Messages

1

General Mach Discussion / Re: Just bought my first cnc, need some pointers/info please about getting started.

« on: July 17, 2011, 07:52:10 AM »

I modified the tool mounting bracket last night so I can mount the Bosch router but I need to pick up some longer screws for it. I hope today I can finish everything up.


Thanks again for all the help,

Chad

2

General Mach Discussion / Re: Just bought my first cnc, need some pointers/info please about getting started.

« on: July 16, 2011, 07:11:52 PM »

Top limit switch for Z is indeed for homing and can also double as an upper limit of course.

So I can eliminate the top limit switch in the picture, I think is says C where it is plugged in to and just use the Z limit switch for both home and upper limit? So only a total of 6 switches need to be wired?

Is the 30V the input power for the motors?

That must be what it is. I didn't notice before but the it has two wires already coming out and going back in to the box. Photos below of the wires and limit switches.

3

General Mach Discussion / Re: Just bought my first cnc, need some pointers/info please about getting started.

« on: July 16, 2011, 03:50:00 PM »

Hello again,
Pc is all set up and got everything but the limit switches and cutting tool finished. I am able to control the motors with the jog buttons. Putting the motor outputs the way that was listed in the instructions had my z axis as y and y as x. They were all messed up. I changed the step Pin and Dir Pin so now when I press Z+ the tool moves up and also change the X for short and Y for long movement. Does this matter I changed the motor outputs to fix it?

I ended up buying a new router which with a little modifying I can use the same bracket to mount it. http://www.lowes.com/pd_226729-353-PR20EVSK_0__?productId=1062825&Ntt=router&pl=1&currentURL=%2Fpl__0__s%3FNtt%3Drouter&facetInfo=
Does this look like I good tool to use?

Now this leads me to a couple more questions about the picture below. Do I need to hook the router to the control relay or can I just manually turn it on? Also the top limit switch has me confused. Is that for a home switch or something? I don't see it in the doc unless I am just missing it. I'm only seeing 6 switches in the instructions but I did receive 7 switches with my machine. No idea what the +30v connection is used for in the picture either.



Thanks again.

4

General Mach Discussion / Re: Just bought my first cnc, need some pointers/info please about getting started.

« on: July 16, 2011, 08:30:14 AM »

Thanks all for the help.

Today my plan is to get the pc all set up with mach3 trial software, get my limit switches wired and mounted and do a little more work to the base.

Thanks again,
Chad

5

General Mach Discussion / Re: Just bought my first cnc, need some pointers/info please about getting started.

« on: July 15, 2011, 05:20:31 PM »

Ok, I got a base partially made. Still need to add plywood to strengthen it up some but the machine is mounted. http://enolamron.com/stuff/images/cnc/base.jpg

I took your advice Tweakie and I am just rebuilding a pc I had laying around that already has win xp and parallel port. It just needs a new vid card and maybe some ram. I also need to do some research on limit switch mounting and wiring. I remember seeing a video somewhere. Now just to find it.

Items my machine came with are as follows:

Limit Switches http://enolamron.com/stuff/images/cnc/limit.jpg

Transformer for dremel tool thing(not sure if it is needed.) http://enolamron.com/stuff/images/cnc/transformer.jpg

Control box [img]http://enolamron.com/stuff/images/cnc/backbox.jpg

Cable http://enolamron.com/stuff/images/cnc/cable.jpg

I think these are the t-slot clamps? http://enolamron.com/stuff/images/cnc/clamps.jpg

Only doc that came with it is.  http://enolamron.com/stuff/images/cnc/setup.doc

6

General Mach Discussion / Just bought my first cnc, need some pointers/info please about getting started.

« on: July 15, 2011, 07:55:10 AM »

Hello,
My name is Chad, I'm builder in Maine who is looking to start learning mach3 and cnc.

I just purchased a cnc router from ebay, http://cgi.ebay.com/40-inch-cnc-router-engraving-milling-machines-/270775652255?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f0b7c8f9f and im thinking about picking up a laptop to use with it.

This is the laptop I am checking in to and was wondering if it would be ok? http://www.staples.com/Toshiba-Satellite-L775D-S7222-17.3-Laptop/product_331466
 I also believe I need to get a parallel port adapter? Would this work?  http://www.staples.com/Belkin-USB-Parallel-Cable-Adapter/product_382233

I'm still getting my feet wet with the whole cnc learning process. I should of done more research before jumping in and buying a machine but, you only live once and home cnc machines look like a blast to mess around with. DHL is due to drop off my new cnc machine any min now and I will post images and videos when I get it for those interested.

Also, I have been skimming through a lot of newbie questions and have yet to find any video tutorials for basic/first time user help. I have seen calibration, and other steps but none really for hardware hookups. Does anyone know of any such tutorials or does every machine have completely different configurations?


Thank you in advance,

Chad