Want to be a newbe

[hockeyguy01]

HI

I am looking to build cnc machine that I can add to in the future or if price is right do it know.

This is what I am looking to do:

I am looking to start a small hobbyist business making the odd poker table, furniture beds night stand etc, and some cabinets. I am probably looking at a total of 10 a year. So not high production runs I am willing to spend up to 5-6k on my machine.

Listed below are some of things that I want on my machine or want my machine to have the ability to do. I have also added a few video links to show you what I am looking to do.

1. 4x8 cutting surface
2. I want to be able to take jpg and make them into a grey scale then g code)
3. I would like to add a switch to set tool heights (video 1 attachment shows what I am looking for move to the 1 minute 10 second part of the video) link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJNUcsJ6BC8&feature=player_embedded]Mach3 2010 Screenset Tool Change - YouTube
4. Touch probe to create part (video 2) link
5. I want a “A” axis to do legs about 48 max video 3 shows what I want to do on a small scale link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WyuA8nhmFPQ&feature=related]InfoTEC 1008 Rotary CNC Router - YouTube or something like this if a stepper motor can move like this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDO-PZdUnYA&feature=related]CNC Router with Rotary - YouTube
6. Most stock will be ¾-1 inch but would like a z axis of 8-12 inches for leg turning question 5

In regards to question 5 I have no idea what software I need to run this any ideas would be great. I also don’t know if there is software to run all of these things that I want to be able to do.

I know there are 3 programs that I need to do most of this type of work a cad program, a gcode writer, and a photo illustrator. After reading the above requirements can you some give me an idea of what programs that I will need.

I am also going to buy the guide to Joe’s cnc forum. I have some questions on the content. Are their detailed videos on the forum to put together the electronics (boards etc?) And is there video on how to set up the software?

And lastly when I buy my kit is there paper blueprints on the construction of the unit I have seen some that are in solid works and I find them hard to read as you have to highlight the different parts of the cut out to get dimensions. I am more a blueprint kind of guy.

I am unsure of the kit to order on the joes website as none state the 4x8 size. I would like the pre cut out pieces. Should I order the "Joe's CNC 4x4 Hybrid" (Rack and Pinion Version) or the "Joe's CNC Model 2006"

Thank you in advance

Mark

[txcncman]

Nice news report. If there were any questions in there, they slipped right by me.

[hockeyguy01]

I guess i needed to be more spcefic on my question.

Is the Joes 2006 capable sturdy enough to this type of work that mentioned. And the second is basicly can the add ons be done on this machine and what software do i need.

Thanks in Advance
Mark

[hockeyguy01]

Is the 4x8 a good idea for the joes 2006 design!

[OCNC]

Looking at your questions you might find it very useful to build a small machine first and get through all of the how-to's without getting bogged down in the special mechanical issues that come up when you build a 4'x8' machine. The electrical and electronic components used on a small machine could be chosen so that they would be transferable to a larger one to be built in the future. Once you've built one machine and gotten it working you'll be in a much better position to judge what equipment you need for the type of work you want to do. A small machine can be completed in a very timely fashion and you aren't likely to lose your enthusiasm as it's easy to keep the end in sight. With a bigger project this isn't always easy to do especially when every aspect of it is new to you.

Chris

[ger21]

Is the 4x8 a good idea for the joes 2006 design!

I thought I answered this the other day, but the Joes 2006 can NOT be built in a 4x8 size.
When you buy the Hybrid kit, you don't get any of the metal components that dictate the length, so you can build it any size you want.

[ger21]

2. I want to be able to take jpg and make them into a grey scale then g code)

Any free photo editing software can convert to greyscale. And there are many programs that can create g-code from greyscale images. BUt getting really good results has much more to do with the skill of the person using the software than the software itself.
Check out this site.
cnc4free.org homepage

4. Touch probe to create part (video 2) link CNC Digitizing: 3D Digitizer probe for CNC Millings Machines and Routers - YouTube

High speed, high quality probing like in this video may cost more than your entire budget.

Mach3 can do the probing, and run your machine, and do the autozero too (video 1 is mine). Check out this site to see some Mach3 probing. Keep in mind that Mach3's 3D probing will be much slower than what you saw in the video.
Razordance CNC - 2.5D probing project | touch probe | probing software | CMM probe

Look at DeskProto for CAM software for the 4th axis.

[hockeyguy01]

Thnaks for the response to the other quesion. Any thoughts on the "A" axis? and any idea of what program can be used to program something like that.

And i think you did anawer the same ? about the size i meant to post this is the hybrid forum. Does the Joes fourms give different detail buildings of a 4x8 table. I am looking at the artcam software. I have been making parts on sketchup that i download. Can sketchup be used to make gcode.
Mark

[ger21]

Any thoughts on the "A" axis? and any idea of what program can be used to program something like that.

As I said, look as Deskproto for programming the 4th axis. I don't know what kind of info you want? Most people build there own. Some modify lathes. Or you can buy something like this. eBay - New & used electronics, cars, apparel, collectibles, sporting goods & more at low prices

I'm not a member of Joes forum, so I can't tell you what info is there. But I've heard that all the info you'll need is in there.

Some people use a Sketchup plugin to export .stl files, and create g-code from them in CAM programs.