Testing Out New Plasma Cutter! #97 - Hennuyères Belgium

[explo10]

hello,
I wanted to buy a cnc plasma, but with the crisis of these days and the refusal of the bank for the credit it has become impossible ... I decided to build the machine myself! I am blacksmith by trade and the construction of the metal and mechanics do not scare me, but the electronics and IT will be much more complicated for me ... I need lots of help!
Machine base in manufacturing cnc plasma for working sheet metal of 2 meters by 1 meter minimum useful. Nb, I do not speak English, my texts are translated by google and could get a little complicated to understand.
Good day
explo10

[MetalHead]

Welcome to the forum. The info you need on the electronics is here in the forum.

[domino11]

Welcome to the Forum! Lots of help and info here!

[explo10]

here we go ...http://img859.imageshack.us/img859/7137/p2100439.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/859/p2100439.jpg/) Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

[Kobus_Joubert]

With tools like that available, you should have no problem building a SUPER MM. Good luck and watch out for the addiction...;)

[explo10]

That ended the frame with small modification in order to move with the transpal and for fume extraction thereafter

http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/5457/p2150498.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/403/p2150498.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

[Gerald D]

Good stuff explo. What is your home language?

[explo10]

Good stuff explo. What is your home language?

I speak French and I translated with google translation ... why? it is incomprehensible?

[bozona1]

Excellent travail explo10

C'est vrai que parfois la traduction electronique peut etre un peu bizare mais c'est parfait jusqu'a date.

Don

[Gerald D]

Some of us here speak French and/or Nederlands. But, your translated English is actually quite understandable.

[explo10]

Hello,
What do you think of this kit Stepper Motor? I have read and reread a lot of post about this but I ask the question anyway ...

http://www.befr.ebay.be/itm/4Axis-Nema-34-Stepper-Motor-1600oz-Driver-4-pcs-Power-Supply-CNC-Router-Mill-/280746680933?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item415dce6265

[IN-WondeR]

I have bought a set of motors from Longs, and they are of good quality, although they have a lot of harmonic noise when driven at slow speeds

I'm sure a smooth stepper would remove alot of the slow speed harmonics, but without there's some harmonic vibrations.

Other than that, I'm very happy with the motors and drivers. The PSU's are probably allright, I bought an Antek PSU instead though.

If you are looking into BOB's, then there's a few good ones on Ebay...

I'm running this BOB on my own design, and it works great with the built in, Spindle speed control.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/CNC-Breakout-Board-CM-100-MPG-24V-Rotary-Encoder-Mach3-/180764267579?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a1663d43b

They have a newer and bigger version of this, which is ready for smoothstepper to mount directly onto the board, which I would love to try out next. It's called CM106, just search the model number on Ebay and you should be able to find it.

[explo10]

Hello friends mechmate
Here, the motors are ordered in "long" in China, laser parts arrived. in a week I receive the racks and pinions, bearings guides. My credit card has already warmed a little ... I hope to have a little time to work on mechmate soon.

http://img52.imageshack.us/img52/6122/p2230506.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/52/p2230506.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

[WTI]

Is that a Piranha mixed in with your MM images?

http://imageshack.us/f/512/photo132pm0.jpg/

[explo10]

Hello, yes it is an old picture for another forum, I had a large aquarium with 9 phiranas breeding (Serrasalmus nattereri). But in 4 years they are all killing each other .. the latter died of disease ..

http://img827.imageshack.us/img827/7610/photo056l.th.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/827/photo056l.jpg/)

[explo10]

I received the engine "Long" and the cards, delivery in 5 working days from China to Belgium ... faster than belgium to belgium ...

[Axel1966]

Hi Explo, nice work and nice table. I would like mine looks as good as yours.
Salut Explo, joli travail et belle table. J'aimerais que la mienne ait aussi fière allure...

Do you have any link to share about your chinese motors ? Thanks.
As-tu le lien là où tu as acheté tes moteurs chinois ? Par avance, merci.

