CAMBAM is an excellent choice to use for providing plasma operations for a plasma machine. Here is a link to get you started and for the resource files that you can use with CAMBAM.

http://www.cambam.info/ref/ref.plasma

Since CAMBAM has CAD functionality, you should have no problem using CAMBAM as a CAD design software. If you are dong more intricate work, then you can use MOre CAD oriented software and then load the .DXF files into CAMBAM for the application of plasma operations on top of the primitive CAD geometry.

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I am building a 23' x 10' plasma table with your epuipment and am choosing software. Is Cambam OK or do I need to get a more powerful cad software

All of our controller will allow two steppers on any of the axes. Multiple stepper motors and drivers on a single axis is more a function of the way the stepper motor drives are connected to the output pins of the controller. To connect two stepper drivers to a single axis, you need to connect the output pins (dir and step) to each of the two stepper motor drivers.

Consider the controller on cost, features and how they are connected to the computer.

Out lowest cost controllers are:

Mach3 USB board - Has good features and uses the USB from the computer as the main connection
https://buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-breakout-Mach3-USB-Board

Parallel Breakout - The computer generates the main signals and this board conditions the signals for the drivers. Although it requires the parallel port from older computer, the board has the most broad compatibility with control software out there including Mach3 and LinuxCNC.
https://buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-parallel-breakout-relay

Highest cost but most feature rich:

Pokey57CNC - works with both Mach3 and Mach4
https://buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-breakout-Mach4-mach3-USB-ethernet-Board

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I am looking for a controller for a 3 axis dual Y stepper cnc machine. If at all possible I would like a list of the parts that will be needed. I prefer to go with an ethernet setup vs a parallel port.

Attaching two motors in parallel is possible, but you will need another motor and driver for the opposite side. Each motor must have its own driver to work accordingly and fluently. The two can be wired together, to the same pins on your breakout board and set the dip switches on the driver to match the ones on your x-axis(ex). But remember to view the orientation of the motor and which way it spins, since it is on the opposite side it will have to be orientated correctly to move in sync with the other motor.

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I just finished building my first CNC with the electronics I purchased from you and I am already thinking about improving it. I would like to build a 2 motor X axis solution. Is it possible to attach 2 parallel motors and drivers to the BlueBrew Breakout Board? If so, how?

if you purchased the USB interface, you will need planet-cnc software rather than Mach3, and you will need a usb cable to connect the usb interface to the computer.

The blackToe 2x4 CNC Machine Kit with optional table will need wire to connect the electronics. Don't forget to get some end mills to use for cutting the intended material.


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If I purchase the [blackToe 2x4 v4.1 CNC Machine Kit - USB Electronics - Table Included] all I would need for this CNC to be fully operational is a laptop with mach 3 software and a router. Is this correct?

No, you do not need another motion controller if you have the parallel breakout board and you are using the "Legacy Parallel Port Plug-In" with Mach4. The motion controller is the parallel port.

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I purchased hardware for my plasma table which included 3 nema 34 stepper motors and drivers, power supply,Blue brew BOB, and Mach 4 Control software with parallel port plug-in. In configuring the Mach 4 software it asks for a motion controler. Do I need another device such as a smoothstepper motion controler?

Generally, 3D printers require the following components:

Electronics to move the motors, limit the motion and extrude the filament:
- Stepping motors, one for each axis (X, Y and Z), and one for each extruder

- Stepping motor drivers that are capable of allowing a current draw that matches the stepping motor connected to the driver. https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/3D-Printer-Component-electronicsAndMotors-stepper-driver-2!5a-FDMElectronics-driver2!5a

- Arduino Mega 2560 to serve as the g-code interpreter. https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/3D-Printer-Component-electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-arduino-mega-2560-FDMElectronics

- Arduino shield that breaks out all of the connections from the arduino (3D printer main board). https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/3D-Printer-Component-electronicsAndMotors-3d-printer-mainboard-FDMElectronics-3dprintermainboard

- Extruder to control the temperature of the hot end (receive temperature readings using a type K thermocouple and send current to the heating cartridge, or power resistor). https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/3D-Printer-Component-electronicsAndMotors-extruder-controller-FDMElectronics

- End stops to limit the travel of each axis. https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/3D-Printer-Component-electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-end-stop-switch-safety-FDMElectronics-endstop

- Type K Thermocople to sense the heat at the hot end. https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/3D-Printer-Component-typek-thermocouple-heat-sensor-newbiehack-sensors-typek-thermocouple-heat-sensor

- Extruder with motor and hot end. https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/3D-Printer-Component-extruder

The software to run a 3D printer for our electronics is replicatorG.

