a million questions about starting cnc

[Data]

Hi all,
I am interested in making some cnc parts myself.
The parts will be mostly rc related (helicopter parts).
I have a million questions, but would like to start with a few more important ones.

I read this forum and many other sites, until last week I didn't even know how to spell cnc, so please be patient with my uneducated and maybe stupid questions.

Here we go:

First I'm not sure if I should go with a mill or a lathe.
For example, I like to make a part like a washout base or a servo horn (take the original plastic one and make it aluminum). I know I could buy it much cheaper, but what would be the fun of that?
And then I would like to make a rod with a thread (like a flybar rod).
I understand, that for one part I need a mill and the other a lathe.

What is the more useful tool for a beginner? Lathe or mill?

Now, let's say I would go with a mill.
I'm still not clear if I should buy a mill and make it cnc, or if I should buy the finished product.
My budget is about $1200.00 and I like the mini mill from HF or homier to start with for about $400-$500.

There is someone on ebay who sells a mini mill:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...826385691&rd=1

but I guess this is misleading and he really sells the micro mill, is this right?

Or I could safe some more money and just buy the cnc from www.taigtools.com or something equivalent.

If I decide to build my own cnc, I will have to do a lot of research on the electronic - motor part, which I haven't started yet.

The next part is software.
I did some small c programming (many many moons ago) I still know html code and some java.

What program do I need o learn?
Something on the affordable side.
Would I have to learn to use maya or auto cad or something like that, or are there less complex programs out there?


Is there something like an adult evening course that I can take (I live in Fort Lauderdale) and first learn all that stuff about cnc and make some parts just to see how difficult this might be?
I'm not doing this to get a job, I want to have fun making my own parts, but at the same time I don't want to brake the bank.

All your help is greatly appreciated.

[sendkeys]

[kong]

Welcome to the zone Data, I think you will find a lot of users here with simialr interests in RC parts. A good site for building heli parts with cnc is Tauseef's site: http://www.cuttingedgecnc.com/
He has converted a small sherline mill and is making some nice stuff. Hope it helps

[metlmunchr]

Originally posted by sendkeys
As for a controller to run the "g code" the other software makes;
turbocnc is the cheapest at i think 20 bucks. Mach1-2 at 150 is faster with more options.

Sendkeys gives lots of very good advice here for any beginner. Read and heed

For 3D surface machining, where the code is generally about a gazillion short linear moves, Mach2 is the only one of these two programs to consider. It can be run in either exact stop mode, where there's a slight pause between each move, or in a continuous contouring mode where the motion is non-stop from block to block. Tcnc has only exact stop, and some posts from the developers indicate continuous contouring is at least a couple versions down the road. In a surfacing program this can make hours of difference in the time it takes to cut the part, and each stop generates a small but noticable tool mark. It might also be worthwhile to check into some of the DeskCNC products as well to see if they offer continuous contouring. They can supply a software package that integrates motion control and cam into one package, and a multi-axis driver to work with it, all at what looks to be a very reasonable price.

[imserv]

Originally posted by metlmunchr
It might also be worthwhile to check into some of the DeskCNC products as well to see if they offer continuous contouring.

DeskCNC is in continuous contouring mode by default.

The DeskCNC controller software includes probing directly to an .STL surface, rotary or slaved 4th axis, and CAM programming all in one.

http://www.imsrv.com/deskcnc

Hardware options include a 4 axis stepper driver board ($50), 2 amps @ 35v, and step controlled closed loop servo drivers rated at 30V and 5 amps ($65 each axis).

An inexpensive contact probe/tool setter is available, and some inexpensive/discounted bundled kits with motors and control systems are at:

http://www.imsrv.com/deskcnc/bench_top_cnc_systems.htm

Fred Smith - IMService
http://www.cadcamcadcam.com

[Data]

thanks for the advise.
I'm reading posts after posts and sites after sites, there is a wealth of information out there and a whole lot of people like you, willing to help.

