CNC Masters Supra Knee Mill

[Martin 007]

Hi and welcome to all. I started this thread for those of us that own a Supra knee mill from CNC Masters. I’m new to CNC and know enough about milling to get myself in trouble. Personally I hope to get some info on all aspects of machining but there are some I have met here at CNC Zone that have plenty of experience and use the Supra. I hope that the experienced people out there will drop in with help for us, weather you’re an owner or not of this particular machine.

My Supra is a 4 axis unit with variable speed spindle, and optional high speed engraver. I have Bob-Cad V-21 for my drawing program and will be machining mostly aluminum. So far I have set the machine and run some sample programs with the control software powered by a Toshiba lap-top. I will be loading my post processors into Bob-Cad and start sending those files into the machine next. So far everything is going along without any troubles. I need to find a good cooling fluid and a source for aluminum and I should be in business.
Thanks for stopping in,
Doug

[Martin 007]

Ok does anyone have some insite on Starting points. What meathode do you use. IE, the mill doesnt really know where it is, So do you set a given distance in the drawing and then align the material that distance away. Just looking for some diferent thoughts.

Thanks
Doug

[Ron111]

Doug,
I use an edge finder and establish x & y (say the corner of the vise or an jig plate) and then you can set your Z using a thickness block or a feeler guage ( I now use a thin strip of typing paper which I measured .004 thick and bring down my cutter till I have a slight drag.

Works for me,


Ron

[Martin 007]

Thanks Ron. I origanaly wanted to use the center of the work piece, but as I am drawing these parts, I'm finding it hard to locate the starting point at center. I'm realising it is not going to work for many drawings... Live and learn... and I have a lot of learning ...Ha

[Martin 007]

Ok if anyone can help explain this code, which is written in the master software. Basically it is a square with rounded corners. I understand the line for making the rounded corner, but would think that each flat side would be plain and simple.
N00 ABSOLUTE
N01 MOVE X1.0 F5
N02 CCWCIRCLE X1.5 Y0.5 I0 J0.5
N03 MOVE X1.5 Y1.5
N04 CCWCIRCLE X1.0 Y2.0 I-0.5 J0
N05 MOVE X0 Y2.0
N06 CCWCIRCLE X-0.5 Y1.5 I0 J-0.5
N07 MOVE Y0.5
N08 CCWCIRCLE X0 Y0 I0.5 J0
N09 END

Thinking that it is a 1" x 2" rectangle. So move 1" and then start the curve line... but as you see on line 3.... why is it calling a move in X and in Y.
If it moves 1" in X and then calls the corner code then it should move 2" in Y and call another corner... then -X for a inch ect....
Can anyone explain these lines to me.

In the end, I really need to draw a rectangle 6 1/8" by 12" with rounded 3/8 Dia corners.
Thanks in advance

[Martin 007]

Ok never mind... I just loaded it into software, and it is not what it was said to be. No wonder it didnt make sense.

[Rally]

Do you still own that Mill?

[Martin 007]

Yes I do. Still starting out and getting things figured out. For me it is a long process, as I dont have time to spend, with other projects, and job. So far it is doing well as advertised.

[OffshoreRacer]

Hey Martin

Is your Supra living up to expectations ? I might be in the market for a 4 axis CNC mill, and am wondering how good they are. I want repeatable accuracy. The price of course, is what caught my eye.

Randall

[Rally]

Originally Posted by OffshoreRacer Hey Martin Is your Supra living up to expectations ? I might be in the market for a 4 axis CNC mill, and am wondering how good they are. I want repeatable accuracy. The price of course, is what caught my eye. Randall

Do yourself a favor and stay clear of CNC Master MIlls. I have just dissected my Controller and the only good thing in this Machine are the Gecko G201 Drivers.
They use a ribbon cable to supply power! If you want something good for your money have a look see at Industrial Hobbies Website. They have it going on!!

[Martin 007]

I have a newer versio than Rally has. Mine so far works well, but I have not done enough with it to give you a good review. I cut 4 1" circles the other day and it landed dead center after each and in the end. Thats all I can offer.

[Rally]

Hi Martin!
The Controller you have is still the same thing or else the Software would not interface with my machine.
I have (Yesterday) started to disassemble the whole Control unit and let me tell you it is not looking good. The way that they set this unit up was to save space and Money. The most expensive parts in it are the Gecko G201's The Power supply they use is about $40.00 and the Capacitor is way to small according to a friend of mine in the Electronic Store. They also use Ribbon Cable to interconnect their components they use it for power as well. I wished I would have "never ever" purchased that machine. The real sad thing is that I could have build me a Servo "Closed Loop" System for 2/3 of the Money I spent on this P.O.S. But that is just my Opinion and I'm sure they will keep on selling them.
They are "cheep build" Machines!