CNC routers and plasmas

[SignWave]

What software are you using on your table Monte?

I've got something called Enroute. Its a 3D package for sign making. have you had the chance to use this one? I havent yet had the chance to put it to use. Im on the steep side of the learning curve...

regards Rich.

[monte55]

My CAD program is V Carve for designing and generating a G Code for the controller program which is Mach 3 to send commands to the 4 stepper motors that drive the gantry with router. You can download trial versions of both programs and use with limitations for free. ....VERY COOL!!!!!!!!!

[SignWave]

thanks Monte, Ill have to try it out.

here is a pic of what im expecting to show up any day now.. I hope.....

http://www.precix.com/CNC_router_industrial_11100.htm

Some exciting times ahead!! Yeeeeee Hawwwww!!!

[monte55]

Looks like a real nice machine. What are you planning to do?????????

[SignWave]

The first thing I plan to do is learn how to use it! I have some experience on cnc routers , but its pale, very pale compared to the capability of this machine..

I'll be putting everything I can under the bit. Aluminum, acrylics, plastics, wood, foam. whatever i need to do signage. I'm especially looking forward to the aluminum aspect of it all. I'll be able to make some very nice peicees with this machine. It has a 12" gantry and 3D capability and so I will be able to do reliefs and other dimesional objects.. But first..

Like I said Im on the steep side of the learning curve. Its going to be a real adventure for the next while. The guy i bought the machine from said to me quite bluntly: " its going to change your life"

I trust he meant that in a good way. I once bought a car from a dealer. the dealer said to me that this car was a "mechanics car" I thought it was owned by a mechanic... What he really meant is that its going to need a mechanic to get it running... I got it running, but the play on words got me..

I had to get a rotary phase converter for it too. Its a 3 phase table with a variable frequecy drive.. Lets hope it doesnt reek havoc with the other electronics near by. At full speed the drive will be producing 400Hz. thats enought to make the phone ring on its own and a mess with my PC's..

[pro70z28]

That's a nice looking machine SignWave. I bought a Multicam 44 about 13-14 years ago. It finally gave out (cost more to fix than it was worth) so this time around I just bought a shopbot. I'm getting to close to retirement to invest in anything high end. It's a 4'x8' table and I adapted the perske spindle I had on the old machine to this one. It's slow , but I've cut aluminum mild steel & even engraved some stainless yard markers for a golf course once. I do menuboards out of oak, Cedar & redwood Signs, cut PVC tags by the thousands for a warehouse, cut dimensional letters, make car parts for myself once in awhile, etc. It's amazing how much you come to rely on a CNC when it's just sitting there ready to use & when accuracy is a must. It's no where near the machine your getting though. I'd like to here how it runs when you get it set up. Should be a fun machine to operate.

[SignWave]

Thanks Pro,
I will keep you informed. I have to figure out where im going to set this machine.. My space is dwindling. I figure that if all goes well, I should be able to do my first cuts in the two weeks following delivery.

Tell me about cutting steel. That sounds intersting as well as having appeal for my endevours.

Monte, Pro, Do you guys have "log ons" at cnczone? if you do let me know who you are. Im going to set up there too as signwave of course.

that steel cutting business sounds interesting. I would really like to hear more....

Thanks.

[monte55]

I'm am always Monte55 unless .....................................