I started my CNC project to support the Flight Sim addiction. I
could not cut a straight line with the tools I had. I wanted to build better
panels so I took the leap.
My first CNC machine is a
home built CNC router. I purchased the plans from John Kleinbauer (http://www.kleinbauer.com/). After a couple of e-mails to John I decided to build the 7th Sojourn. John makes very good easy to follow plans. You
do not need to have a lot of power tools to complete his plans but a table saw, drill press, and scroll saw makes it easier.
Building the gantry is only
part of the project. You need to build or buy a stepper controller. I chose the 4AUPC
Chopper Driver Board Kit from HobbyCNC (http://www.hobbycnc.com/). I also bought
three 200 oz/in stepper motors from HobbyCNC. These boards are kits that require
soldering skills (not to hard). Again, great product with very good instructions
and support.
After you build the controller
and gantry you need to select a CNC program. There are many choices out there
and some are free. I chose Mach3. Mach3
requires Windows XP to operate. I am running my CNC machine on a 350 MHz Dell
with XP professional and wireless network. No problems with speed. So if you have an old PC hanging around it should work for you.
For the design I have a few
choices. Most of the time I use Cadstd Pro.
For adding the engraving I use TurboCad v9. I export the drawing as a DXF format.
I then convert the DXF to G-code. Again, there are several choices out
there. Most of the time I use a free program called ACE. ACE converts the DXF file to G-code. I then import that file
to Mach3. If needed I can edit the G-code in Mach3.
I most likely am not using
the most efficient methods but the software investment is minimal.
