NEW TO CNC - Starting design and so forth

[JAZZCNC]

Hi Phil,

Ok well I'm going to start by trying to talk you out of building main base with MDF, yes I know your familair with it and used to working it plus it's cheap and all that but it's also Rubbish for building CNC machines from.
The torsion box design will help but still MDF is rubbish due to fact it expands and changes shape(Even when sealed) which is not what you want with a CNC machine. If you must use Wood or wood based products then go with decent quality plywood and just use MDF for a spoil board that you can surface every other day or when badly chopped up.
To be honest other than lack of familiarity with working with it then building frame from steel gives a much better machine and stable machine that doesn't cost the earth. If you want a proper machine that will last, stay stable and accurate for many years not just many months then go with steel.

Regards the electronics then forget the rubbarb pie other wise your on a hinding to nothing and will become very frustrated. The electronics on a CNC machine are very important and trying to cut corners here only leads to frustration and extra expense when you scrap them at later date when you see the light.!!
Best advise is DONT buy anything until your sure it's what you need and will do the job, BY FAR the single most common mistake is buying wrong electronics and motors for the job.
Building a CNC machine is best done with a step by step approach with each step guideing you on the next and electronics is well down the list so don't go rushing into buying any.

Regards Software then MAch3 and Linux cnc are both just Control software, that means they only control the machine and all it's functions. They don't do anything other than follow a set of instructions known has G-code or commonly called toolpaths output from CAM software in the form of a G-code file and watch and monitor Input signals, E-stop and limits switches etc or turn on or off output signals to control external devices like Vacuums etc.
To convert your CAD files into Toolpaths and prodcue G-code files you need CAM software, here you set the cutting parameters ie: Tool size, speed, depth etc and select profiles or geometry to follow.
There are many CAM packages ranging from Free to £££££ just do a search on the forum and you'll find many posts about whats available.

Hope this helps and just ask about anything your unsure about and don't be afraid to ask just because you don't know the lingo, if we don't follow what your meaning we'll let you know.