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I am building a big 3d printer using 3 nema 23 and two nema11 for dual head extruder. I need a list of the rest of the stuff I would need including hardware to run these motors and the sofware I would need.

If you purchase the greenLean, you will get everything you need except a router, computer to operate the machine, and software to control the machine. You state that you have a computer. You can use this computer, but you will need to determine if it has a parallel port, or if you are going to need the USB controller option. As for the software, there are too many different options for you to choose from. We would not be able to tell you which to get, and how much it will cost you. This is a matter of preference. I can tell you, however, that you will need 3 types of software to complete a CNC project. You will need CAD software to design your design, CAM software to add tool paths and convert the design to g-code, and then control software to take the g-code and operate the machine.

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I am a novice to CNC and I am building the "Book Build" CNC machine. I need to know whaqt software I will need to get me started routing simple signs and lettering and maybe some simple stuff

What controller are you using to control the cnc machine (Mach3 usb, parallel breakout board, etc.)?

The spindle VFD has an input for 0-10 volts to control the speed and can be used with the MAch3 USB or the Pokeys57CNC board. There are also other terminals in the VFD to control the forwared/reverse and start and stop. Mach3 has parameters to control these output and you need to specify which pins are used for these.

You can also use the TX/RX RS-485 connection on the VFD to have total control using an FTDI USB to serial connector board to connect the computer directly to the VFD.

How to connect the USB to Serial adapter to the VFD:
https://www.buildyourcnc.com/FAQ/13790

FTDI USB to Serial:
https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/Interfaces-newbiehack-Interfaces-TTL232R-USB-UART-Serial

Pokeys57CNC board:
https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-breakout-Mach4-mach3-USB-ethernet-Board

Mach3 USB board:
https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-breakout-Mach3-USB-Board

Parallel Breakout board:
https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-parallel-breakout-relay



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I do apologize for leaving out the parts list.
Leadshine MX4660 4-Axis Digital Stepper Motor Driver
Ethernet SmoothStepper
YL600-2S-2K20 VFD
4 Relay control board
Has anyone had any success getting Mach3 to control the spindle speed and direction?

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I have the 2.2KW VFD. I would like to have it controlled through software. What are the Mode parameters that need to be changed that will allow FWD/ REV, START/STOP and RPM control?

The files and hardware option for our machines has been removed from the site due to the following reasons:
Difficulty for the end use of the files and the challenges (and time/money) on our side to assist in using these files.
The abuse of these files over the internet.
Ultimately may reduce the sales of machines keeping us in business.
Sadly, this is what has come out of our company attempting to be open; however, the machines sold on this site is still far lower in price than the competition for the quality that we provide as we have a great desire to engender the cottage industry to fulfill their need for low end manufacturing. My sincere apologies if this causes any inconvenience.

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NO, is not possible, I can help with the shipping cost

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IT POSSIBLE TO BUY THE CAD FILES FOR BLACK FOOT MACHINE, MECHANICAL PARTS AND ELECTRONICS BUT NOT WOODEN PARTS, SAVE SHIPPING COSTS? IN THAT CASE I WOULD INSTRUCT SOMEONE MILL ME.

The files and hardware option for our machines has been removed from the site due to the following reasons:
Difficulty for the end use of the files and the challenges (and time/money) on our side to assist in using these files.
The abuse of these files over the internet.
Ultimately may reduce the sales of machines keeping us in business.
Sadly, this is what has come out of our company attempting to be open; however, the machines sold on this site is still far lower in price than the competition for the quality that we provide as we have a great desire to engender the cottage industry to fulfill their need for low end manufacturing. My sincere apologies if this causes any inconvenience.

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NO, is not possible, I can help with the shipping cost

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Is it possible to buy just the electronics and hardware for the bigfoot along with the plans for the timber components so that I could have them cut here in the UK and reduce the amount of material that needs to be shipped?

It's generally acceptable to use one pin for all of your limit switches wired Normally Closed (NC), and another separate pin for a Z probe that is Normally Open (NO). LinuxCNC is quite flexible and allows for mixed configurations of NC and NO switches.

Just ensure you configure LinuxCNC correctly to recognize each pin's logic (Active low or active high). And perhaps run a few tests before running the machine.

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It's generally acceptable to use one pin for all of your limit switches wired Normally Closed (NC), and another separate pin for a Z probe that is Normally Open (NO). LinuxCNC is quite flexible and allows for mixed configurations of NC and NO switches.

Just ensure you configure LinuxCNC correctly to recognize each pin's logic (Active low or active high). And perhaps run a few tests before running the machine.