[explo10]

Hello Axel, thank you for the compliment, I especially hope to see her work on her own someday ... Here is the link of engines purchased on ebay

But I'll take pictures while ago that I got to ask the experts forum and what I'm missing what I have been overpaid.
Good day,
explo


http://stores.befr.ebay.be/Changzhou-Longs-Motor-Co-Ltd?_trksid=p4340.l2563

[Axel1966]

Thank you explo :)

[explo10]

A little progress ... few hours from time to time but it's starting to take shape! Soon the big questions about electronics. Here are some pictures.
explo

http://img839.imageshack.us/img839/8528/p3050507.th.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/839/p3050507.jpg/)
http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/187/p3070508.th.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/267/p3070508.jpg/)
http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/6946/p3070511.th.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/7/p3070511.jpg/)

[explo10]

http://img838.imageshack.us/img838/1641/p3090512.th.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/838/p3090512.jpg/)
http://img818.imageshack.us/img818/3464/p1010524r.th.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/818/p1010524r.jpg/)
http://img684.imageshack.us/img684/8929/p1010540t.th.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/684/p1010540t.jpg/)

[Axel1966]

Nice work, I follow your progresses !
You should insert your images like this (simplify ImageShack source to) :
http://img838.imageshack.us/img838/1641/p3090512.jpg[ /IMG]
The image will be bigger : ;)
[IMG]http://img838.imageshack.us/img838/1641/p3090512.jpg
http://img818.imageshack.us/img818/3464/p1010524r.jpg
Beware of your laser parts on the floor, an accident may happens. ;)
http://img684.imageshack.us/img684/8929/p1010540t.jpg

[explo10]

effectively it's better that way, thank you

http://img684.imageshack.us/img684/8929/p1010540t.jpg

[explo10]

"Beware of your laser parts on the floor, an accident may happens. ;)"


the mess on the floor I'm used to! by cons I am cut in the finger with bearing guides on v! Next step and put a bearing protection!

[explo10]

Almost 20 ° this weekend, I took the opportunity for the painting of what is already done, it out like a machine now! The rails and bearing are adjusted, all slides perfectly. I will now start the Z axis.

http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/3914/p1010548h.jpg
http://img560.imageshack.us/img560/6291/p1010544o.jpg
http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/3837/p1010549e.jpg

[Axel1966]

Great ! You're going fast !

[Gerald D]

Nice work!

[explo10]

thank you

[explo10]

What do you recommend as easy program to manage the plasma?

[Axel1966]

I instaled Mach 3, I saw an utilitary called "Plasma" I guess it can manage this purpose.
I'll have a closer look. ;)

[explo10]

This is the Z is in, after having edited 2 times in place despite the bearings bolts eccentrics .. I expected the air cylinder to continue, soon establishing engines

http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/2742/p1010556e.jpg
http://img38.imageshack.us/img38/6094/p1010553q.jpg

[Axel1966]

Great !

[explo10]

A few hours this weekend, some modifications to fit the bearings but everything is assembled and looks perfect. strongly that it works!
http://img560.imageshack.us/img560/4862/p1010591p.jpg

http://img688.imageshack.us/img688/2343/p1010586w.jpg

http://img832.imageshack.us/img832/1044/p1010595f.jpg

[Axel1966]

Nice work !:cool:

[Kobus_Joubert]

wow those are BIG motors.

[Axel1966]

Yep, I noticed them.
There's a link on page 1, 7.5A ; 1232 oz.in Nema34 ; 5kg
If I'm not wrong...

[danilom]

the bigger the lazier. Lets see them move the machine 20m/min.

http://www.mechmate.com/forums/showthread.php?t=255

[Gerald D]

Some guys are using those big motors and they get acceptable cutting results.

[KenC]

Those motors are HUGE!

[explo10]

Hello,
Not much progress at the moment, the cables are ordered and the chains too .. meanwhile I studied a little mach3 bought in French. To get my DXF, I will use in gcodes CAMBAM. So I have something to do after work!
explo

[bolingerbe]

Your machine is looking good. Good luck on the software. I would keep my operation simple at first. As you start learning the machine you can go more advance in Mach or maybe add attachments “Indexer etc”. Look forward to seeing you up and running.

