This book offers an excellent platform upon which to learn CNC technology and fabrication no matter how old the book is. If you are new to CNC routers, I wuld highly recommend this book. The book will provide you with the plans and the knowledge to build a capable entry level CNC router and you will learn the fundamentals necessary to become successful with fabrication, maintaining the machine (and almost any machine), and how these complex CNC routers work.

The machine kits on this website were created as an upgrade or alternative to the book CNC router build. Specifically the blackToe CNC Router: https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/cnc-machine-blacktoe-v4-2x4

Click the link to add information to this solution:
I bought the book that you co-authored (Build Your own CNC) a few years ago. Its not till now that I’ll be able to start the project. Are all the parts still available? The book is about 8 years old now so I’m wondering if its still worth building that design? (I don’t see a newer version of the book)

The Mach3 USB will not work with Linux CNC. You can use our parallel breakout baord instead (if you have a computer that has a parallel port available).

Here is the link to that interface:
https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-parallel-breakout-relay

Click the link to add information to this solution:
Hello. I'm currently building my first CNC router, and I'm powering it with a 3 axis electronics kit that was purchased through your site. I chose to get the Mach 3 USB Breakout board, but now I'm wanting to try to use Linux CNC to work with the computer I have available. Will that work with this board?

I can send you a new license. All you need to do is email me at customerservice@buildyourcnc.com and state the name the license is under and I will send you another license.

Click the link to add information to this solution:
I bought and downloaded about 2 years ago, recently my PC that I use for my CNC crashed and now have to reinstall Mach3 but the license download has since expired. What I need to do to activate 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.

Click the link to add information to this solution:
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.

Here is how to connect your router to the parallel breakout board through the on-board relay. You will need a spare extension cord. You will need to remove a portion of the outer jacket of the extension cord to expose the white, black and green wires (white = neutral, black = live and green = ground), understanding that the neutral and live create the completed circuit.

See this image of a similar connection. The terminal has the same connections.
https://www.buildyourcnc.com/images/vacuum-pressure-controller-relay-terminals-700.JPG

Image of the relay terminal:
https://www.buildyourcnc.com/images/breakoutboardrelayNONC.PNG

The live/black wire would be cut and one end of the cut would be secured into the P terminal and the other cut end would be secured into the S terminal. The live and ground wire would be uncut and travel from the plug to the router.


Additional Information:
You can also connect other high powered devices to the breakout board using any of the output terminals. You will need to supply extra relays like the one shown here:
https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-breakout-Relays-relay-board-250V-12A-5V

Or you can find SSRs (Solid State Relays) that will accept 5v to drive the relay coil. Make sure the SSR will protect the 5V line from Back EMF as there is a coil in the relay. The one we sell contains a fly-back diode to protect the 5v terminal.

Click the link to add information to this solution:
I have your breakout board with relay parallel port , how can I wire up a regular router to that board so I can control the router

Yes, if you are using 1/2" standard allthread lead screw coupled to your stepping motors, you can increase the speed by changing the lead screw to 10 TPI 5 Start Lead Screws with antibacklash nuts. This will allow you to have up to 200-300 IPM (inches per minute) travel and cutting speeds.

The reason why the feedrate and jogging speed is faster is because the lead screw will travel a farther distance for each turn of the motor. A standard allthread will only travel one inch after 13 turns of the motor. The above (link below) 5 start 1/2" lead screws will travel one inch with only 2 turns of the motor! That is a drastic difference and you will get more torque from your motor since most of the torque is present at low speeds.

Lead screw link:
https://buildyourcnc.com/item/mechanical-leadscrews-lead-screw-!5-5-starts-10-tpi

Antibacklash nut link:
https://buildyourcnc.com/item/mechanical-leadscrews-antibacklash-nut-!5-5-starts-10-tpi

Click the link to add information to this solution:
I built a 2' x 4' cnc about 2 years ago and bought all the plans and part through this website. My average 2D design takes approximately 35-40 minutes to complete. Is there a way to make my cnc faster?

You will need PlanetCNC software for the USB breakout board and when plugging in the USB the computer should automatically recognize the board, however you can go into device manager to see if the USB terminal is working correctly.
The parallel breakout board; the USB is not a connection terminal rather than a power source, and the parallel port will be the communication terminal.
The items you will need for a water cooled spindle would be: water pump, silicon tubing(length desired by customer), a extension cord(from a hardware store(orange))(1 same gauge wire/length as extension cord).

Click the link to add information to this solution:
I am making my own CNC setup using all the electronics from your website and I have many questions. Please advise how to have my computer recognize the USB connection from my breakout board also I would like to use a water cooled spindle but I need to know the parts required for a 4x10 bed area used for woods and plastics

Here is how to connect your router to the parallel breakout board through the on-board relay. You will need a spare extension cord. You will need to remove a portion of the outer jacket of the extension cord to expose the white, black and green wires (white = neutral, black = live and green = ground), understanding that the neutral and live create the completed circuit.

See this image of a similar connection. The terminal has the same connections.
https://www.buildyourcnc.com/images/vacuum-pressure-controller-relay-terminals-700.JPG

Image of the relay terminal:
https://www.buildyourcnc.com/images/breakoutboardrelayNONC.PNG

The live/black wire would be cut and one end of the cut would be secured into the P terminal and the other cut end would be secured into the S terminal. The live and ground wire would be uncut and travel from the plug to the router.