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[59] is it ok to use one pin for all of the limit switches wired NC and another pin for a z probe that is NO, or do all input pins need to be the same (NC or NO)? I would like to use LinuxCNC but will use Mach3 if necessary. a thanks!

If you purchase the assembled machine (which we highly recommend since you are outside the US) the entire system is tested, so you will not need any replacement parts. We have used motors and spindles on our machines that work constantly and daily for many years. These items still work to this day.

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Dear Sir or Madam, I'm looking for high quality and reliable CNC for my shop and I can find that the greenbull 5x is suitable for me. Would you please clarify where the hardware items are made, and how reliable will the greenbull be. Take into consideration that I'm outside the US, so buying spare parts from you should be planned long before and unexpected maintenance would stop our work.

ArtCAM is excellent for engraving applications. ArtCAM is a great generall purpose CAM software, but there are excellent examples of coin making and other engraving applications. Check out the videos tutorials here: https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/CAM-SOFTWARE-artcam

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I am considering my own cnc engraver I will be engraving nickel silver, ferrules that are tapered throufght the length. they are 24mm on one end down to 21mm on the other. my question is which software would suit me for this type of engraving?

The dimensions for the #40 drive sprockets will be 1.835" radius tooth to tooth , .575" from teeth to teeth, 0.600" / 3/5 ID, 1.249" OD.
Now the idler sprocket dimensions (same format):
Radius ttt: 2.963"
Fttt: 0.535"
ID: 0.600" / 3/5
OD: 0.825"

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I am designing/building a cnc plasma cutter and I would like some info on some of your parts. Would it be possible to get dimension and/or drawings (or models) of the #40 drive and idle sprockets?

The cutting area is 20" x 40" for the book machine. This area is determined by the 2'x4' sheets that make up the bed of the machine. You can increase this area if you use larger sheets and adjust the gantry width by the same difference of the width of the sheets.

You can also use the plans from Woodsmith magazine to build a larger machine.
https://www.woodsmith.com/article/build-a-cnc-router-for-your-own-shop/

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need cutting area of 25 x 49 what size of gantry


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need cutting area of 25 x 49 what size of gantry

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I am building the 24" x 48" machine from the original book and i was wondering if anyone can provide me with the actual cutting area possible with that machine.

I apologize but the gantry legs will only be able to accommodate 3/4" thick table top (gantry sides to be specific(https://buildyourcnc.com/blackFoot48v40.aspx#prettyPhoto/28/)).This is due to the available adjust ability on the gantry legs between the v-groove bearings that ride on the top X-axis rails, and the ones that tighten on the lower rails.

The Y-axis (width of the table) will have no problem with the table top being thicker, but the X-axis rail screws and gantry legs will not accommodate the 1"- 1/2" table top.

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From your assembly instructions, it appears your table top is 3/4 thick. I planned to use a thicker table at 1 1/2 thick. I realize I will need longer bolts to attach the x-axis guide rails, but will the y-z gantry adjust for a table that thick? I am building a BlackFoot.

The files and hardware option for our machines has been removed from the site due to the following reasons:
Difficulty for the end use of the files and the challenges (and time/money) on our side to assist in using these files.
The abuse of these files over the internet.
Ultimately may reduce the sales of machines keeping us in business.
Sadly, this is what has come out of our company attempting to be open; however, the machines sold on this site is still far lower in price than the competition for the quality that we provide as we have a great desire to engender the cottage industry to fulfill their need for low end manufacturing. My sincere apologies if this causes any inconvenience.

Additional Information:
NO, is not possible, I can help with the shipping cost

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I was wondering if it is at possible to get a autocadd drawing of the pieces that need to be built for your cnc hardware kit

You can do raster and vector engraving on the greenBull laser/spindle combination. The methods of this process is not accomplished in the same way as the typical laser machines where CorelDRAW is used. The Mach3 laser plug-in can be used for the raster engraving and standard CNC g-code can be used for vector cutting and engraving.

The raster method will not be fast on the greenBull since the z-axis is heavy and there are inertial limitation on doing fast raster back and forth movement. Vector is the best use of this machine.

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I am looking at purchasing the greenbull 5X system with the laser/spindle combination. Can the laser do both rastered engraving as well as vectored cutting with the same breakout board and software? If I have this wrong please let me know what would be needed to accompish this.

Yes, you can connect a THC, Torch Height Controller, with the Mach3 USB controller. The THC uses the inputs to determine if the z axis needs to move up or down according to the arc of the plasma torch. The THC connects its outputs to the inputs of the controller so the controller will be informed of the states of the plasma torch.

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I am interested in using the Mach3 USB interface board. I was wondering if there was a way to run a torch height controller with this board for use with a plasma cutter, and if so do you know of any THCs that will work. Thank you.