New to the site

[DEANGAMBLE]

Hello every body!

New to the site and wanting to find out as much as possible about building a new table. I previously owned a plasmacam 4 x 4 table sold it a few years back and now wanting to build a better table. I am not sure about how this table works, what is needed, what type of software to run, etc. I used to own my own fabrication shop but was forced out of business do to the economy in my area. I am presently a certified welding inspector and I am looking to start fabricating again in my spare time but would like to include wood working also. If any one out there can guide me in the right direction it would be greatly appreciated. I need something (software) that is user friendly and fast to learn. In turn if I can help anybody I will try to the best of my ability

[jhiggins7]

Dean,

Welcome to the Forum.

The best advice we can offer now is read, read, read. The amount of information here is enormous. It can be overwhelming. Good luck.

Looks like you are almost in Ohio and almost in Pennsylvania, but still in "God's Country", West Virginia.

[Johannescnc]

Welcome Dean. I was born near you in Pittsburgh... any steel left in the area?

[KenC]

Welcome Dean, Building the table will not challange a person of you background, there are electronic, electrical, software & most of all the the CNC machining know how. but that shouldn't discourage you as this forum is a treasure trove of such knowledge Keep reading, reading and more reading.

[MetalHead]

Welcome Dean - Like everyone says. Read a lot. We are out here if you want to just dive in and learn as you go. A lot do that and have nice machines to show for it.

[Regnar]

Welcome Dean,

There is a lot of choices out there for software.

You will need a Cad, Cam and Controller

Cad = is pretty easy to find and some are easier that others to use.

Cam = this can be pretty difficult especially if you dont know what you will be cutting out. I use and would recommend Vectric's Vcarve program. Easy to use and get the results that you want. There is some limitations but nothing you cant live without.

Controller = I have only used 2 so that is all I can comment on but you will want to look up Mach3 and also EMC2. Mach3 has a huge following and a forum to ask questions. There is also Videos that show you how to setup the software to control the motors. EMC2 is free and once you find the stepconfig file it is easy to setup even easier that mach3 but that is my opinion.

Russell

[Johannescnc]

cambam is a decent cam program. although it isn't a 3d cam, it is a good start for the price.

http://www.cambam.co.uk/