Anyone bitten by the cnc bug in Ohio? Local chapter starting!

[Ed Williams]

Hello
I live in Wheelersburg next to Portsmouth Ohio. That is about 100 mile south of Columbus. I’m a newbie to CNC. I have a lot of experience with computers and electronics. But never messed with a CNC. I just purchased one from K2. I thought it would be better to start with one already built. Could I get some suggestion on where would be the best place to start with G-coding. What are the best programs to use to convert different drawling to g-code. I know nothing about this so would appreciate any help to keep me from going down a lot of dead end roads on my way to cncing.
Thanks Ed

[stevesplanes]

I'm In a suburb of Cleveland, Will travel on weekends

[dmatthewb]

Ed,
I purchased a program that goes by the name of Mach 2 (Art, who wrote the application, also lets you use the new version Mach 3 for the same license fee), not too expensive, has all of the basic features for machine control, and some advanced as well. It has worked very well for me, and a lot of other cnc hobbiest seem to like it as well. I have access to Autocad 2006, but that is a steep learning curve. As for gcode interpreters, I know they are out there that allow you to convert scanned images, .dwg, etc. directly to gcode, but I'm also trying to get a handle on which one seems to be the best for the money. If I come up with any useful info on that, I will let you know.
Matthew

[Ed Williams]

I just got a K2 25X14 CNC. Can I use this to cut aluminum parts out of ½ inch sheets. I’m looking for suggestions on what bits and any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks Ed
Wheelersburg Ohio

[jonah332]

Hi guys,

I seem to be alittle late to this thread. I'm in Henry county, 40 mi. west of Toledo,and have been running cnc for 11 years. Been thinking about converting vert. mill in my garage to cnc. So I was just poking around.

[boyvox]

I'm in Delaware OH, just north of Columbus. Looking for a group, mentors, or others who would like to get together and talk about our various CNC projects. I have a K2 2514 and an old Thermwood with 2ft by 4ft table that needs rebuilding. If anyone is actually thinking of putting together a meeting or just talking with me I would be interested. Thanks.

-Ben

[ballscrewed]

Ed Where are you in Wheelersburg? I was just there on Fri. night for a water main break at the Portsmouth metro houseing complex off of dogwood ridge. If i would have read your post sooner i ccould have stopped by and introduced myself. I sure I will be back soon as the Pike County water system is starting to show it age. I am a underground utility locator for SBC,AEP,TimeWarner and Sprint. I could anwser more of your questions If I had a better idea of your settup and see what your wanting to cut. As for others I am in Ross and Pike countys everyday and oncall for Pike,Ross,Fayette,Highland,Scioto,Venton and Jackson countys so If you would like to meet and discuss CNC let me know.
Aaron

[ballscrewed]

I wanted to let you guys know that BigLots has a 10" 100 tooth carbide blade for $19.99 to cut your stock down to size. I cut some 80/20 for a freind and it came out like it was machined to size with nothing more than alittle wax on the blade and smeared on the part. Great buy if you are comfortable cutting your own stock withe a saw. And now for the saftey disclamer Dont do this or it will hurt or kill you and your neibors dog and possible burn down the WalMart down the road. I think that about covers all the bases
Aaron

[Spark*Chaser]

Located in Cleveland, currently working on a foamcutter and a router. Progress is limited by funds, but should have both completed by the end of summer.

Jim

[stevesplanes]

Jim

My name is Steve. I am also trying to build a foam cutter. I have many parts and not enough time. I also live in the greater Cleveland Area. I woould like to show you what I have. My number 216-240-0002

[Spark*Chaser]

PM sent

[Gncc50]

I live in the Youngstown, Warren area ( Northeast Ohio) Have a small shop in the garage.