Thread: Forgive me for being a novice and new to cnc machines :)

Well, for starters, we have, each and every one of us, all been novices once, so no apologies are needed and nobody laughs at you, only with you.

Ask as many questions you want, someone here is always ready to lend a helping hand.
Also, just remember, the only stupid questions are the ones never asked. There are no such things as stupid questions.

Some CNC machines come supplied with graphic programs, others you have to buy yourself.
Before you decide to buy a machine, go to WWW.Vectric.com.
They have trial downloads for all their software, lots of training videos and PDF articles you can learn a lot from. There is also a forum where any question can be asked and is answered.
Vectric Forum • Index page
Please be aware that a CNC machine is not just a "push a button and away you go" kind of machine.
There is a learning curve which is best done before even deciding which machine to buy.
Also remember, once you get started, you are hooked.
There are not many things as satisfying as finishing your first piece.

I was totally lost when I bought my machine and had no idea of what I was doing.
I wish someone had told me to learn as much as I could before I spent all that money. It was so frustrating to have a machine sitting there and not have a clue how to use it.
Somebody probably did but I was too stubborn to listen

Hope to hear more from you in this forum.

Cheers

Hello Natty
I and every other person in this forum was born with the knowledge of how to use a CNC machine and also how to use the relevant software that was needed to do the job. Did you get into the wrong line? You had to stand in the line marked CNC or you didn't get the right stuff.

Truthfully though, I have been learning how to use this tripply damned machine for at least the last three years. I think I am starting to get the hang of it, but Rod tells me that I am just fooling myself and when I look at some of the other sites and see what others are producing i sort of agree with him.

On the other hand, I really enjoy all the hard learning I am doing. I am 67 years old and I see that you are only a mere whippersnapper of 29. This should enable you to learn all this computerising stuff and such like a lot faster than these old brain cells can do. As Wolffie says, it's a good idea to learn a little (or even a lot) about the software required to run these machines. Vectrics for the design work and Mach3 for controling the machine.

I don't entirely agree with Wolffie as I am of the camp that would prefer to fiddle with things (NOT THAT SORT OF CAMP) as I learn about them. To that end, If you can afford to spend the money on one of the cheap Chinese machines as a learning machine then by all means go ahead and buy one. They are excellent value for money, you can use it as a learning machine and then when you consider you have outgrown it you can sell it for not much less that it cost you. You can also use it to produce the next generation of your CNC as well.

Have fun.

Originally Posted by Bob Willson

Hello Natty
I and every other person in this forum was born with the knowledge of how to use a CNC machine and also how to use the relevant software that was needed to do the job. Did you get into the wrong line? You had to stand in the line marked CNC or you didn't get the right stuff.

Truthfully though, I have been learning how to use this tripply damned machine for at least the last three years. I think I am starting to get the hang of it, but Rod tells me that I am just fooling myself and when I look at some of the other sites and see what others are producing i sort of agree with him.

On the other hand, I really enjoy all the hard learning I am doing. I am 67 years old and I see that you are only a mere whippersnapper of 29. This should enable you to learn all this computerising stuff and such like a lot faster than these old brain cells can do. As Wolffie says, it's a good idea to learn a little (or even a lot) about the software required to run these machines. Vectrics for the design work and Mach3 for controling the machine.

I don't entirely agree with Wolffie as I am of the camp that would prefer to fiddle with things (NOT THAT SORT OF CAMP) as I learn about them. To that end, If you can afford to spend the money on one of the cheap Chinese machines as a learning machine then by all means go ahead and buy one. They are excellent value for money, you can use it as a learning machine and then when you consider you have outgrown it you can sell it for not much less that it cost you. You can also use it to produce the next generation of your CNC as well.

Have fun.

Well, to clarify, I was stubborn enough to spend over $7.000 because I wouldn't listen to experience. Now I am already thinking of getting another smaller one
That better Bob?
Cheers

Welcome,

I had attempted to explain these programs a few times but I think I'd just confuse you, so I thought I'd list what I personally use for CNC'in 2D Parts on my cnc router and you can check them out.


1. Sketchup Pro - Trimble SketchUp - $600USD (Video Tutorials on the site) "Can be purchased for $495 AUD now-days"
2. Vectric Cut 2D - www.vectric.com - Site is down at the moment but I believe $169 USD? (Video tutorials also I think?)
3. Mach 3 - ArtSoft USA - Home of Mach3 and LazyCam - $175USD or homanndesigns.com has it for $148USD


An alternate to Sketchup is Solid Edge 2D (Free) its a very nice CAD program but I practically use sketch-up for everything now (3d models and for 2D stuff on the cnc machine) so I threw some money their way, although I later found out you can just print to PDF in the free version which Vectric Cut 2D will accept

Solid Edge Links
Download - Free 2D: Siemens PLM Software
Tutorial - [TUTORIAL] 2D Design With Solid Edge - Overclockers Australia Forums


These are just the programs I use, there are many options available out there varying from free to expensive

Originally Posted by SAISAY

Well, to clarify, I was stubborn enough to spend over $7.000 because I wouldn't listen to experience. Now I am already thinking of getting another smaller one
That better Bob?
Cheers

I said wolffie. sorry about that saisay. Sign your posts and I won't err again. Alzheimers allowing.

Originally Posted by Bob Willson

I said wolffie. sorry about that saisay. Sign your posts and I won't err again. Alzheimers allowing.

Not Alzheimers "Old Timers"

Cheers
ASISAY

Another great but free program is DraftSight from Dassault Systèmes

Thank you, I have downloaded the demo on Vetric and had a little play around and it doesn't seem to hard (I think) to work out. Once I have the chance I will have a look at the Mach program (currently have to finish entertaining the children and try get a doll out of a tonka truck).

So basically when you have the programs sorted is it just a matter of sending it to the cnc to cut or do you need to attach the wood ect (sorry very stupid questions) but like I said I really am starting from the beginning and really would like to learn about how they operate before I buy one so I know what to look for, no point spending all that money for something that I can't even understand how to use lol.

Here is a link to some youtube tutorials.

I have no idea if they are exactly what you want as I have not viewed them myself but it sounds like something you could use.

im using turbo CAD pro16 , comes with a 2.5D CAM plug in , after a 6 month learning curve , im getting used to the program and are creating 3d objects , i thought were impossible to draw , and quickly as well

about to start cutting foam out for "hot face" molds for a furnace i drew up in 8hours <pic

furnace3b.JPG
turboCADpro16 with 2.5D CAM plug in is on ebay for $300

my china 6545 cant cut steel , but it sore can cut 3d timber plugs that can be cast in iron , this drawing is of a number 10 crucible (10kg of brass), after i will make another , for a size 40 crucible (40kg of brass ) 10kg you can pull out by hand , 40kg need lifting gear ,this one fits into a 40 gallon drum cut down , if any one wants a copy of the CAD file , PM me