CNC DIY questions - kinda n00bish

[thekm]

Originally Posted by faceless105 ok i think i'm startin to grasp how CNCs work physically, but how do you interface them with your computer? are drivers needed? and what kind of software do you use? I think i saw somewhere that you use auto cad them i think a program with the word CAM in it to convert it to something the CNC can read. would anyone mind going into a just a littl emore detail for me on that?

It seems that you really are putting in no effort at all to go through the forums already on cnczone.

CNC machine uses stepper motors --> stepper motors use controller boards --> controller boards connect to parallel cable --> parallel cable connects to PC, and software drives the machine from there --> this software interprets G-Code that is the tool path description --> other CAM software generates the G-Code from various 3D files --> use other software to make the 3D files.

[faceless105]

Originally Posted by thekm It seems that you really are putting in no effort at all to go through the forums already on cnczone. CNC machine uses stepper motors --> stepper motors use controller boards --> controller boards connect to parallel cable --> parallel cable connects to PC, and software drives the machine from there --> this software interprets G-Code that is the tool path description --> other CAM software generates the G-Code from various 3D files --> use other software to make the 3D files.

i have been going through this site, all i asked was about the software that is commonly used. I didn't know if CAM was the real name or just the type, just like CAD, i know theres a bunch of different flavors of it out there.

[ger21]

Most use Mach3 to control their machines. www.artofcnc.ca

[faceless105]

hey guys thanks for the help and tolerance to someone so completly new to this stuff. i do beleive i'm getting a firm grasp on whats involved and i'm startin to put together the mechanics of it all. It's pretty clear to me that i dont understand enough to build one of these things yet but hopefully this can be a project i begin working on over christmas break. i think that by then i may have enough of an understanding to put one of these guys together.

[diarmaid]

The only stupid question is the one that isn't asked. Its no problem. the purpose of online forums is to give people all over the world access to others with similar interests who know more or less than themselves.

[snooper]

Hi faceless one!

Dredging through the forums is by far the best way to gain information, but be prepared to invest some time. And, it tends to by somewhat of an overload, so decide what you want to know first, then go see if it's out there (e.g. today I'm researching stepper motors and how to decide which size to use). As previously stated, this site's search function is pretty powerful.

If you don't mind a few tons worth of reading, NC Cams posted a great list is a thread named FAQs (Motion Transmission, Acme, Ball, Allthread Screws, Cogs, Belts, bearigns, etc.) (http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=22020), in the General mechanical/Engineering Design section. Well worth it.

I also became interested in CNC due to PC modding (busy struggling through my first machine), but seems there's really a lot that can be done with a properly assembled beast. Are you into a specific kind of mod?

[aggie_67]

Faceless,

To help others understand your level of knowledge, etc might help to know your experience level? Feel from your comments, webpage etc that you are VERY young, soph high school???

[faceless105]

lol i'm actually in college, just about 22 years old and work full time as a web developer.

My level of experience is pretty near 0 aside from a basic knowledge of what makes a cnc, and roughtly how it's contorlled.

i have no working knowledge though, and thats some of the information i'd like to find. i actually just purchased some plans today for a CNC, it's not going to be top quality but i think a good starter one and great for me to gain some knowledge off of.

[diarmaid]

What plans did you get faceless if u dont mind me asking? I ordered the HobbyCNC kit today so I can get started on my first wood router as per the Solsylva design plans.

[faceless105]

i got these plans on ebay, i liked the machine and i liked the cuting area, i forget th elink but he had some samples of him cutting 1/8 inch aluminum which is great since the main thing i want to be able to work on it 1/16 inch aluminum