Lots of ideas, what now? Start from scratch

[chola]

Hi all,

Yes I am a real newbie - I guess we all have to start somewhere. I have been looking around this forum for while and cannot seem to find a clear cut answer to a few questions I have (that's not to say they aren't there...I just havn't found them yet).

Anyway, this is what I want to do.

I have just bought a small metal lathe with the intention of making model parts (shock absorbers, brake discs etc), I know these things can be done by hand, but I would like to adapt some kind of CNC system to the lathe. The mechanical side of things I can do, what I need to know is.

1) What kind of software do I need to use to draw the image in (I'm not interested in coding by hand just yet)? Just something fairly easy and inexpensive (free?). There are a lot of free downloads available, but being new to this, I'm not sure what I'm after - or need!

2) What is the best convertor software to use - spoilt for choice again with free downloads!

Now I have been looking at the CNC package (PC Interface, Stepper Motor Controller and Power Supply) from Oatley electronics (kits K124A, B, C), has anyone used these before?

I would like some suggestions here as later I would like to add more axis to a mill perhaps later on.

Can someone also explain the difference between 2.5d and 3d milling to me and the different motor requirements for each?

Sorry to be a pain in the rs but aftyer looking around this forum I'm getting a bit excited - lots of ideas but need to find a practical way to make them happen!

Much appreciated

[eclozon]

Hi,
I am kinda new at this but I have been reading the posts on what people are doing to get into cnc. It looks like alot of people are making this way harder than it needs to be.
About three years ago I purchased a new mill drill for about $900 from enco. I went with The Motion Group's retrofit kit. I think I paid about $1700 for a complete 4axes system. You get everything except the hardware to fit your machine. Power supply, the controller and the drivers, are all contained in one small case, not much bigger than a cigar box. The software and a manual are also included as well as articles on cnc conversions.

I know this sounds like an add, it's not. I just have hundreds of hours of problem free machining, and it seems like it's still one of the best deals out there. As far as speed, I can machine at 5 IPM with a .200 cut in t6 aluminum. It's almost to the point that if I can draw it, the machine can machine it.

check out their website motiongroup.com

good luck Ed Lozon

[Mike Mattera]

2.5D Brackets, Plates with holes, Pockets, Pockets with tapers... are all considered 2.5D

3D Sculpted surfaces. Look at your bathroom faucet. Most likele a 3d flowing surface. Mold work. Fenders on cars..

We all want 3D. But most can get by with 2.5.
You lathe will only need 2axis programming.

Mike Mattera