[explo10]

Some progress, but I lack a meter of chain and 10 meters of cable ... I order for the week is coming ...

http://img62.imageshack.us/img62/8822/snc00675.jpg

[explo10]

mechanically complete, go to connections ...

http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/4287/snc00678u.jpg

[explo10]

http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/5614/snc00680.jpg

[KenC]

WOW!!! Dedicated driver/motor power supply!:eek:
SMPS as well!!!:eek:
You must be rich! :cool:

[danilom]

As you can read in some threads, each driver having its own power supply is not really recommended. Using multiple PSU the currents generated back from one motor and don't get to the psu because they are consumed by rest of the drives, or something like that :) .
If it works for you it's fine, if you run into problems, search the forum there are couple of threads about it.

[explo10]

it's part of the engine kit I bought in China, + - $ 600 complete kit. I hope I will have no problem! But it is true that if there is a return engine, the driver can cash this bug ...

[explo10]

First signs of life!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KEcVHp8ffic

[Gerald D]

Well done!

[domino11]

Excellent Work! :)

[danilom]

Those motors seem to do just fine direct drive, mount up a router and cut start cutting :)

[bolingerbe]

Get some lables on it, mount a router/spindle and lets see some dust. Ur number is close. :)

[explo10]

I have a doubt about my settings, what would you put these engines to 3.5 A set up like this on the driver? Module 1, 20 teeth in live ... to have a normal speed without excess?
As everyone in different settings, from reading too much information I now have doubts
http://img37.imageshack.us/img37/5401/snc00653f.jpg
http://img705.imageshack.us/img705/4908/snc00639h.jpg
http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/4785/screenshot002vt.png
http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/1761/screenshot003rb.png


impulsion dir 1 ? impulsion pas 1?
Like that?

http://img191.imageshack.us/img191/2183/screenshot004no.png

[bradm]

The 3.5a settings that you see elsewhere in the forum are usually for smaller motors than are in your kit. You should use the settings that Longs recommends for that power supply / driver / motor combination. Based on how large those motors appear to be, I would expect something in the 7 to 8 amp range.

If you experience too much heating of the motors, you can reduce the amperage. Or, you could raise the amperage step by step until you are happy with the performance.

[Gerald D]

My suggestions for settings:
SW1: OFF
2: OFF
3: ON
4: ON
5:OFF
6:ON
7:ON
8:OFF

Always check if motors getting too hot.

[danilom]

3.5Amp is what is specified for that motor, its a high inductance low current.

you should be pretty safe with the next setting 4.2peak 3.0rms and could possibly use 4.9peak 3.5rms

sw4 is for idle current, I use it in off= half , and have no problems

Gecko recommends leaving Impulsion pas and dir to 0, its the timing for step and dir signals, as the drives can read inputs fast you can leave 0

[explo10]

ok I'll try that tomorrow, thank you

[Gerald D]

If SW4 is for idle current, then I agree to set it OFF.

[explo10]

It's gone! It works!:)


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRmTHNDBmz8&feature=channel&list=UL

[danilom]

it's great! but did you intentionally put the Z axis facing the rear as it may have impact on working dimensions, the table is offset to one side.

[explo10]

Yes this is intentional, it's a matter of practice. I checked the work surface is 2530/1300 mm. But I still put the base panel and now think for plasma ... it's not quite finished ... many small details remain to be completed.

[Gerald D]

Only 5 Months ago you said:

hello,
I wanted to buy a cnc plasma, but with the crisis of these days and the refusal of the bank for the credit it has become impossible ... I decided to build the machine myself! I am blacksmith by trade and the construction of the metal and mechanics do not scare me, but the electronics and IT will be much more complicated for me ... I need lots of help!
Machine base in manufacturing cnc plasma for working sheet metal of 2 meters by 1 meter minimum useful. Nb, I do not speak English, my texts are translated by google and could get a little complicated to understand.
Good day
explo10

Well, I think you did very well! Congratulations!

[explo10]

Thank you, and thank you to the community Mechmate! Without your plans and experiences I would not be in there!

[MetalHead]

Congrats !!!! Now get a Logo on it so you can get a Serial Number !!!

[bolingerbe]

Great Job. Welcome to the completed side of the shop. :)

[explo10]

This is the logo Mechmate! What a pleasure to work this machine! I almost want to make another one ...this one for wood and one for the plasma?
http://img849.imageshack.us/img849/1199/snc00761.jpg
http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/5852/snc00756.jpg
http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/2775/snc00753v.jpg

[KenC]

You must be a happy man!
Congrat!!!

