RE: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Newbie question on getting started

Marcus you have two options:
You can keep the parker drive and investigate software that will talk to it.
I'd imagine that there is some basic stuff out there that will read a text
file containing positions and move the drive. Do this if this is a one off
CNC project that you want to get to the point where there is just a box with
a green and red button on it and you won't be doing any more CNC related
"STUFF". (you could probably do it this way with a PLC instead of a PC)

You can replace the parker drive with some different drives that are
compatible with the current breed of "hobby" cnc software. I use the term
hobby reservedly because some of it is very very good. In this approach you
learn a lot more about CNC and it takes longer, but you come out of it ready
for your next CNC conversion project. It's worth noting that the extra
effort you need to put in for this approach is offset by the amount of
support you'll get from groups like this one. Google for geckodrive, rutex,
and mach3 for more info here..

Hope this helps

PK

> -----Original Message-----
> From: CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com
> [mailto:CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of marcushmm
> Sent: Thursday, 10 May 2007 8:32 AM
> To: CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Newbie question on getting started
>
> Ok, I am still trying to figure out the CNC or maybe just a
> simpler positioning system and I power the drill press. I do
> not do much(any) milling, mostly just drilling holes in
> stainless back plates or fibrerglass enclosures.
>
> We drill all four sides of the fiberglass plastic enclosure
> so eventually I would like to go to a set up to turn the box
> also, but not to start. Its a 12"x10x5 inch deep electrical
> enclosure so something to rotate it would need to have a
> large clearance, but it is light and easy to drill. I have
> had a dril made up locally so when I hand drill them I only
> have to use one bit and drill to the proper size hole. Sort
> of a modified step bit that starts witha #22 standard bit,
> then a step bit with 64th steps that ends up being a 3/8 NPT
> tap to thread the large holes. I hope to use this or a
> similar bit so that everything can be done in one pass.
>
> Along those lines I bought this positioning table off of Ebay
> and I may have spent too much, but it looks like it cost much
> more than what I paid. Take a look and tell me if I have a
> good start on a CNC or positioning system.
>
> http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=ADME:

B:BCA:US:11&Item=3\

> 20109241953
>
> It cost me $305 dollars and they are close so I can pick it
> up. I have bought lots of itemms from them and they have some
> incredible stuff at great prices. I ussually go after the
> larger stuff as shipping of 2 or 3 hundred dollars scares off
> most bidders.
>
> So let me know if I got something usefull or did I just buy a
> great expensive boat anchor?
>
> And where do I go from here with it?
>
> Thanks guys.
>
> Marcus
>
>
>
>
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