Re: yet another newbie question :)

Thanks for all the replys guys. This does sound like what I am
looking for. I looked at the Sherline Linear controller as a
possible answer but the fact that I need one for each axis seems to
make the price a little steep. I have been looking at retro-kits
from maxnc, which from what I have read I may need to upgrade the
stepper motors, and kits from MicroKinetics. The maxnc seems
reasonable, almost too reasonable while the MicroKinetics looks to be
a little more complete. Mind you my intentions with all this are
more or less simple parts and to possible aid in my new found
addiction to steam engines. BTW is CNC somthing that a guy of
average brain power able to teach himself? :)

Thanks again folks
matt

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@y..., Alan Marconett KM6VV <KM6VV@a...> wrote:
> Hi Matt,
>
> What you may be looking for is the MDI (manual data input)
function.
> Without even writing a Gcode (CNC) part file, you can give the mill
> "commands"; G01 X1.00 moves the X axis from it's current position,
to X
> = 1.00. So, if you want, instead of just "cranking the wheels"
over to
> 1.00" on the X axis, just give it a command. I watched my oldest
son
> (then in his senior year of college) quickly get the hang of
> "commanding" MaxNC this way to take the cuts he wanted on some
simple
> brass parts. After a few cuts were finished, he asked "Can't I just
> type these commands into a file and run them?". And so he did!
>
> Could this be what you're looking for? If so, I think you've come
to
> the right list!
>
> HTH
>
> Alan KM6VV
>
>
> pkranger63@y... wrote:
> >
> > I have just recently gotten started in machining. I am using
> > sherline equipment and have just about finished my first project,
a
> > steam engine from the Rudy Kouhoupt video and plans. I am very
> > pleased with what I have been able to accomplish thus far. My
> > question is concerning CNC. I am having a heck of a time finding
> > resources to explain the very basics. Basically what I am looking
> > for is a way to "automate" milling of simple shaped items but and
not
> > deal with the tedium of cranking and cranking where a fair amount
of
> > material must be removed. Am I way off base here? Should I just
> > stick with what I have?
> >
> > thanks for your time
> > matt