need help

[impatient]

hello there fellow backyard engineers, i have been fiddling with the idea of building a CNC router engraver but have no idea on how to run the software. I have downloaded artsoft MACH 3 and have tried to read the 200 page guide but it all looks like greek to me as i have had no previous interaction with CNC machinery. I can build the mechanical part quite easily but have no idea on running the software. This is where i need help!! I live in Seven Hills N.S.W, and was hoping that maybe i could get in contact with someone that has successfully built and operated a CNC router, so i could see first hand how it is run and operated so i can get some idea of how things work so i can get started on my own.
any help would be deeply appreciated!!
:no:

[Greolt]

G'day Impatient

Good name. :)

Mach software certainly does look intimidating. The use interface screens look like they were designed by a committee.

However you will quickly come to understand the bits that you need. There is a lot there that most users never touch.

Unfortunately some of the manual is out of date. The best way to start is go through the videos on the Artsoft site. You will soon get a grasp on the basics.

There are some CNC'ers in Sydney, maybe someone will stick their hand up.

Greg

[jimk]

Like anything new it can seem complicated at first but if you peel away the layers it gets simpler. There are three components to any CNC controller, Mach 3 or otherwise. These are: the controller configuration, axis and motor setup; the second aspect is the human interface or screen and lastly the part program generally referred to as G code.

If you read up on motor position control, such as servos and stepper motors you can better understand what the Mach 3 setup is all about. This site has some information about motor control... http://www.geckodrive.com/
Check under the support menu for a basic description of stepper control. In your part of the world these folks provide similar products.. http://www.rutex.com/home/

The second piece of the puzzle, at least for Mach 3 is the human interface (or screen). The default screen on Mach3 confuses a lot of people because the developers of Mach 3 put almost everything on that one screen. They fully expect users to modify the screen to suit themselves. I believe there is a menu choice in Mach 3 for a "simple" screen" or you can go to there site and download different screen formats. One thing that is confusing is the use of the term DRO. In the machining world that Digital Read Out gives positioning data, in Mach 3 it's overused to indicate any and all display fields. Join the Mach3 forum on Yahoo and you will find assistance and a wealth of information. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mach1mach2cnc/

The last and I think the most important aspect is the G code or what actually runs your parts. The G code program is just a text file with a list of commands. Generally each line is numbered in sequence. In a simple cnc router you will deal with G00 and G01 to make you machine move along the X, Y and Z axis. G00 is a rapid move and G01 is used to accurately position or move the axis. The other two most common commands are G02 and G03. They provide for circular motion (moving two axis at a time) in either a clockwise or counter clockwise direction. Once you have mastered these commands you will have 90% of whats needed to do basic routing. The Mach 3 manual describes the G commands they support or you can also look here for additional training material. http://www.cncezpro.com/gcodes.cfm Don't get hung up on the nuances of all the possible G codes, when your just starting out you can do a lot with just the ones I mentioned. Even today I only use a few more than the ones I described.

For additional help you can also try here.. http://www.cnczone.com/
Good luck on your build.

[impatient]

hey there its impatient again

thanks to the two gentlemen who posted replies gave me a little enlightenment anyway am of to the artsoft web site to see if i can try and make some sence of all of this.
:no:

[seafurymike]

Impatient,

When you read through the stuff and get stuck, post back and we will try to help with your specific questions.

If you wish to come to Melbourne, keep an eye open for postings on CNCZone for our BBQ get togethers. It will be in clubhouse on the aussie section. Greolt comes along with a ripper machine.PS we will be having another one soon.

/M

[Greolt]

I'm sure you have all seen it but just in case you missed it.

BBQ post.

http://www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com.au/showthread.php?t=66480

Greg