I think the idea of a mini lathe and a mini mill sounds very appealing.
I will then convert the mill to cnc.

but first things first.

someone I know wanted to learn some 3d program, but never relay got into it.
since he's got more money than brains (I always tell him that too) he is willing to sell me one of his software.
he would sell me either maya 4.0 for $500.00 or autocad 2004 for $300.00.
I looked at rhino3d and that costs only 200.00 for a student license (I will take some classes to be a student again).
what would you do?
would the extra cost for maya or autocad be worth it?
after learning to design a part in 3D, I can then go to the next step and get a program that converts it to g-code etc.

so, what is your opinion for the 3d program?

[sendkeys]

[ynneb]

Data, unless your mate is pulling your leg and is really trying to sell you a cracked version of Maya or Autocad, then those prices are a bargain. I dont know their exact prices, but they are worth many thousands of dollars the last time I looked. I always thought that maya was more for doing cartoon type things, like in "Bugs life" etc. ( I could be wrong ) But autocad 2004 was probably a better program for doing 3D design work. I havent used either though. Although I have seen both been used by others.
Expect a very steep learning curve for these programs. It is one thing to own good software but another to be able to use it.

It is interesting to see how many approach CNC. Most build their machine first, and then scramble to find software to run it ( As I did ). Then there are others who have software and think, How can I produce something tangible from it.

You could start by downloading all sorts of trialware and experimenting with it to see what program is the one you like to use.

[ger21]

Since 3D animation is a previous (somewhat current?) hobby of mine, perhaps I can give you some advice. Stay far away from Maya. Especially if you have no 3D experience. Not that it won't do what you need it to do. First, I can't believe your friend paid full price and is going to sell it to you for $500. Second, the learning curve will be incredibly steep. And you'll never use 90-95% of the program.

A little general information about high end animation software. You can model pretty much anything you want in them. From realistic faces to machine parts. They have very few limits, but each works a little differently. (I'm talking generally about Maya, Softimage, 3DS MAX, Lightwave 3D...). For very precise mechanical type parts, go for a CAD system. You can generally model precise parts faster and easier in a CAD package. If you know what you're doing, you can do a lot of things you could never do ina Cad package, but you'll find that Cad packages can do things animation software can't do as well. Most animation packages (the modeling portions, anyway) are much easier to learn with prior 3D experience, as generally 3D is 3D, and is similar in all packages.

AutoCAD. First thing you should now is that Autodesk will not let you transfer AutoCAD licenses. Not sure of the legality of buying it, but you'd never be able to upgrade it. AutoCad is extremely powerful in the 2D department, but you'll find that the 3D is a bit limited. It would be no problem to do your RC parts, but complex 3D parts can be difficult.

If I were you, I'd go the Rhino route for $200. Rhino should do all the 2D stuff you need, as well as more complex 3D stuff than AutoCAD can do.

Remeber, though. You don't always need a 3D model to mill 3D parts.

[Data]

you know the saying: "if it sounds to good to be true - it is"

I spoke with him this morning and he said he made a mistake and he couldn't sell maya that cheap.
oh well.
anyways, he still would sell autocad.
I guess I have to find out about the AC license thingy.

I also found out about solidworks, you can get a student version for $179.00.

now it's between SW, AC or R3D

[IJ.]

Data: It might be an idea to DL a demo of the programs you're interested in as a few of them have a very steep learning curve and may not be able to do what you need...

[RJ.]

Data,

The downside of the student version of Solidworks is that it stops working after 24 months (that's what it indicates on the website), so you would need to re-purchase the current version at that time and still need to be student/faculty to qualify.

I am a newbie as well, and I think IJ has the good idea to download some of the demos and try to draw something. Some of them are more intuitive than others (I found I could draw something in Solidworks easier than AutoCad, at least without instruction).

If you do not have much machining background (like me) I would also recommend taking some classes on manual/CNC machining if available at your local community college.

Regards,
Rick