement in slideways and backlash movement between nut and leadscrews hope this helps a bit regards shiney

chrugel

03-20-2008, 08:53 AM

Hi,
I'm very new to everything, I've been planning and dreaming about creating a cnc machine for quite some time now. Must be 10 years since i firs started this project.
I'm from norway and do not work with this stuff on a daly basis but i like working with mechanical things.
Just so that is clear, I have no mechanical experience what so ever. I have a degree in elektronics so I'm not worried about that part.
This really looks like a great place for me to start, i have lots of questions so brace your selvs!
I also hope I can be of some kind of assistance in her after a while.
My plan is to create a machine and then use it create better and more acurate parts for it self, in this manner i hope to achive greater accuracy and higher resulution over time.
Anyway the constuction of this machine is probably going to be a thread of its own, see ya there! :)

regards
Chris

PHD

03-20-2008, 04:06 PM

Hello everybody! I've been in the machinists trade since 71. I worked for Hewlett Packard 30 years, first as conventional and CNC machinist, and the last 12 years as a Tool, Die & Model Maker. My reward for giving my life to that company was to get layed off 15 years before I was ready to retire.:violin: I guess that's the fate of a lot of people these days. I'm on my 3rd job since then. Hewlett Packard was a great place to work but everybodys job was so specialized that I never got to learn much about programming or CNC controls, so that's what most of my posts will concern. I feel my strongest skills are in tooling and mechanics but I'm semi-literate when it comes to anything about computors or electronics.
I've been fortunate enough to acquire two CNC machines from my former employer HP. A Star STM38 swiss (83 vintage) with live tooling and a Matsuura MC-500 vmc (86 vintage). Although these machines are dinasoars they were the Cadillacs of their day and were excellently maintained. Hopefully the machines won't give me any trouble so I can spend my time dealing with other issues.

My user name doesn't mean to imply that I'm smart or educated. PHD was an acronym we used in the shop for a machine operator who could only load parts and hit the cycle start button. Push Here Dummy.

GregSr

03-20-2008, 04:54 PM

Hello. I've been in the PCB drilling and routing industry for 28 years. I started out as a field service engineer trainee (after 4.5 years in the Air Force working on flight simulators). Then, I progressed to "tech support" for a company that made PCB drilling and routing machines for companies like IBM and AT&T. Then I was promoted to Applications Engineer. Eventually, I became a senior Apps Engineer / manager for Electro Scientific Industries.

A typical 4 station drilling machine weighs 5 to 7 tons and is built on a granite base. The drill bits are as small as .002" diameter and spin at 180,000 RPM. The XY servos move at typically 1,000 to 2,000 IPM. A common tool diameter is .010" to .0135". Max diameter is .257". Hits per minute range from 250 to 350.

Anyway, it is interesting to see how other industries utilize CNC systems for their specific applications. I am sure I could learn a lot just reading these posts.

Take care,
Greg S / California

djauregu

03-20-2008, 05:04 PM

Hi everybody!

I'm just beginning with cnc controls and I hope to find here all the support that be possible.
I'm starting with a EDM machine. So if somebody have any information about EDM machine, how this works, etc. Please give me a hand.
Thanks!!

madmike357

03-20-2008, 11:45 PM

howdy, first post here been keepin in the shadows for almost 2 years
just want to say thanks to every one for all the great info.
been planing to build a plasma table buying parts and reading a lot but im about ready to start building.
job; maintenance tech
new river valley virginia
thanks again.:cheers:

JackOz

03-21-2008, 04:07 AM

G'day folks
Jack from Australia
I'm a CNC victim from a bad kit, none worked ever, browned off and looking again

have been a guest for 6 months and think i am about ready to take a dive but will be asking some maybe silly question for some out there but i hope you'll bear with me

i have found some of the answers so far in the forums

some not specifically so

and some brush past the bits i wish to know about

But ont thing i do wish to know about some of the micro mills i've seen here some where for sale but a while ago

i'd love a low budget tun key system 8" x 8" x 6 " is all i would ever need

the forums kind of hard to navigate so the answers are probably ther but

are any of these things ( micro cnc mills ) avalable as a product??

thanks folks

and its a great forum!!

