Beginner in Central Iowa Could use Help

[natsnot]

Hello,
I've been working at building a custom engraving business for better than a year now, using only my laser engraver and sandblast cabinet. I purchased a 12"x24" CNC Router that came with Mach3 software and I am now getting around to trying to use this new piece of equipment and it is a bit challenging!

I know I will pick it up quickly, but all of the terminology is so new to me that it's tough to even get started with the basics on my own and I'm hoping that there is someone in or around the Des Moines or Ankeny area that might be interested in helping me get started with this. I am open to paying some type of fee or maybe we could work out the use of my laser engraver in part or whole as trade for teaching me how to get setup and going.

My name is Stan and I'll happily give my number to someone in reply to this post. Thanks for reading and considering!
Stan

[tiggeraaron]

Hey Stan,
Good to see some fellow Iowans lurking about. Don't know of many central Iowa cncer's. I would be happy to help out, I am definitely not an expert by any stretch of the imagination, but have been working with Mach 3 for awhile. Right now, I am about half way through a Bridgeport cnc conversion and have also constructed a cnc plasma table. Let me know what you may need help with and I will do my best.
Later,
Aaron

[natsnot]

Hello Aaron!
Thanks for responding. Other than reading the name Bridgeport many times now, I have no idea what this conversion is you are doing, lol. Now a CNC Plasma I understand, awesome!

I don't know what area of Des Moines you're in, but if you'd like to get together sometime I would love to pick your brain about Mach3 and CNC Routing a bit. Since posting this message I have learned quite a bit in getting my machine setup (breaking a few bits) and routing a few simple things very poorly. BUT, I think I'm catching on a bit. I have been swamped with my business but hope to get back to the router over the next couple of days or early next week.

I'd like to check out your equipment sometime, but would you mind coming over here if you have time. It would be helpful to me to go through setting with my machine and probably get a better understanding of much of it.

My email is stan at natsnot dot com if you'd like to drop a note and let me know what ya think. Thanks Aaron and I hope to get to meet you soon.
Stan

[tiggeraaron]

Hey Stan,
I am on the east side of Des Moines near Easton and Hubbell. I wouldn't mind at all if you came over to check out what I have going on. I would also like to check out your router too, sounds cool! As far as Mach 3 is concearned, I can help you out as much as I know. There are still parts of it I myself am still trying to learn. The main difference is what kind of breakout board is in use. I have used a few and found the more robust a breakout board is in features, the easier it is get things wired and working. Hope to talk to you soon, later!
Aaron