Thread: Beginner's CNC Routing Question

Greetings.

I have recently been reading this and a number of other CNC related forums looking for information about CNC Routers with a view to purchasing one soon. I started my working career with many years working in industrial electronics, and then moving into computer support and computer programming. Now that I'm semi-retired, I've moved into woodworking. CNC Routers seems like a way for me to combine my electronics. computing, and woodworking interests, whilst using a CNC Router for a business venture I have in mind.

I have a few CNC Routing related questions that hope some of the CNC Gurus might be able to provide answers to .....

• I understand what the three axes are (or at least I think I do) with respect to CNC Routing (x, y, z axis - or left/right, back/forward, and up/down). However, quite a few CNC Routers that I've read about talk about being 4, 5 or 6 axis machines (but not much detail is provided). What are these aditional axes, and what sort of practical wood machiining applications call for these additional axes.

A CNC Router sourced from China is about the only one that I could afford. I've looked at some of the ones marketed by Australian company's (such as the LAGUNA CNC Machines sold by Gregory Machinery in Brisbane http://www.gregmach.com/Machinery/CNC/). I realise that buying from an Australian supplier offers lower risk, and better technical support, although I suspect that the technical support will come from the US Supplier, or even from their OEM manufacturer. Unfortunately, the cost for these Australian marketed machines is well above my budget for what will be a very speculative business venture. I also don't want to build from scratch or build from a frame myself, as I really want to concentrate the majority of my energies on the business idea, and learning how to use the machine effeciently and productively. So, a few questions regarding purchasing CNC Routers ex China ......

This forum contains many entries where members have related their tales of woe and sad stories of purchasing from China, with problems such as; Machinery delivered not matching the machinery advertised, Machinery being inadequately packaged and damaged in transit, Poor quality assembly of mechanical and electrical components, lack of adequate manuals and documentation, and the ubiquitous "you can fix it - machine is OK" response to problems.

• Can any forum members recommend any reputable CNC Router suppliers in China ? Suppliers that they have used and that they have had reasonably good results from. (Please don't post responses that rubbish any suppliers. Let's focus on discussing suppliers in China who provide good reliable products and service.)

Lastly, a CNC software related question. I haven't owned a Windows computer since 1999. I use Linux for all my computing needs, mainly because that is where my technical experience and expertise is focused, and because I believe that in most respects, Linux does a better job that Windows or OSX, in the majority of cases. There are a number of free Linux programs that generate g-code (e.g LinuxCNC http://www.linuxcnc.org), along with many CAD/CAM programs that can be used to produce the working designs and prepare them for CAM use. http://www.thebitbangtheory.com/2012...olchain-linux/ is a link to a good article that gives a few examples of Free and Open Source Linux software that provides a complete CNC tool chain under Linux. So, my question:

• Are there people on this forum who have experience using Linux computers to run their CNC Routers ?

Regards,

Roy