There are all kinds of free hobby CNC software out there that can help you get started in CNC machining. Most of the free software actually isnt the full version of it but is still a pretty good value and gives you an opportunity to try it before you buy it.
A good motion control software package is Mach3. The free version of Mach3 is actually not limited in features and you get everything you will get with the paid version except for the fact that your program will be limited to 500 lines. This may not seem like a problem but you can use up 500 lines in a hurry. The free version is good enough to get you started and teach you how to use G-code efficiently.
Cad Standard is a good free CAD program for 2-D Cad drafting. The only down side I found to this program is the inability to easily set an objects size, but this can be overcome with some trial and error. There are tons of other free CAD programs out there to go along with your hobby CNC software.
CAM BAM is a good free CAM program that works well with Mach3 and has its own CAD program built in. The included cad program inst a full featured piece of CNC software but it can prove useful for those last minute tweaks to your drawing before you spin it into G-Code.
In order to be proficient in Hobby CNC you will need to learn to use software to do the work, this will save you hundreds of hours compared to hand coding every program you write.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Monday, May 25, 2009
Hobby CNC Stepper
The basic heart of all Hobby CNC systems are the Hobby CNC Steppers Motors. Stepper motors are simply axis drive motors that take pulse inputs from a computerized signal that in turn translate that signal to a step or a degree of rotation of the motors shaft. These Stepper motors use "steps" to move an axis a given distance.
Stepper motors are a very affordable method of powering your Hobby CNC machine, no matter if its a mill, lathe, router or any other CNC device you are building this is a good option for you. Hobby CNC Steppers are very easy to incorporate into any machine as they use an open loop system with no feedback sent back to the CNC controller regarding stepper position. Another benefit of using this type of drive motor is that they will stall out far before they self destruct themselves.
A typical Hobby CNC stepper setup with the motion controller would cost you somewhere around $100. So it is easy to see that for a 3 axis setup you wouldn't be breaking the budget just on your drive setup alone. There is also some very good and affordable software available out there for steppers motors. One such example would be Mach3 which does have a free version available that is only limited by the number of lines it lets you use in the free trial. Hobby CNC Software that controls Hobby CNC Steppers is very similar to any other G-Code type software out there.
Stepper motors are a very affordable method of powering your Hobby CNC machine, no matter if its a mill, lathe, router or any other CNC device you are building this is a good option for you. Hobby CNC Steppers are very easy to incorporate into any machine as they use an open loop system with no feedback sent back to the CNC controller regarding stepper position. Another benefit of using this type of drive motor is that they will stall out far before they self destruct themselves.
A typical Hobby CNC stepper setup with the motion controller would cost you somewhere around $100. So it is easy to see that for a 3 axis setup you wouldn't be breaking the budget just on your drive setup alone. There is also some very good and affordable software available out there for steppers motors. One such example would be Mach3 which does have a free version available that is only limited by the number of lines it lets you use in the free trial. Hobby CNC Software that controls Hobby CNC Steppers is very similar to any other G-Code type software out there.
Hobby CNC Milling Machine
A Hobby CNC Milling Machine can teach you a lot about the world of CNC. A good line of machines to start with are the "X machines" X1, X2, and X3. these are all good starter level machines and don't have a bad price range to start with. All three of these are bench top style machines that run on 110v AC and come in manual or full CNC configurations. Check out this page about CNC Benchtop Milling Machines to learn how to make the most out of you machine. This is the HossMachine homepage and is slam full of useful info with lots of videos and prints, as well as a store full of goodies for your X2 mill project!
You have a couple of options to pick from at this point. The first option is to buy the manual machine and convert it over to CNC yourself by using a CNC kit or build and source the components yourself. This is a good option for the budget minded or if you really want to learn the workings of a CNC mill. The second option would be to buy the machine CNC ready. This is the option you should take if you are only interested in learning CNC programing and operation. This option of course will be much more expensive of an initial cost but will get you into making parts much quicker.
