Hi all!
I've been lurking around the projector forums (just ordered some parts from LL)
BUT this topic has really sparked my interest.

OK, on to the topic...

I'm trying to figure out 2 processes.
1. Actually building a working CNC.
2. Designing something and creating it with the CNC.

First subject -
I really liked Joe's design (the first one pinned at the top of this CNC machines forum).
It looked like something I could build and he posted some dimensioned drawings of it.
I know I can physically put it together but the part I am clueless on is the motors and control boards, etc.
Where is a good place to start on putting that all together? Point me in the right direction.

Second subject -
Ok, I can use CAD software but something tells me that isn't quite enough.
I draw a part I want to mill on the CNC in AutoCAD. What happens next? Do I have to model the part in some other software?
I know that there has to be software running the CNC (i.e. TurboCNC), does that software just open the AutoCAD drawing file or 3D modeled software file and send it to the CNC to start the milling process?

Let me know if I'm a total bonehead.

if its just simple 2d milling then u can make the program with the control software. But the more complex programs half to be programed on a CAD/CAM such as mastercam. You can either import a 2d drawing or a 3d model into these programs and make a NC. Then you import that NC into your control software which runs your machine.

so the process goes like this:
Design Part
Make NC for part in CAD/CAM
Run the NC in Mach3 or TurboCNC

Thanks for the reply Smackre!
I've been reading more. (I'm consumed by the idea of have a CNC. hehehe)

I do have some simple 2D parts in mind BUT I want to be able to do 3D parts as well.
SO, let's assume I want to mill a 3D part. Here comes more questions!
I'm gonna use your reply to ask them.

Design Part - What application do I use? I know there are many out there but I am familiar with AutoCAD so something similiar would be nice.
Make NC for part in CAD/CAM - Kinda confused on this one. Do you mean, generate G-code? and if so, how the heck do I do that? Is it something the software I used to design the part will do?
Run the NC in Mach3 or TurboCNC - Does this mean, run the G-code to the control software to actually mill the part?

Again, thanks for the reply. I'm still learning alot about all this.

You can use any cad software you would like. pretty much all of them work. i would just use what you are familar with. I use autocad.

After you design your part. you will export it into a CAD/CAM such as mastercam. This is where you will design how the part is cutout. And generate a NC or a G-code.

Then you will export that NC into Mach3 or Turbocnc which will control your machine and make it do what you want.

Hi Smackre,
I see you have experience with mastercam. So could you tell me, how to make the NC file from an solidworks 3d file? I tried to understand the this pocess by myself, but it's too difficult for me as I havent got any tutorials. I know solidworks pretty good, but mastercam is just too difficult.
Thank you!

It all depends on what type of part you are making. I would half to see the part. I just started using mastercam about 6 months ago so im not the best at it.

But if you post the 3d file i can load it up and see what i think. All i can give you is my advise. 90% of my parts are either contouring or pocketing operations.

In mastercam to get to the operations u go to toolpath and there is all the diffrent types of operations you can do.

oops forgot to login.

For example, If I have such a part:


from solidworks with the extention .SLDPRT, where can I make a toolpath in mastercam. I simply want to make the machine code from 3D solidworks file to use the code in mach3 later. I have mastercam v9.1, and I'm a bit confused abotu the user inteface, which comparing to solidworks is rather difficult to understand.

Here's the file:
http://www.wwracing.lv/sample.SLDPRT

Thanks!