[darren salyer]

Looks very nice.
Job well done sir!!

[JamesJ]

Great achievment!!! I am very close to completing mine and hope to join the "Completed" side of the house soon.

[Robert M]

Superbe.....Félicitation !!;)

[MetalHead]

Awesome !!! You get #97 !!! Congrats on your build !!

[domino11]

Awesome Job! Congrats!

[explo10]

Thank you very much !

[smreish]

Very well done...may you have many happy cutting days ahead!

[jhiggins7]

Explo,

Congratulations on completing your MechMate and earning serial #97.

Here is the Updated Builder's Log (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AttqjIPMBEXKcExveGc4d3U0V25zQmMyX1U1eUVhU Xc) with your entry.

Please let me know the cutting dimensions of your MechMate so that I may add this information to the Builder's Log.

Also, please check your entry and let me know any changes you wish to make.

[explo10]

Hello, thank you for the compliments and my serial number! The machine has a cutting surface of 2500/1250mm, mounted to wood working and soon combined with plasma cutter. See you soon, explo

[jhiggins7]

Your builder's log entry has been update, here (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AttqjIPMBEXKcExveGc4d3U0V25zQmMyX1U1eUVhU Xc).

Looking forward to your plasam cutting head addition.

[explo10]

Hello,
What do you think of this system of THC?
http://www.befr.ebay.be/itm/Proffessional-Compact-CNC-Plasma-THC-Controller-Torch-Height-Control-/170860045437?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27c80d647d

He looks very simple and cheap!

[explo10]

She is my little voluntary Mechmate! Never tired ...
People often ask me where I bought this machine and how much it costs, but when I replied that I made ​​myself, I am considered a liar :-))
http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/3536/snc00773.jpg
http://img857.imageshack.us/img857/3870/snc00779.jpg
http://img715.imageshack.us/img715/2506/snc00786b.jpg
http://img690.imageshack.us/img690/1041/snc00798.jpg
http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/5972/snc00818.jpg
http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/7035/snc00819.jpg
Shot at 2012-07-08

[MetalHead]

Wow !! Did I mention lately how much the MechMate ROCKS !!! Nice work !!!

This one shot shows how the limits of this platform are really in our own minds !!!

[Regnar]

She is my little voluntary Mechmate! Never tired ...
People often ask me where I bought this machine and how much it costs, but when I replied that I made ​​myself, I am considered a liar :-))


When I tell people I built it they think I just put it together from a box. I usually have to show them it start with a pile of steel.

Very nice solution for you hold downs. How much of a pain is it to get to the clamps in the center?

[Gerald D]

And it runs with those big long motors that the "experts" tell us will not work okay. Plus you use a small die-grinder intead of an expensive spindle. I like your attitude! :)

[explo10]

How much of a pain is it to get to the clamps in the center?

I have a training caving :-) but I will change this system

[explo10]

And it runs with those big long motors that the "experts" tell us will not work okay. Plus you use a small die-grinder intead of an expensive spindle. I like your attitude! :)

Yes, the engines of Long work very well, no loss of pitch and powerful torque! Straight grinder (Bosch with variable speed http://www.bosch-professional.com/fr/fr/ocs/outils/101274/26174/meuleuses-droites/ggs-28-lce/) to almost the same properties as expensive pin, and 3 year warranty!

[danilom]

Clamping is always a big challenge, its a never ending combination of g-clamps, screws, t-slot, vacuum etc.

Great to see that you are already using the machine for nice work! When you get some time post us a video of machine doing rapids and work.
We all appreciate the dive into unknown waters of large stepper motors :) and info!

[explo10]

Here are some videos of the work, average speeds and a lot of security by raising the Z does not touch the clamps ... I will have more videos in fast forward!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vyDvAD71pMA

[explo10]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTNWDu_UBkg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okG2B86LE7M

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LI3qBpMNULY

[explo10]

Yes !! First tests with plasma :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2nnO-KQiYQ&feature=plcp

[explo10]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_viC03d5flU&feature=g-upl

[smreish]

Are you using a THC for control or just a contact tip?
If contact tip, do you resolve the z - zero (0) height in Mach or set the Z static to the contact tip?

Very nice work.

[KenC]

Sweet!

