I did it again...I'm broke

I bought an f'n CNC machine. Its a 3040T-DJ chinese CNC. It is surprisingly sturdy and well made. The Y-axis has about 3mm of play in the threaded rod but with a couple of washers to shim it, it should be fine. The tolerance of this machine is ~.03-.05mm with a work area of 30mmx40mm and Y-axis of about 3 inches.

I have desperately wanted one of these since I was 17 years old and am 23 now. Dreams are starting to come true!

Can a MOD move this to Bike related? My bad...

Is it 30 x 40 mm or cm? 30 x 40 mm would only be 1.18" by 1.57"....

Cory

Oh yeah, cm. I just messed this whole thing up haha

get them decimals in the right spot! it'll get you in big trouble real quick.. lol
What software? Mach 3?
You'll find yourself making all kinds of trick stuff.

Les Holt

les holt wrote: get them decimals in the right spot! it'll get you in big trouble real quick.. lol
What software? Mach 3?
You'll find yourself making all kinds of trick stuff.

Les Holt

Well I am on the CAM software search right now, I just got out of class. I am looking for a free one for the short term until I get money again. Though the machine manufacturer recommended Mach 3 so i'll buy it when the bank account is a little more hydrated.

As for the 3d modeling software i am using Autodesk Inventor. Having huge issues tackling that learning curve . I'm trying to design a top triple tree with some letter engraving on it somewhere. Its hard make cool stuff haha.

I used alibre to design my top triple mount. i found it pretty easy to learn using there tutorials. I dont know how much it costs I found it for free somewhere on the interwebs. How much was that CNC?

We have quite a few engineers at work going to Autodesk Inventor and love it. I'm kicking around buying myself. I try to spend a couple hours a day with an engineer trying to learn the basics.

I've looked at the alibre but haven't given it much thought. It looks pretty good but I'm wanting to go with what I'm around the most which has been Autocad but can't afford that! The inventor isn't cheap by any means but it is within the realm of affordability.

Les

I went with alibre because i read it was easy to learn and had no experience. Some of the programs are stupid expensive, however if you have the internet there are ways of... umm....obtaining these things? :whistle:

I started with google sketchup to learn the basics of 3d design but using Inventor is a whole different rodeo.

So I found out mach3 came with the routers driver disk so thats nice. I got the machine set up and ready to go.

I am to use this machine for milling aluminum, which is on the edge of its capabilities. Is there a tool path program that does this seperate of mach 3?

DoctoRot wrote: I used alibre to design my top triple mount. i found it pretty easy to learn using there tutorials. I dont know how much it costs I found it for free somewhere on the interwebs. How much was that CNC?

The CNC was 800.00 with free shipping. If you were to get one I suggest the model above this one. It is a 60x40 cm work table and runs at 1,400. Also comes with a heavier duty, 4 bearing water cooled spindle motor and more robust stepper motors.

Just hurry up and learn, and start making us some parts! I have money to pay!
I am too old for learnin! I use a drill press and a 40 year old Bridgeport mill.

Good for you! Keep at it! Nothing like Hi tech parts!