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Author Topic: Mach3 for Large CNC Router Table - or Not?  (Read 6295 times)

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Mach3 for Large CNC Router Table - or Not?
« on: January 09, 2018, 08:07:41 AM »
Is anyone using Mach3/4 for serious machine control?


 I am seeing large 4x8 foot router tables with prices exceeding $20,000 and wondering what control system they are using and if one that used Mach3/4 could ever be considered? 
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Offline Tweakie.CNC

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Re: Mach3 for Large CNC Router Table - or Not?
« Reply #1 on: January 09, 2018, 08:17:48 AM »
I am using Mach3 for serious CNC machine control and it is more than earning it's keep.
I am using Mach4 as a 'one day' replacement for Mach3.
Price / cost of the machine has little to do with it.

Tweakie.
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Re: Mach3 for Large CNC Router Table - or Not?
« Reply #2 on: January 09, 2018, 08:42:33 AM »
I am using Mach3 for serious CNC machine control and it is more than earning it's keep.
I am using Mach4 as a 'one day' replacement for Mach3.
Price / cost of the machine has little to do with it.

Tweakie.
 OK but surprise I am on another forum (not CNCZone,)  and the used prices are starting at $20,000 USD  (4x8 foot table)  and new $50k on up. The one thing that comes out in the discussion, "they are using real control systems, not Mach3"!  Been involved in hobby CNC for years and know spending Lots of money upfront does Not guarantee that You will make lots of money! Its how you run your business and your market.  Thanks for the reply.
« Last Edit: January 09, 2018, 08:44:40 AM by wmgeorge »
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Offline Davek0974

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Re: Mach3 for Large CNC Router Table - or Not?
« Reply #3 on: January 09, 2018, 10:50:18 AM »
Using M3 on a plasma table and a mill - making money for me, cant see much benefit in spending more for i do.
Re: Mach3 for Large CNC Router Table - or Not?
« Reply #4 on: January 09, 2018, 11:28:40 AM »
We have Medium sized VMCs,  medium sized lathes, and OD Grinders that are running Mach3 and Mach4.
Chad Byrd

Offline ger21

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Re: Mach3 for Large CNC Router Table - or Not?
« Reply #5 on: January 09, 2018, 06:39:09 PM »
Quote
Is anyone using Mach3/4 for serious machine control?


 I am seeing large 4x8 foot router tables with prices exceeding $20,000

A $20K 4x8 router is a fairly low end machine, from my perspective. But I use a $150K router every day.
WinCNC is a popular control  in the $20K-$50K price range of machines, and costs about $1500-$3000, depending on options.

I've seen older big routers like a Biesse converted to use Mach3.
Would I use Mach3 on a new machine today? No, there are better options available.  But I still use it on my current machine.
Mach3 was written over 10 years ago, and development stopped over 5 years ago.

Mach4 is probably much, much better than Mach3, but hasn't won a lot of people over, for a variety of reasons.
Gerry

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Re: Mach3 for Large CNC Router Table - or Not?
« Reply #6 on: January 09, 2018, 07:18:46 PM »
I agree.   I would fully recommend Mach4.  It may take more time to configure than Mach3, but it is well worth it in the end.
Chad Byrd
Re: Mach3 for Large CNC Router Table - or Not?
« Reply #7 on: January 09, 2018, 07:49:25 PM »
Run it from an ethernet connected laptop to a motion controller and buy and configure two or three identical computers as spares.  The greatest advantage of windows in my book is being able to have a CAM program right on the machine to tweak programs.
Re: Mach3 for Large CNC Router Table - or Not?
« Reply #8 on: January 09, 2018, 08:34:09 PM »
Although, I'm pretty sure the Mach team suggest strictly running Mach and nothing else on the PC.   I also am guilty of running my cam, Fusion 360, along side Mach4.  It's like a built in wizard on the machine!  ;)
Chad Byrd
Re: Mach3 for Large CNC Router Table - or Not?
« Reply #9 on: January 10, 2018, 09:11:04 AM »
Quote
Is anyone using Mach3/4 for serious machine control?


 I am seeing large 4x8 foot router tables with prices exceeding $20,000

A $20K 4x8 router is a fairly low end machine, from my perspective. But I use a $150K router every day.
WinCNC is a popular control  in the $20K-$50K price range of machines, and costs about $1500-$3000, depending on options.

I've seen older big routers like a Biesse converted to use Mach3.
Would I use Mach3 on a new machine today? No, there are better options available.  But I still use it on my current machine.
Mach3 was written over 10 years ago, and development stopped over 5 years ago.

Mach4 is probably much, much better than Mach3, but hasn't won a lot of people over, for a variety of reasons.

  The 20k is a one year old used Camaster. That poster is looking at spending $60k USD on a new one.  He is a small business with only one other employee.
Retired Master Electrician, Commercial HVAC/R Service and lots of Hobbys.