Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Getting Started

on 2016-05-06 06:57:18 UTC

Can't help with the specifics of the router/engraver but this is what I have. It's only a "menu" and there are lots of other menus to try!

CNC Machine: built from a Taig CNC ready mill

Mach 3 using a parallel port connection

Controller: Gecko 540 to run the motors

CAM program to set speeds, etc. and create Gcode

Power supply

Cabinet to hold the Gecko and power supply

If you can do your own Gcode, you may not need a CAM program. I am cutting clock wheels on the Taig but have done engraving: a 4 inch brass clock dial and finishing a partially complete equatorial sundial. CamBam can handle engraving.

Mach 4, as I understand it, does not require a parallel port but does require additional electronics. Mach 4 is still on my "to-do list."

You'll need some wire and bits and pieces of electronics stuff. I had to go to shielded cables some years ago to run from the controller to the motors.

Each part of a system requires a learning curve but if you have mastered CAD, you have completed the hardest one of the curves.

From: "wej0901@... [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO]" <CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com>
To: CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Thursday, May 5, 2016 7:20 PM
Subject: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Getting Started

I am a mechanical engineer and have mastered the three cad side of design. I use to write g code 30 years ago when i was in undergraduate studies. I'd like to get a small cnc router like the 6040T but I haven't a clue where to start. Looking for help. I am slightly confused. I know I need a controller and a software for the controller like mach4. I bought an older computer with an 32bit os and a parallel port because I've been reading that I need a parallel port and a usb doesn't cut it. Please help. Can someone please suggest like a bill of materials and software?

Regards
Bill Johnson

Discussion Thread

Mark Peugeot 2001-01-22 21:23:30 UTC Re: Getting Started 2016-05-06 05:58:08 UTC Getting Started Douglas Vogt 2016-05-06 06:57:18 UTC Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Getting Started Ron Thompson 2016-05-06 08:23:50 UTC Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Getting Started 2016-05-07 06:08:58 UTC Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Getting Started 2016-05-09 09:54:20 UTC Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Getting Started 2016-05-17 05:38:36 UTC Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Getting Started Malcolm Parker-Lisberg 2016-05-17 05:38:37 UTC Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Getting Started Bill Vance 2016-05-17 23:38:23 UTC Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Getting Started Drew Rogge 2016-05-17 23:55:07 UTC Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Getting Started Dave Halliday 2016-05-18 14:04:11 UTC RE: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Getting Started