Thread: Entry level CNC machine advice

Having assembled and set up a Shark pro I think they are OK for entry level but lack features such as ballscrews, cable management, supported rails. The biggest problem I see with them is direct coupling the lead screw to the motors.
They do include the software and are work well so I am not writing them off.

The ebay machine is priced well and has the features the Shark doesn't but does not include software. Being made from ally and having a T slot deck is a big plus. This would be my choice between the two.

Thank you for your reply RodM,
I have been playing with the trial version of V-Carve, and find this an easy to use program.. I also have full blown ACAD.. I would probable purchase V-Carve as it suits my needs.

With this EBay machine,

Im guessing the issue i would have is the control interface from V-carve to the machine itself... Although i don’t think that is insurmountable.

Another question, which is very probably a "noobs" one, is.
What is the ER11 collet?...

Thanks

Andy

An ER11 collet is style of clamp for holding the cutting tool (router bit). This is probably the best type for a CNC machine having clamping capability of 1 to 7mm shaft if you purchase the full set of collets. The collets are under $50 delivered.

I think you will find the controller works through a parallel port and therefore will hook into Mach3 software.

The ebay unit looks good to me

This unit may also be worth a look kind of looks the same doesn't it

CNC router engraver drilling and milling machine - eBay (item 320561255577 end time Nov-10-10 07:53:59 PST)

CNC router engraver drilling and milling machine 60400 - eBay (item 120510495314 end time Oct-22-10 05:04:13 PDT)

If your interested in going the international route you could probably haggle on shipping as its listed as "UPS Worldwide Express Plus" which sounds expensive

We can't buy the bits to make them at those prices.
I think they are a serious contender for anyone considering making a machine.

The smaller verion runs on trapazoidal screws so I would bypass those but the mid size are very good value for money even though they are limited in the Z axis travel.

We can't buy the bits to make them at those prices.
I think they are a serious contender for anyone considering making a machine.

You would miss out on all the fun of drilling and tapping and cutting and filing.....

Cheeky

I sometimes wonder how many tapped holes I do for a machine then I think if I knew I would probably not build another one.

Thank for all the replys....

RodM.. I really don’t think i would personally have the patience to build my own
machine!... I dip my hat to you on that score...

Andy

Ive got another question.. Sorry if i sound a real noob here..

From what ive found out I will probably need to have an LPT1 port (
Parallel).. Is this true?....

All my computers are 64bit, and as far as i can determine LPT only works on 32bit systems....

Would it be possible to use a USB to LPT emulator?..

Hi Wood4Fun,
I've just finished putting my control box together for my build and I wanted to use USB as well. I grabbed one of these to link it to my Gecko G540 drive.

Smooth Stepper [SS-01] - US$155.00 : Homann Designs, The Preferred CNC Component supplier

At the moment it is only compatible with Mach3 software I believe.
May be an option for you.

Row

Thanks "nofunatall".. Pardon my ignorance, but i have no idea what that is at all......

I have done a bit of research and came up with this..

TL-PS110P

Not sure if im on the right track here.. but im more of a plug and play person these days.

Although i also see that Mach3 is a only 32bit app..

Although i am finding a few technical hurdles, I am getting very interseted in the CNC idea...

Andy

Na mate they dont work your better off buying a cheap dell and put xp on it from graysonline auctions with a parallel port and put your control software say Mach3 on that.

The issue is that either Mach 3 or EMC2 is software written to directly access the printer port hardware and toggle the signals on and off. Print servers, USB ports, USB to parallel port converters, and the like do not support this mode of operation, and thus aren't compatible with the software. If you're really, really curious, the original PC parallel port was an based on the Intel 8255 chip; try Google or Wikipedia on "Parallel Port" or "8255" for various background.

The only other way is to use a SS via USB.