Newbie- Few questions before I jump in.

[krak]

I am a bit of a newbie when it comes to CNC. I worked with a few machines in college. However, Now I want to build my own. I have a few questions though. Having never built one before, I am looking at buying a Black Toe kit v4. Has anyone used a Black Toe, is it hard to build?
Are there plans that similar the Black Toe set up available?
I use Alibre Cad software, which can be upgraded to have cam software. Is the upgrade worth while or is their an open source cam software?
I am mostly likely going to use Mach 3. Is there a better open source selection for cnc control?
Basically I want to be sure all parts play nice before I drop a lot cash and time on it. Thank you for your help.

[louieatienza]

krak,

Check out all the new machine build threads here, quite a few were built from plans or kits. There are a few members here that supply kits and parts; look around!

I've seen the blacktoe kits; it looks pretty cool for an mdf machine...

I like Mach3, though EMC2 is free and runs on Linux.

If you find a good open source CAM, let me know! The CAM for Alibre is done by MecSoft, so it should be pretty good...

[krak]

Thank you for the tips. I run linux ( ubuntu ) on most of my machines as well as windows. Can most of the cam software packages output files that can be transferred to a linux?
I was looking at mdf at first because I have the tools to build with mdf from a plan. I've been having a hard time finding a detailed plan to use. For my first cnc build, I would prefer not to design it from the ground up. I'll keep looking.

[ger21]

How big do you want to build? You might want to look at the Joe's 2006. Free plans, and lots of users here have built them. Lot's of info here. I've seen very little info on the Blacktoe.

Joe's plans are here.
http://rs134.rapidshare.com/files/13...l_2006_R-2.zip

[krak]

I would like to have a 24" by 48" work space. But what i really need is 5 inches of workable space on my z axis. Some of the parts i will be working on will be a bit bulky. I will revisit the Joe plans. I have a back ground in automation, designing machines, building controls, programming PLC's to control steppers. What will be new to me is using a computer running cam and mach3 to do the controls. So I figured i would build the machine that i will need first, instead of building a test set up, and moving onto the machine a need.

[louieatienza]

krac, I haven't used EMC, but I'm sure it will work, as many here use it.

I used plans from solsylva.com (David Steele). Though not free, he's very helpful with questions during and after the build. Most plans (including his) are not too difficult to modify for more z axis travel. He has a belt drive and rack-and-pinion model that might be of interest to you.

Like you, I decided to just build the damn thing, and figure it out afterwards!

[CarveOne]

Originally Posted by krak Thank you for the tips. I run linux ( ubuntu ) on most of my machines as well as windows. Can most of the cam software packages output files that can be transferred to a linux? I was looking at mdf at first because I have the tools to build with mdf from a plan. I've been having a hard time finding a detailed plan to use. For my first cnc build, I would prefer not to design it from the ground up. I'll keep looking.

Yes. The gcode files are ascii text. Mach3 uses a .nc file extension and EMC2 uses .ncg extension. Otherwise they will run on either program.

EMC2 needs a special version of Ubuntu that has a real-time kernel. You can download it free from www.linuxcnc.org as a live-CD image for burning to a cdrom. Run it to see that it works on your machine ok, then install it. EMC2 is a very capable CNC machine controller, but it could use some of the niceties that Mach3 has.

You can stretch the Solsylva designs (and most other designs using lead screws) in the long axis (X) by just lengthening the frame and rails. Where you run into problems is 5/16" all-thread screws will whip when longer than about 36" and when it is changed to 1/2" lead screws so you can go to 48" lead screws it starts affecting many other parts sizes, and possibly the center locations of the lead screws.

To stretch a Z axis from 3" travel to 5" travel you can add 2" to the length of the affected parts. You then need to figure out if the Z axis should be raised on the gantry or not.

If you're not into doing stuff like this then the best option is to continue looking for plans that give the closest specs to what you really want to have. Anything reasonable over 5" certainly won't hurt. You just may never need to use it.

CarveOne

[ger21]

Mach3 uses a .nc file extension

Actually, I think the default is .tap, but you can use any extension you want.

[CarveOne]

Originally Posted by ger21 Actually, I think the default is .tap, but you can use any extension you want.

Yes Ger, you are correct. I had forgotten it already. Maybe it was CamBam that generates the .nc file and I've been renaming it with Notepad to .tap and .ngc myself. I get away from the machines for a month or so and I lose my mind.

CarveOne

[louieatienza]

Originally Posted by CarveOne Yes. The gcode files are ascii text. Mach3 uses a .nc file extension and EMC2 uses .ncg extension. Otherwise they will run on either program. EMC2 needs a special version of Ubuntu that has a real-time kernel. You can download it free from www.linuxcnc.org as a live-CD image for burning to a cdrom. Run it to see that it works on your machine ok, then install it. EMC2 is a very capable CNC machine controller, but it could use some of the niceties that Mach3 has. You can stretch the Solsylva designs (and most other designs using lead screws) in the long axis (X) by just lengthening the frame and rails. Where you run into problems is 5/16" all-thread screws will whip when longer than about 36" and when it is changed to 1/2" lead screws so you can go to 48" lead screws it starts affecting many other parts sizes, and possibly the center locations of the lead screws. To stretch a Z axis from 3" travel to 5" travel you can add 2" to the length of the affected parts. You then need to figure out if the Z axis should be raised on the gantry or not. If you're not into doing stuff like this then the best option is to continue looking for plans that give the closest specs to what you really want to have. Anything reasonable over 5" certainly won't hurt. You just may never need to use it. CarveOne

Adding cutting depth on most the Solsylva (and most dual-leadscrew or dual-drive) systems should be relatively easy; it would just be a matter of making the legs or stands longer, as well as the z carriage. (and possibly reinforcing said legs...)

When I built mine I actually made the legs shorter than plan, so I could mount them on a frame of sorts, leaving an open area where I could install different work tables - vacuum table, t-slot, etc - but then lazy sunk in and i just bolted it on flat...

[krak]

I have taken a look at the plans by solsylva, or at least the website. I think I might have had a setup that will work for me. I was hoping to avoid the lead screw set up, but now I am seeing issues with a chain setup. The black toe was a chain setup that looked like it would have worked pretty well. So I might have to settle for the belt drive setup. Thank you for pointing his site out for me.

Also thank you for pointing out the real time linux, I would not have thought of that. I have a grub loader so installing another os should not be a problem.

[ahren]

You can also go for a rack and pinion setup for the longer axis -- there are a ton of Joe's user's upgrading to rack and pinion systems right now. This is much stiffer than a belt or chain drive system for cnc applications. Give Nate Lowrie at www.finelineautomation.com a shout as well -- he has plans for a 4' x 2' machine that he can give you using this approach, and sells a kit to go with it if you want a turnkey system.

Best regards,

Ahren
www.cncrouterparts.com