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Thread: Half thinking of a CNC outfit
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24th November 2018, 10:46 AM #1GOLD MEMBER
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Half thinking of a CNC outfit
Hi all,
Like a lot of other people on here, I am half thinking of investing in a CNC outfit. I come across this site and have been emailing them.
https://www.sharpsoftware.com.au/cnc-machines
Still rather confused as to what you end up getting and what else is required and what ongoing costs there is.
Anyone had any experience with this company,..?
Paul
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24th November 2018, 02:03 PM #2Woodworking mechanic
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Basically, you get the aluminium frame and screw threads. Everything else is extra.
For example, if you choose the $1299 55cm x 52cm kit, by the time you add the 4 stepper motors, the wiring and wiring chain, the Electronics and the VFD and spindle, your up for $2039
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24th November 2018, 03:24 PM #3GOLD MEMBER
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Thanks Lappa,
I tended to think thats how it would be. So naturally my next question is, for the 2 grand outlay, what sort of results would I expect to get from this.
Thanks again
Paul
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24th November 2018, 06:05 PM #4Woodworking mechanic
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Someone with CNC experience is better qualified to answer that question, but the things I noticed are;
- Electronics and programs are Arduino nano and GRBL rather than PC and eg. Mach 3.
- Spindle is 1.5kW with VFD
- Spindle collets are ER11 which are limited to max of 7mm router bit shanks.
- all 240v wiring, including VFD and even from stepper 24v power supply to 240v , is absent and needs to be done by an electrician (According to their blurb) which is added expense.
When I was looking at GRBL, it was recommended that a free program called Inkscape would be a good program to convert drawing to G-code.
Hope someone familar with CNC chimes in with more details on the capability.
Cheers
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24th November 2018, 07:01 PM #5GOLD MEMBER
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Thanks again Lappa,
I need to read up a fair bit more on all of this,
Thanks, Paul
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26th November 2018, 04:35 AM #6SENIOR MEMBER
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What size working area are you looking for?
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26th November 2018, 07:50 AM #7GOLD MEMBER
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I was a bit surprised to see Inkscape suggested as a CAM package, so I went googling and found this:
https://www.norwegiancreations.com/2...sing-inkscape/
In summary, it seems Inkscape can be made to produce very simple Gcode, but is NOT recommended to drive anything more vicious than a plotter.
I suggest you have a look at CamBam - CamBam CNC Software
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26th November 2018, 06:00 PM #8Woodworking mechanic
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It was mentioned as a simple G-code generator because it’s free and it’s quite often recommended when used with GRBL using an Arduino device as the “brains” - nothing more complex than that.
It has been used in GRBL controlled CNC machines and, CNC machines in reality, are nothing more than plotters that carve/cut/burn, are they not?
in fact, there a number of discussions on laser cutters and Inkscape and complex shapes.
Sure there are other more suitable software but they cost.
CamBam is not free (limitations after x number of uses) and most Mach 3 software that comes with CNC machines from China is pirated
JMO.
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26th November 2018, 06:21 PM #9GOLD MEMBER
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Thanks fellows, all sounds very interesting. And Ericks, not a large area, maybe just around 300mm x 300mm.
I've also been checking this one out. With the laser adaptor it works out around the $4,500 mark, plus I guess router bits.
https://www.timbecon.com.au/routing/...x-cnc-machines
Paul
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26th November 2018, 06:46 PM #10Woodworking mechanic
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I’ve bought some items off these guys. Have a look at their small and big ox basic frames.
https://www.makerstore.com.au/
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26th November 2018, 07:30 PM #11Senior Member
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Half thinking of a CNC outfit
You use Inkscape to convert your jpgs bitmap etc so that you can take it to a program like easle or cut 2d
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27th November 2018, 11:41 AM #12GOLD MEMBER
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Well, if you are plotting, or laser cutting, then all you need do is move the head around directly over the desired cut/plot line.
If you are routing or milling, your gcode needs to be produced taking the radius and end profile of the cutter(s) into account, as well as the optimum feed, speed and depth of cut for the combination of material, cutter, machine and type of operation into account.
Taking an optimist's approach, CamBam is free initially, so you can use it as a learning experience, and decide from there whether you want to use a drawing package, work within the limitations of the free version of CamBam, or pay for a licence.
There are many different tool chains, for many different purposes, just as there are different CNC machines. The OP would probably need to give more info on what they intend to do with the machine, to get more focused feedback.
I'm currently doing MDF musical wall art for a piano teacher, going from a Thingiverse model, to CamBam, and driving my mill with LinuxCNC running on a museum piece PC.
Cheers,
Andrew
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28th November 2018, 03:17 PM #13SENIOR MEMBER
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28th November 2018, 07:35 PM #14Senior Member
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29th November 2018, 06:42 AM #15GOLD MEMBER
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Hi there chaps, Sorry for not adding a lot of feedback to my original question. I am currently on holidays over in NZ for nearly 7 weeks, just under two weeks to go. Why I am only half thinking of this, is,....I make timber jewellery boxes and sell quite a few, actually whilst I have been over here in NZ I've sold 6, have to post them away when I get back home.
I get various requests for engraving to be done on the lids. I already have two cheap chinese laser engravers, one only does an area of 40mm x 40mm. The piece of timber sits on a small tray, basically only tied on with a rubber band whilst the tray moves back and forth one way and the laser head moves the other way. Obviously this only allows for very small objects to be engraved. My other cheapo does an area 80mm x 80mm. The good thing about this one is that it has 4 legs and can sit on top of a box whilst the laser head moves both ways. It has let me down once, just stopped and wouldnt proceed. Then for no reason it worked ok the next time. Needless to say it messed up my box and I had to make a very thin insert to go over the insert I mucked up.
So my thinking is, do I put up with what I have. Or do I buy something like you are talking about here and take the time to work out the software and how to use it etc etc, whereas I could have spent that time on more boxes. It is just a hobby really.
Thanks again
Paul
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