Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: How to convert a Grizzly 1006 Mill to CNC - usb and other hardware(s)

The usb kit looks nice, however - the software just is not there, i.m.o.

It is one of many new ones now appearing on the market. You should
consider art has spent 8000 hours and 5 years refining this, the mach
sw, and with input from over 7000 users and is just now getting there.
EMC has spent much more than 8000 hours, with many people co-operating
over 5-6 years. You may need rotated co-ordinates systems and/or
synchronism spindle speed for 4 axis and engraving. I don´t think the
usbcnc supports this, yet.

I am not putting down the usb kit. Its a good choice in hardware. I will
be very happy if they make it commercially. 99% of products are not in
business in 3 years, and 100% of them don´t have the sw ready in less
than 3 years. No example in the cnc or windows world. Zero. Not one.
When it works, I may buy some, or use some for some uses. I would like to.

You MUST have the sw support.
Ncpods, this usd kit, the g-rex from geckodrive, modbus - all are almost
there. Many people have spent money on the g-rex, which is a similar
effort in hardware, and cannot use it, 1-2 years later due to issues on
complex 3d speed and shapes. And its far better hw than the usb box.
The only one that is in widespread use, a.f.a.i.k., and works, is the
modbus. And even that has issues and/or limitations with something.
And it took quite a lot of time and effort to get there.

Also, the usbcnc box is limited to 25 kHz. This is 12 rps, or 720 rpm.
Its a big limitation, normally.

Spending 100$ more or 200$ less, if you cannot use it, means you wasted
your money. And usually a lot of time an effort.

In truth, for real production use, today, there is only mach3 and emc2.
Both are proven, will work, and are cheap or very affordable.

Some people even use dos sw -for some users, in some situations, it´s a
worthwhile trade off.
As I plan to make parts, I paid my lifetime fee for mach3 and will use
emc in some cases and have made the right choice for me. Your choices
may be influenced by other criteria, you need to make that call yourself.

Good luck, anyway,
h.