Another thing to understand about these CNC Machines is they do have limitations as a Hobby Grade Machine. These machines will not zip around like the industrial counterparts used in heavy manufacturing, but used within their intended purpose are very capable of producing high quality parts and pieces. Hobby CNC Milling Machines are a very good learning tool for anyone that is involved in the CNC industry or they can be quite enjoyable for for anyone who is into making parts of their own. Some typical uses of these machines would be to produce parts for RC vehicles, produce parts for other CNC Machines, make parts for guns or small parts for automobiles. These Hobby CNC Milling Machines can be used in light manufacturing also if setup and operated correctly but would best be suited for prototype work. For those who really get hooked on CNC milling machines and routing machines, you will sometimes also have the need for additional equipment like a mini lathe to get the whole machining project done. With one of these Discount Mini Lathes, you will be able to handle those projects that also require some metals turning to get your job done. Also, if you get a versatile discounted mini lathe with the right attachments, you can do both metal turning and wood turning machining projects.
You have a couple of options to pick from at this point. The first option is to buy the manual machine and convert it over to CNC yourself by using a CNC kit or build and source the components yourself. This is a good option for the budget minded or if you really want to learn the workings of a CNC mill. The second option would be to buy the machine CNC ready. This is the option you should take if you are only interested in learning CNC programing and operation. This option of course will be much more expensive of an initial cost but will get you into making parts much quicker.
Another thing to understand about these CNC Machines is they do have limitations as a Hobby Grade Machine. These machines will not zip around like the industrial counterparts used in heavy manufacturing, but used within their intended purpose are very capable of producing high quality parts and pieces. Hobby CNC Milling Machines are a very good learning tool for anyone that is involved in the CNC industry or they can be quite enjoyable for for anyone who is into making parts of their own. Some typical uses of these machines would be to produce parts for RC vehicles, produce parts for other CNC Machines, make parts for guns or small parts for automobiles. These Hobby CNC Milling Machines can be used in light manufacturing also if setup and operated correctly but would best be suited for prototype work. For those who really get hooked on CNC milling machines and routing machines, you will sometimes also have the need for additional equipment like a mini lathe to get the whole machining project done. With one of these Discount Mini Lathes, you will be able to handle those projects that also require some metals turning to get your job done. Also, if you get a versatile discounted mini lathe with the right attachments, you can do both metal turning and wood turning machining projects.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Hobby CNC Routers
Hobby CNC Routers are an enjoyable experience that can teach you a lot along the way. You have two basic routes you can take and both of them have benefits and draw backs. Build it is your first option and this will be the more hands on approach. If you decide to build your CNC router then you will have hundreds of hours of work ahead of you before you will be able to see it run. On the up side you will have a very useful tool that you can be extremely proud of and that you will know inside and out. Your second option will be to buy your Hobby CNC Router. If you take this route you will be able to start turning out work peices much faster and you will be able to start on your path to learning about CNC programming much quicker. The down side to this will be that you will have almost no knowledge about your machine so if it breaks down you will most likely need to pay someone to fix it.
So which way should you go? You will have to pick your path, one way is cheaper but much slower with more labor involved, the other way is quick and efficient but much more expensive. The deciding factor should be based on your purpose in the hobby. If you are trying to learn how CNC machines work and what it takes to keep them running then I would say its best for you to build your machine. On the other hand if it is your purpose to learn CNC programming and operation or if you just want to start making parts, then you should opt to purchase a pre built machine or at least a kit that you must assemble.
In short either way is good its just up to you and what you plan to accomplish on whether you build or buy you Hobby CNC Router.
So which way should you go? You will have to pick your path, one way is cheaper but much slower with more labor involved, the other way is quick and efficient but much more expensive. The deciding factor should be based on your purpose in the hobby. If you are trying to learn how CNC machines work and what it takes to keep them running then I would say its best for you to build your machine. On the other hand if it is your purpose to learn CNC programming and operation or if you just want to start making parts, then you should opt to purchase a pre built machine or at least a kit that you must assemble.
In short either way is good its just up to you and what you plan to accomplish on whether you build or buy you Hobby CNC Router.
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