hi all

[JAZZCNC]

Hi Mark,

Whats the plan regards machine to build or buy.? Does the 3K have to buy machine and software.?

If 3K has to do all then you'll get much better machine if you build.!! 2-2.2K will get you a pritty tidy bit of kit if you build it your self. Where as it don't get you nearly has much if buying.!!

Software wise then you have a few options and how you go about it will partly depend on your cutting requirements.?
Basicly you need Cad drawings or models to work from. These models or vector lines drawings from them then go into CAM software where you then set the cutting parameters and create toolpaths which then get output has G-code that the control software which runs the machine follows.

Depending on the type of work you do will largely steer you to the right CAD software, for instance if you are just cutting out flat 2D shapes, txt letters etc then nothing fancy is needed and actually there's 2D software out there for free. If 3D shapes or intricate carvings etc then a good modeling software will be needed which can be had anything from £80 to £800 and upwards for real high end software. But £100 can get you decent 3D software for most jobs.

Now if your just doing 2D or even simple 2.5/3D then there are CAM softwares that do both CAD and CAM funnly enough called CAD/CAM.
These software programs are great if you only have simple to moderate needs regards CAM because youonly need one software package but if complex 3D then dedicated CAD software is much better/easier/quicker.
These CAD/CAM programs all tend to handle the CAM side of generating run of the mill toolpaths ok for both 2D & 2.5/3D but again some CAM softwares are better suited to different types of work than others.?
For instance V carving or sign generation are best handled by software more geared round wood use that has toolpath stratgies which suit this type of machining and tend to offer features or ways of cutting to speed up or enhance the job. Equally they can be rubbish at say metal Milling type work.
So again depends on your needs and work.? . . . You'll find for most simple shape cutting and V carving/text type work the the CAD/CAM programs work out better and easier.!

The costs start about £100 and go into £1000's if you want.! Expect to pay £300-400 for half decent CAD/CAM software geared around woodworking.

[kell]

Thanks jazz for reply
The time to build would be the biggest problem and the lack of a plan. Are there plans out there. Also the tooling for making some of the parts.
I am a self employed gas fitter so not a lot of spare time. What is an average build time ?

[JAZZCNC]

What is an average build time ?

5yrs on gas mark 7 . . . . . . . No seriously now it's all most impossible to answer regards time to build given the amount of variables involved and not knowing your skills or equipment level.
Regards plans then really there's not any of any note that I'd recommend for a first time build. Best advice would be trawl the threads looking at the various designs then ether copy one that catchs your eye or better still nick bits from several to build a machine that custom fits your own needs.
You'll find several folks (me included) on here willing to help regards making parts for you that you can't or don't have the equipment to make your self, obviously beer tokens become involved with some folks and some are bigger piss heads than others but in the main it works out cheap.!

Your location says Doncast. . . . Is that Doncaster.? If so I'm only 8-10 miles from Dony so your welcome to call and have a natter.!