Hi Mr K,

Pity about the 6040, they can be variable but are a very nice package to start with. The electronics that drive the steppers can be junk and if you are using Mach3 but not using a motion controller you will be beating a dead horse but with a little bit of love they can perform fine. Plenty of videos and success stories online

So worry not, help is here.


As for a cutter have a read of this: http://www.toolstoday.com/p-5785-ins...outer-bit.aspx

The wood workers among us will give you more direction. I have used a 6mm two flute endmill to good results but a wider tool will reduce the number of passes.

Mach has wizards that will make the code generation easy. I am sure linux will too.
Before getting cut2D have a look at Fusion 360. It is free and will allow you to learn CAD and also has a fantastic free CAM package integrated. I am trialing the professional paid package to see if it can be used along side Creo. One of the functions the CAM program has is facing.

R's

George