New to cnc and a few questions

[squirrel64]

First I'd like to introduce myself and say hi everyone. Been lurking for quite a while and trying to absorb as much as possible before I start asking questions. My father and I own a small wood shop in Northern Va. Now I'm 46 so to let you know he's not really a spring chicken and doesn't take easily to trying new things. I have , in the past mentioned getting a small cnc router but he has just shrugged it off as ( new fangled rigamaro just take up space we need ). ( and by the way we have PLENTY of space) Well here I am guys,,,, This is my dilemma.

I am purchasing this project on my own as I doubt the ole' man is going to take to this idea until he can actually see what it's capable of. This man has never owned or used a computer guys, other than the gps in his car, which I had to make him use one time !@! . So that's what I'm up against. I have been looking at the Fireball V90 because it's something that we can both set down and build together. Figuring that will help give him a better understanding of the mechanical part at least. And me also as this is all new to me. This is all the size we would need right now. I'm all for different recommendations though. This unit will be used for wood and acrylic mainly 1/2" to 3/4".

My one concern which I have seriously searched but haven't found a clear answer is ,,,,,,


When the cnc unit and the electronics and software are all put together,,,, what are the steps you take to get the unit """tuned""" in. I mean when everything is first turned on after finished build. Could someone please give the sequential order they would perform.

And would a simulation program help any ??

I have aprox. 1500.00 to spend on the unit alone My plan is

From Probitix:
Fireball V90 base unit
3 axis Probostep Motor/Axis kit
Rf Isolated PBX-RF Breakout Board
40VDC Linear RTR
Aluminum T-Slot Extrusion table
Total $1434.85

Will need a router, probably Bosch Colt


I have Mach3, Cut3D, Vcarve Pro, I use Sketchup also

So that's my plan,, thanks for lookin

[CarveOne]

Build it square and flat, with the gantry parallel to the table top. Then set up Mach3's Configuration screens properly. Then go to the Alt6 screen in Mach3 and run the Calibration button just above the red Reset button to get it to go the correct distance when you tell it to go 12" (or some other distance) for each axis. Then do some motor tuning in Mach3 to see how fast you can make it jog reliably without stalling the motors. If you hear a loud growling noise and the axis you are testing stops moving, then it is stalling. It doesn't harm the motor, but gets your attention.

When everything is working correctly then you can create a gcode file to surface plane the MDF table top just enough to make the table surface more true with the gantry. Then you show us what you can do with it.

CarveOne

[microcarve]

If you haven't already, join up on the support group....

Fireballcnc : FireBallCNC

and ask any and all questions you'd like an answer to.

There are many very helpful people there who know well the
answers to your questions. And are happy to be of help.

Be sure to go with the Yellow motors.

The Bosch Colt is a good choice.

(The 40V PS is as well....

Be sure to look through the group photos to see what others have made
with their V90's. Some very impressive work.


John

[squirrel64]

Thanks for the response. Will take your advice and begin the journey.