DefiantK

03-22-2008, 06:38 AM

Hi, new member here, been lurking for a awhile.

fokusco

03-23-2008, 04:40 PM

Hey everyone! I ran across your site and have been lurking for a few weeks and got the notice that it was time for me to make a post, so here it is. My name is Mike, I'm from Indiana, and I have been working with manual mills and lathes for about 5 months and have really been enjoying my job. I have and excellent instructor and would like to pursue machine work as a permanent career. I'm sure I will be posting more in the future, as I'm positive I will have many questions seeing as how I am just getting started in my machining adventures.

orizaba

03-24-2008, 09:41 AM

Hello,
I have a 1998 Anilam 3300MK controller on an H.H. Roberts mill. Yesterday it started making the an ear splitting high pitch whine. It will stop if I turn off the servos. Otherwise it operates normally. I disconnected the cooling fans and it still makes the same noise. Its comming from the control box on the back. Any ideas???
Matt

jimzelek

03-24-2008, 10:53 AM

I have experience with a 5500 and 6300m anilan, never had that problem, I would suggest contacting anilan tech support!
a broken down machinist

oxford

03-24-2008, 12:12 PM

Hello world.

Mechanically minded and want to get a CNC mill for prototyping.
Not too big, not too small, just right....I should have chosen Goldilocks for my user name:P
Still undecided.

....anyone know anything about the Tradesman SPM?

Thanks

John Tribe

03-24-2008, 12:44 PM

Hi - I am new to CNC and that includes the the vocabulary the acronyms, slang, the electronics and really everything else associated with CNC.
What I am not new to is what I want to accomplish with a CNC unit. I am a wooden wheel clock maker and designer and I want to use a CNC unit to cut out, in two dimensions (at least at first) accurate clock parts and to cut them out of Baltic Birch plywood. Although the gear sizes go as high as 24" diameter the parts that really give me problems are those under 4" and so I am putting together the following as my CNC unit:

A Widgitmaster table with a cutting area of roughly 8" by 9"
A CNCHobby Pro kit with 305 oz steppers with appropriate electronics & transformer
Mach3 as the software
LazyCam as the g-code generator
TurboCAD for Mac that I use to design the gearworks.
And finally a Dremel as the spindle.

All that probably sounds like I know what I'm doing - but I don't. It seems to me that it should be simple but I could be very wrong!!
Anybody out there in the same boat??

John Tribe

03-24-2008, 12:50 PM

Hi Jack,
Most of this stuff is related to budget but I have ordered but have yet to receive this unit.

https://widgitmaster.powweb.com/midi-router.html

rnava275

03-24-2008, 06:25 PM

Hello,
I just wanted to introduce myself and say hello to all you great people.
I also, ran across this wonderful site and have been reading everthing for a month and got caught up reading forums. My name is Robert, I'm from Kentucky, and I'm an auto assembler by trade. I'm frankly new to CNC but would like to taylor my interest towards CNC woodworking routing. I have plenty of questions and would thank you all in advance for the help given in these forums.
Again thank you all.

tazbaby

03-25-2008, 09:30 AM

Hello...

I'm not actually new here, but have only just found this thread lol !!My name is Tina Im from the UK, and Ive been working in the manufacturing industry for 11 years now and have found this site very informative and helpfull !!

My main interest is bikes and beer

eded59

03-25-2008, 12:59 PM

I have a 1998 Anilam 3300MK controller on an H.H. Roberts mill. Yesterday it started making the an ear splitting high pitch whine. It will stop if I turn off the servos. Fill the way lube tank!!!!

Horsedorf

03-25-2008, 01:42 PM

Howdy folks.

I've been here a while now, and have been reading a lot of threads on linear motion, motor control and machine conversion processes/projects.

I have a grizzly G9036 and an enco mill/drill.. I'm currently trying to find articles and information on turning the g9036 into a CNC lathe as we wish to use it for running some production parts inhouse. I'm not sure if I want to put the $'s into converting the mill/drill into a cnc mill or not. I'm thinking of getting a grizzly knee mill and converting THAT into a cnc mill instead.

I don't know much about machining, just enough to get done what I need to do and am ALLWAYS learning more. This site has proven to be a fantastic resource for learning.

Professionaly, I'm an embedded software engineer specializing in board bringup and bootloaders and linux porting/device drivers. So yeah, I'll be running EMC2 and GCAM. :) most of my posts here are in the electronics and processor side of things to help folks with issues in regards to pic processors and other such small micros. If ever I find myself with more spare time on my hands, i'd REALLY REALLY like to put effort into the EMC project and the GCAM and GCAD projects as well as perhaps roll a stepper/servo controller for the public domain.

When I get started on my lathe project, I'll be sure and post pictures and commentary on where my we lil' mind is going with the conversion process and I'll share what I've done so far.

Thanks , Bubbas and Bubbettes!

Horsedorf