Stepper control software suggestions

[jlawren6]

I'm still in the process of trying to decide whether to go the DIY route of building a CNC router or just to purchase a commercially available router along the lines of Shopbot. One of my potential scenarios would be a hybrid system in which I build the mechanical portion of the router and then purchase the Shopbot control system, motors, and software to drive it (i.e. their development kit). That would result in a stiffer router than the Shopbot (seems to be the biggest complaint on their forums) while providing a proven control system with some warranty (I think) and great support. The downside, of course, being that the Shopbot control system is proprietary and you are limited to using their control software.

Now to my question. Since I have virtually no CNC experience, I don't really have a good basis on which to determine what the tradeoffs would be in using the Shopbot control software versus the other commercially available software options like Mach2, DeskCNC, Ability Systems, etc. Would I be losing any significant functionality with the Shopbot software? From what I've read, it can accept DXF, TIF, G-code, etc. files and convert them to the Shopbot .SBP format. I'm just wondering about things like what type of interopolation it uses, # of lines of look ahead, etc.

I know that a few Shopbot folks have converted to Mach2 and Geckos on their machines and I intend to ask their reasoning for that on the Shopbot forum, but I thought I would also pose the question here. Anyone with any expereince related to this? I would appreciate your feedback or any general comments on this approach.

Thanks,

Jon

[High Seas]

Jon -
maybe if you added a bit more info, like size and intended use (maybe I missed it elsewhere) some of the folks will add a bit of good info. Things like Hobby or Pro, how much use - daily/occasionally, what you're building, what material, previous experience , budget, etc.
I for one, don't see much value added by linking into yet another interface and format (the Shopbot) unless you are specifically going to be working with some files that might be already available in that format? The other sets of CAD and CAM are plentiful and more universally used (at least for this forum support).
There are some interesting near turn-key kits you could look at (some adverts on the site here) or do the self integration and all DIY. You can trade off some money for frustration by buying a configuration that other members have used.
Just my 2cenz - Cheers - Jim

[jlawren6]

Thanks for the reply. You didn't miss the info. I should have included that. Here goes....

Background/Intended Use: I'm a Mechanical Engineer who has been doing woodworking as a hobby for several years. I've always enjoyed doing things dealing with automation/robotics as well and the CNC router seemed like an excellent way to combine the woodworking and automation interests to learn something new. My initial intended use is from the hobby side but I don't want to limit myself to that when building the machine. I'd like to keep the door open for some future side income generation or small business applications (i.e. light production).

Machine Size/Working Material: I'm planning on a machine capable of cutting 4'x8' sheets of plywood, mdf, etc. I realize the additional complexity this size brings to the design, but I'm not going to start on it till I'm confident I've covered everything in advance. Reading everything on this site for the past 7 months, I have learned a lot and I think I know what to watch out for (I hope ). The 4'x8' capacity will also give me the most flexibility in integrating the router into the woodworking I already do (cabinets, yard art, etc.). I would expect most of my initial work to just be 2.5 D and in wood. Again, I'd want have the capability down the road to cut in 3D and do some light work in Aluminum.

Experience - I have some past CAD experience from my current job. For the most part a basic understanding, but I pick up on it fairly quick. I've used a couple of different CAD packages, but I'm not locked into anyone. I have no CAM experience and would be starting out fresh there. General computer knowlege is good. I'm a little weak on the electrical side of things, hence the reason for not wanting to really go full DIY on the controller.

Budget - My initial budget is around $5K. It's flexible however if I can justify it to "the boss".

I hope that helps a little bit. I see what you are saying about the Shopbot. I guess I'm a little stuck on them since I have been following them since they introduced their first cable driven machines many years ago. Up until now, I never had the time, money, or space to think about buying one though. In the meantime, I came across this site and realized that there are several other ways to do what Shopbot is doing for less money and with better performance (and a lot more time). Given my weak electrical troubleshooting skills, I just don't want to find myself pulling my hair out (well...what's left of it) late at night trying to figure out what's wrong with my DIY built controller if the machine goes down. I'd like to have the peace of mind of a "proven" control system. Maybe Shopbot's not the best choice. What are some other options?

[mikegaylor]

Currently I have written some software for controlling a CNC machine. I is easy to setup and I will certainly help you use my software if that's the way you decide to go. Current the software has a thirty day expiry period, but if you let me know how you are getting along after that period I will supply you with a free password. Please see below the details of the program.

I have tested it exaustively on my home built router, and works like a dream. Hope this is of help.

Currently Beta Release........................................

(Windows 95,98,2000,XP)

The link to the software is :- www.routoutcnc.co.uk/RoutOutCNC.exe

The program comes as two parts:


1. RoutoutCNC Viewer ( Design and Conversion )
2. RoutoutCNC Manager ( LPT Stepper motor Driver )


Within the RoutoutCNC Viewer software this will allow you to create FL files and import HPGL files for editing or converting. These files are then sent to the Routout Manager where they will be processed and sent down the LPT port to your potter.


The FL file structure is very simple so can be manually entered if you like. ( please see FL commands for more details )


Because of the simple file structure this also will allows you to write your own front end for the Routout Manager if specific functions are needed and you do not wish to use the RoutoutCNC Viewer software

Please Note Currently this is not a commercial product, however it may be in the future.

I'm still in the process of trying to decide whether to go the DIY route of building a CNC router or just to purchase a commercially available router along the lines of Shopbot. One of my potential scenarios would be a hybrid system in which I build the mechanical portion of the router and then purchase the Shopbot control system, motors, and software to drive it (i.e. their development kit). That would result in a stiffer router than the Shopbot (seems to be the biggest complaint on their forums) while providing a proven control system with some warranty (I think) and great support. The downside, of course, being that the Shopbot control system is proprietary and you are limited to using their control software.

Now to my question. Since I have virtually no CNC experience, I don't really have a good basis on which to determine what the tradeoffs would be in using the Shopbot control software versus the other commercially available software options like Mach2, DeskCNC, Ability Systems, etc. Would I be losing any significant functionality with the Shopbot software? From what I've read, it can accept DXF, TIF, G-code, etc. files and convert them to the Shopbot .SBP format. I'm just wondering about things like what type of interopolation it uses, # of lines of look ahead, etc.

I know that a few Shopbot folks have converted to Mach2 and Geckos on their machines and I intend to ask their reasoning for that on the Shopbot forum, but I thought I would also pose the question here. Anyone with any expereince related to this? I would appreciate your feedback or any general comments on this approach.

Thanks,

Jon

[Kirk22]

Mike,

I'm currently getting ready to build a small xy table to drive my pantagraph cutting torch. Then it'll be used to build a larger plasma CNC table. How suitable would your software be for this application?

kirk

[mikegaylor]

Hi Kirk,

I don't see any reason why you could not run your cutting torch with the software. I personally have not used a plasma cutter, but it should work great. The only drawback at the moment is that it can only load HPGL/PLT files, although you can use any program like Corel Draw so you can then inport almost any file type and export to HPGL. I am currently working on the software to except DXF and G-Code and additional documentation, but this will take me approximately 6-8 weeks. If you need any help regarding the setup please do not hesitate to contact me either by phone or by email.(both of which are in the help file in the routout viewer.)

Best Regards

Mike Gaylor

[nursiti2009]

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