[explo10]

hello, I have not yet set Thc, for the moment I set my program to a boot Z +2, then 1.5 second delay before descending to Z +1 and starts cutting.

[smreish]

Thank you for the detail.

[explo10]

I'm having a little ...


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwm97DGp-LE&feature=channel&list=UL

[HomeMadeCnc]

Nice job! I've been meaning to add one of these to my machine as well. Thanks for posting,
Cheers,
Tim

[explo10]

this is super versatile machine, now it will work for me! video: speed trials
Explo

http://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=plcp&v=MO88EZCvBMA

[explo10]

Hyperherm 85 on, steel 12mm cut :
Very good!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCVkx8AgInM&feature=plcp

[explo10]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jeq8PMSOauU&feature=plcp

[darren salyer]

Very impressive.....
Good job, sir.

[lolailando]

Hello Gerald and all,
is it still recommended to get 800oz< motors....or after this succesful builds with 1200oz motors should we say 1200oz motors may be a better option? the price difference is minimal in the long run.
thank you

[Gerald D]

Can't say, because I havn't seen a side-by-side comparison with these motors swopped out on the same MM.

[kb18951452]

You have 1200oz motors, but if you were only using plasma, what size motors would be needed? 300 oz?

[danilom]

Depends on the weight of gantry, for a mechmate gantry 300 oz seems a bit light. Look for a thread about motors and continue reading.

[explo10]

Hello, careful with the plasma cutter using high speeds. Between 8000 and 9000 mm / min sometimes. As stated danilom, the gantry is heavy. Must be able to compensate with inertia motors.
regards,
explo10

[oficina do corten]

Dear Explo10,

Thanks a lot for your attention to detail in publishing your fabulous work!

Its really inspirational, i will start soon to build a MM here in Brazil.

[explo10]

Hi,
And you will not regret it, this machine is fabulous and I can not do without! Good luck with your work
Explo

[explo10]

Hello,
1 year working with the machine mounted plasma and no problems or wear! Solid production!:cool:
Goodbye
explo

[darren salyer]

That's good to hear.
I have no use for a plasma machine, but would still love to have one.

[KenC]

Wear & tear is not a problem with MM, be it router or Plasma. BUT, IMHO, MM gantry is on the heavy side for Plasma work.
I did 5000~6000 mm/min run, but the acceleration isn't good enuf hence affecting the cut quality... my motor is 640oz-in & direct drive. anyway, usual Plasma CNC cuts at 2500~3500mm/min ,mine cuts nicely in this speed zone.
With 300 0z-in, you must have at least 3:1 belt reduction. I reckon a Nema23 work well with this configuration.

[explo10]

I do not have this problem with my big motors mounted directly pinion. I cut regularly 4500-6500mm/min. The more I go fast is the best cut. Sometimes a little vibration resonance but simply adapt the speed a little, for example 4000mm/min it vibrates at 4100mm/min it is fluid.

[KenC]

Thanks for the feed back. I'll look into 1200oz-in motor.

What THC are you using.

[explo10]

I use this THC control : http://www.procutcnc.com/proddetail.asp?prod=THC

But it took me a long time to understand and adjust properly! Now it works fine, I'm still missing a zero sensor but I'm doing fine without.

[KenC]

Zero sensor is easy to implement. You can use ohmic sensor just like what usual MM router do with their zero-touch-off, but the advantage is that metal is conductive & you can zero the torch anywhere on the plate. My Thermodyne came with an ohmic sensor attachment in the accessory pack, its just a simple metal/brass clip which fit onto the torch body with another strip touching the tip.. Maybe HyperTherm supply one as well.
I reckon the Zero sensor is optional with Voltage control type THC. but than again, knowing where zero is makes me a peaceful man.

[jessyjames]

Ken I regularly work on systems who use a THC that senses pressure when it touches off the plate. Ohmic is nice but this system works just fine too. I'm a huge fan of Hypertherm products. Very user friendly and reliable. When I go out in installs and the customer has these I know it will function properly and we can follow close to the book values.
Anyways great job with the adaptation of the mechmate to plasma.

