Sounds like you are ok with the CAD portion of the CAD/CAM puzzle.?
I mentioned in a previous message not to let the Linux part of LinuxCNC get in the way. Once setup, you can treat?it as a g-code processor and not worry about Linux. The cost is free, so it's always good starting point. If you have a hackerspace nearby, there is probably someone versed in linuxCNC.?
I run my router, lathe, mill with linuxCNC. I used machineKit/LinuxCNC to run my 3d printer for a short while before rolling back?to Marlin firmware. I have Tormach PathPilot that I intend to try on my lathe. I'm planning to convert a friend's plasma cutter to LinuxCNC this fall/winter and I can run a laser diode on my router.
There is documentation available and good support(but not organized very well) via? and good but often outdated info on the wiki.
On Mon, Jul 19, 2021 at 10:23 PM Tamra <tamrabrogdon@...> wrote:
I think this is a reasonable cost.? There are CNC kits to convert other (desktop) mills to CNC. The advantage of saving money and stepping in? to an existing machine is there wasn't a struggle, but you also don't understand the who/what/where/why/when/how.
It is the programming that stops me, not the hardware.? If you give me a good set of plans I can assemble, but I haven't been able to get over the last step of using the software I? WANT TO use for my equipment. I want my CNG Router, CNC lathe, and CNC mill to work wtih one operating system, even if it is Mach 3, and at this point I would spend the money on Mach 4 and pay the fees for tech support.
I don't know your experience with using a CNC router, Laser, Mill, Lathe, etc, etc,... there is control software and design software.? The design part is easier for me then the control part.
Caution:? Tinkering is a symptom of this process, and once you manage to use the machine in one, you are likely to keep looking for additional tools to accumulate... you may spend less just buying what you want at the beginning.... and spend less time tinkering...
I could never move a bridgeport mill - but that seems like the ultimate cool tool... I just need a friend with one locally!??
