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 building a wet plasma table for my shop that is 8'x 16'. I will need hardware and software. Please heko me wuth the list, My phone is 9124273734. I would like to talk with someone if possible. Thanks, Rus

You will need a CNC software that will control your router cnc machine, and your design CAD/CAM software will need to know the CNC software you plan on using so the post processor in the CAM software can create the g-code for the CNC control software. So if you have for example, Mach 3 and our parallel breakout board, you can use the Mach 3 post processor in your design software.

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I'm new to CNC and just finish building my router.I need software for my post processor and not sure if your product is what I 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

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?

We recommend our electronics combo for the scratch build kit, which you can find on our site here: https://buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-3axis-425-elcombo. This is our standard general purpose 3 axis electronics system, and includes (3) NEMA 24 425 oz-in stepping motors, (3) Drivers (3.0Amp 24-40 Volts, with 1-1/64 microstepping), (1) 36v 8.8a Power Supply, (1) Interface Board either USB or Parallel. (The USB version requires PlanetCNC software; the parallel interface board gives you a variety of options, Mach3 being one popular choice.)

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I am going to build a CNC 4x4 plasma table. The frame is made of 1 1/4" pipe and the gantry will be made of either 2"x 2" or 2"x 3" tubing. What size stepper motors do you suggest?

For the integrated computer for the blackTooth, the hard drive doe not need to be formatted, but will require an OS (operating system) to be installed. Ubuntu Linux can be installed with the CNC integrated software from Linuxcnc.org. Windows can also be installed.

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I am building the Blacktooth with integrated computer, which consists of a motherboard and hard drive. Does the hard drive need to be formatted or any form of OS loaded onto the integrated computer?

Mach3 and Mach4 typically use specific controller cards that are compatible with the software. If your controller connects to your computer using either a USB or Ethernet connection, then you will probably need to change the controller card as well, unless your controller card contains a plug-in that works with the Mach3 or Mach4 software.

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I have cnc fiber laser cutting machines it has operating software cypcut and I need to change it to Mech 3 or 4 do I have to buy the driver card with the software or only the software?

Yes, you can absolutely communicate with the Pokeys57CNC controller. The developer's website has various ways of control, including their poblock software, or directly programming using C#, or C++. I have tested the C# method for a job I did for Lockheed Martin and worked really well.

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[596] Hi there! Thank you for your great works. I was wondering if there is a way to communicate with this board using custom-developed software instead of Mach3 or Mach4.

Yes, I will need to know more specifics of the machine so I can recommend the correct electronics.

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ok I Build my CNC machine table and now need a complete set for motor and software how you can help me

Dealing with our USB BoB, the potentiometer that will be used in the key jog, is a 5V, 5k - 10k Ohm potentiometer.

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I am building a cnc mill using your USB controller and i would like to know what is the specification of potentiometer used for adjusting manual axis jog speed

To home the z-axis using a plate:
- Connect the end mill using a large clamping device like an alligator clip with a wire connected to GND.

- Connect the plate (solder a wire to the plate) to one of the input pins.

- You can use the autoset to setup that pin in Mach3 simply by touching the two together once connected to the pin and GND.

Alternatively, the end mill can be connected to the pin and the plate connected to GND as long as there becomes a complete circuit when the end mill touches the plate.

To setup homing for the Planet-CNC homing and limits, go to the Planet-CNC Machine setup page which explains the process step by step: http://www.planet-cnc.com/faq/machine_setup/

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How do I get homing on z to work with planet cnc software using build your own usb board. I have gone to planet website and followed the instructions provided but my software will not allow entries in the required fields they are grayed out is it because I am not using planet-cnc's board, I have used this method for years with Mach3 and would like to use it with the usb board and software.

Answer:
Just received information from the developer. The instructions on how to use a plate for z-axis homing (moveable sensor) can be found here:

http://www.planet-cnc.com/faq/moveable_sensor/

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How do I get Homing on Z to work with Plate and Ground using Buildyourcnc usb board all the entries for the sensor in planet-cnc are grayed out. I am using input z- and I purchased the software

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 installing a mach 3 usb controller into a wright cnc plasma table and I need instruction on wiring the thc (proma compact ) torch height controller to this board. IE will this board work to replace the parallel port board with usb controller board?

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.

If you would like to add a laser to a plasma table, you will need the following parts:

Laser tube at 40 watts:
https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/Laser-Component-Laser-Tube-CO2-40Watt

Mirror mounts (this will depend on the way you mount the laser tube):
https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/Laser-Component-Mirror-Mount-20mm

Mirrors for the mirror mounts:
https://www.buildyourcnc.com/Item/Laser-component-20mm-mirror-25mm

Laser Tube Power Supply:
https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/Laser-Component-Power-Supply-CO2-40W

Laser Focus Lens:
https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/laser-component-20mm-lens-2-inch-50!80mm

Mirror and Lens Mount and Nozzle:
https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/Laser-Component-Nozzle-20mm-lens-mirror

High Tension Extension Cable:
https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/Laser-component-Power-Supply-High-Tension-extension-wire

Laser Control System:
https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/Laser-Component-Laser-Control-System

Screw Posts (to connect the high tension and return wire to the laser tube, highly recommended as the leads on the laser tube are fragile):
https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/laser-component-newbiehack-connectors-screw-terminal-binding-post

Safety Eyewear for CO2 laser wavelength:
https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/laser-components-goggles-safety-tinted

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I have an Eagle Plasma table and I want to add a 40 laser. Can you supply me a list of what I need to make this happen.

Yes, we can make a redLeaf system that has all 6A drivers for use with the 651 oz-in motors. We can also wire the electronics in a way that two of the drivers will use the pins of the same axis so that axis will drive two drivers and motors.

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I am building a cnc router with twin ball screws on the long axis and I will have a rotary axis as well. I need a 5 axis breaker board using only 4 axis total. Can you help me?

Here is the new link to the Planet CNC software download page: http://planet-cnc.com/software/

You can try the software as a demo however you will have limited g-code lines you can run. I believe it was around 500, so you can create small items with the demo.
To fully unlock the Planet-CNC software you will need to purchase the license.

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I purchased the USB BOB and the link for the Planet-cnc software is broke. Will I need to purchase a license for the software as well?

The USB controller will only work with the Planet-CNC software. This software is well made and will provide great functionality. The planet-cnc software delivers instructions to the microcontroller on the board and the microcontroller will send out the pulse trains needed to move the machine correctly.

There are two main alternatives if you want to use the mach3 software:
First, get a parallel port card and add it to your computer and get a parallel breakout board. If you have a laptop/notebook computer, this will not be possible.
Second, if you have a laptop, or really want to use the USB as the main interface for controlling the machine, you will need to get the smoothstepper board which works with mach3. The price combination is much higher than the USB controller with planet-cnc, but will work with Mach3.

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The planet cnc controller can be prone to electrical interference and has been known to cause such problems. In the first instance try to use a quality double sheilded USB cable, hopefully this will fix your problem. Alternatively you may need to sheild your limit switch, estop and or motor cabling. My pick is that a quality USB cable will fix it though, worked for me.

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I have your USB controller sitting here and want to control it with something other than PlanetCNC control software?

The bluchick CNC router is a perfect small format CNC that can handle most jobs. Please check here to see the latest information on this CNC router. blueChick CNC Machine. The machine can be purchased assembled. Al you will need is a computer and spindle.

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I'm looking for a complete CNC router, out the box ready to use system. Computer and software. What do you suggest? I need a working area of 12"x24"