[KenC]

Are you referring to floating head? I do not have preference over which sensing method. I'll go for anything that is minimum parts count, robust, minimum moving parts & minimal maintenance.
Hypertherm or Thermodyne make no difference to me, I've never use both before this. & most importantly I'm never a brand loyalist... I bought Thermodyne because they response to my sales inquiry with good follow-up, bought me beer & gave me a hefty discount. Moreover, their technician will show up within half a day whenever I call.
I understand there are more teaching materials from Hyperherm, but really, I can always figure out things with Thermodyne manual + Hypertherm net material + help from forum friends particularly Anthony & Danilo.

Every other person in my country use Hyperhterm, but why should I.

One nice thing with Thermodyne is that they have their regional office, workshop, manufacturing facility less than 50km from where I am.

BTW, All model in the same series of Thermodyne uses the same torch & consumable. I like this A LOT.

[jessyjames]

Of course Ken Thermal Dynamics is a great product too. We all have out favorites, as we should, I was just saying that Hypertherm is my fav. Thermal Dynamics had some major quality control issues and to meet the customer demands they closed up one of their facilities so they can monitor quality control better. They are great and very proactive.
I have found that in the end it is the end user who determines cut quality. You can lead the horse to water but you can't make him drink.
My brands of choice:
1. Kaliburn ( very pricy )
2. Hypertherm
3. Thermal Dynamics

[KenC]

I seriously have no preference over brand... I'm never a brand loyalist... I find it life restricting to loyal to brand which I have to pay for.
I may try some china plasma some day to compare value for money.
& challenge my EMI/RFI circuit noise protection "kung fu" with HF start.
I'm surrounded by these chinese plasma, all I have to do is ask ...
For now procrastination wins...

[bluesea]

Nice work.

I found DIY THC with arduino here (http://www.everlastgenerators.com/forums/showthread.php/3990-DIY-Arduino-THC-Video)

[Mrayhursh]

As I cruise the various CNC websites I continue to see Mach 3 and soon to be Mach 4 as a regular main stay. The software is easy to adapt for almost any situation. I have been reading everything I can on the development of home manufacturing. I see people designing automated machines to do just about everything. Most of these developers are using Mach 3. I am surprised but not complaining that they only charge $175. Best of luck to you.

[servant74]

As I cruise the various CNC websites I continue to see Mach 3 and soon to be Mach 4 as a regular main stay. The software is easy to adapt for almost any situation. I have been reading everything I can on the development of home manufacturing. I see people designing automated machines to do just about everything. Most of these developers are using Mach 3. I am surprised but not complaining that they only charge $175. Best of luck to you.

Mach 4 will be $200 and they say there is not an 'upgrade' path for Mach3 users, but I am guessing some discount will be there.

Personally I am partial to LinuxCNC. Both because of my basic cheapness, and I tend to swim against the current when I feel 'everyone' does it one way. Kind of like why build a MechMate when a ShopBot is just a credit card call away. Before retirement I was both an applications designer / developer, and a UNIX systems admin in the years, so not much in computers are beyond my abilities (and did I say I am shy and retiring! :) Actually I am.) given a bit of time and effort. I also have a distrust of software where I can't view the source (even if I don't very often).

To this extent, the Raspberry Pi (or probably better Beagle Board Black) implementations to allow for CNC to turn into more of an 'appliance' (in the publics view) rather than requiring a 'computer', is better. LinuxCNC currently doesn't support USB driven devices, but these small single board computers could move LinuxCNC 'inside' the CNC devices, rather than appearing to be attached to a computer. ... Sorry, my ramblings.

Anyway, LinuxCNC works, MACH (in its various versions, I have a copy of Mach2 from 'back when') works. Go with what makes you the most comfortable.

Actually I have more of a problem with using WINDOWS than Mach. A version of Mach4 is supposed to run nicely on Linux... I see that as a good thing.

[KenC]

I'm partial to LinuxCNC too, especially when I have no idea what I did right to get it working the way I want it to...:o:D:p
I hate it when I must pay for "upgrade" when the software company tell me so. :mad:

[explo10]

Hello everyone, A little wink of my mechmate who will soon celebrate his 5 years of work! In full health, no breakdown, always ready to render service :-). Again thank you very much to the forum mechmate of having thought this indestructible machine!

[oficina do corten]

Cheers! Congrats for the good built! Thanks for the inspiration for my build. :-)