Additional Information:
You can also connect other high powered devices to the breakout board using any of the output terminals. You will need to supply extra relays like the one shown here:
https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-breakout-Relays-relay-board-250V-12A-5V

Or you can find SSRs (Solid State Relays) that will accept 5v to drive the relay coil. Make sure the SSR will protect the 5V line from Back EMF as there is a coil in the relay. The one we sell contains a fly-back diode to protect the 5v terminal.

Click the link to add information to this solution:
I have your breakout board with relay parallel port , I have a vacuum, light on router and air pump I want to also hook up to board, can I hook those up to board and also could I had reylays to each one, what is the best way to figure this out any information would be great. Thanks

No, we have gotten away from the planet-cnc boards as they have decided to not support our board with their software. You can use the Mach3 USB board as an alternative. You will be better off with Mach3 as a control software as this is widely used and supported.

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

Click the link to add information to this solution:
I have the older discontinued USB breakout board. The y-axis no longer works and have traced it to the breakout board. Is there a replacement board that can use the same Planet CNC software running on Windows 10?

That will depend on the controller that was installed in the redFly. If the controller is a pokeys57CNC controller, you can use Mach 4 with that system.

You can add a 4th axis and an ATC (Automatic Tool Changer) with the redFly system.

Click the link to add information to this solution:
Does the Redfly that I bought with the GreenBull in 2016 work with Mach4? Also I want to add a 4th axis and a spindle with automatic tool changer. Will this work too or do I need a new control board? I bought my CNC with a longer Z travel, so I have plenty of room for these. Thanks!

You can ask the question on this customer Service section. The questions on this section get answered immediately, or faster than our email service.

Click the link to add information to this solution:
I have received an email from you re my question Number 13956 and I want to make some inquiries re just the control board could you send me a email address as using the address that the email was sent to me keeps coming back.

Sure, connect O2 (output #2) on your mach3 USB board to the GND side of your relay coil. Connect the 24V power supply to the positive side of your 24v relay.

You will want to connect a flyback diode (1N4007) between the coil connections to make sure the coil back current does not damage the Mach3 USB board.

Refer to this diagram:
https://www.buildyourcnc.com/Documents/Electric%20Wiring%20Diagram.pdf

Please let me know if this helps and if you need further guidance.

Thanks

Click the link to add information to this solution:
I recently purchesed a USB Mach3 breakout board and need help setting mach3 to use a relay to start the router can you show how to set the pins and which port to use on the board to attached the relay?

We are developing plans for our machine, but they are not completed yet. Please let me know if you would like to be added to our list of customers wanting plans. Thanks,

Additional Information:
If you have specific questions regarding CAD, CAM and Control, please add another question to the customer service and I will answer them in detail.

Click the link to add information to this solution:
How do I get started I would like to build a cnc router. Making the machine I can do, but I am weak on cad,cam and mach3. I am thinking about a 4’x4’. Do you have plans I can buy?

For safety's sake I would recommend a new board because they are inexpensive compared to the electronics that they support. Alternatively, it's possible that the one dead pin is a simple fix, such as a bad connection or solder joint; if you feel comfortable making those repairs then it could be worthwhile to check. Finally, if you are not using all the input pins, you could continue to operate the limit switch on pin 11 and hope for the best.

Click the link to add information to this solution:
I have a breakout board and it appears that the pin 12 connection has failed: when i move my limit switches to pin 11 they work; they don't work on pin 12. Do i need a new breakout board?

It sounds like the meter red and black wires are being switched around. The breakout board should not be giving you a -5 volts. The voltages should be in the range of 0 and 5 volts. The voltages will change when you move the axis in one direction or the other.

Click the link to add information to this solution:
I have an issue about the breakout board , i can't understand why i get ( -5V) instead of ( +5V) when i measure the voltage between the "Dir" pin and " com" pin

Sure, our blueChick and blackToe CNC Routers are considered relatively small machines at 1'x3' and 2'x4' respectively. They both use NEMA 23/24 motors. We recommend connecting the machines to either Mach3 or LinuxCNC and come with the necessary interface for either control software. You will need a computer for the control software and if you desire LinuxCNC, you will need a parallel port. Mach3 will accept either parallel port, or USB interface.

Click the link to add information to this solution:
I recently purchased the linksprite cnc engraving router and was wondering if your 3 axis small kit would be ok? the engraver came with nema 17 motors and a arduino board but but not liking the grbl control. could you point me in the right direction .Thanks.

Modifying the Z-axis to accommodate a larger motor will be a worth while task and is possible, however we have not calibrated the z-axis therefore using the 1600 Steps-per inch in the motor tuning on our machine in our shop. We have not noticed any significant depth increments from not calibrating the z-axis but only from zeroing the z axis too close to the material. Also in your design did you specify the actual depth and the length of tool (end mill/ bit) that you are using?

Click the link to add information to this solution:
I bought a Blacktoe 2 x 8 three years ago and have always had a problem with the Zid axis. No matter how tightly I've calibrated the axis it always cuts to deep. Can I put a larger Stepper motor on Z-axis using the same motion electronics that came with the original machine.

Stepper motors are known to make noises while function, however this does not affect accuracy or job function. However we recommend to check your wiring for solid connections, and for good connectivity!



On a personal note, here is one cool video dealing with making songs with stepper motors!

Click the link to add information to this solution:
I bought and built the Blacktooth laser cutter. It works, but one of the stepper motors makes a loud static hiss a second after the CNC power supply is turned on or off, and makes loud tweets and twirps when running. It seems to operate fine otherwise. I was wondering if it was "going bad" or if that is normal?

We are currently working on a relay board that will connect to USB breakout board, and the router/spindle for both the on/off function. Unfortunately we still do not have it completed or ready to be placed on our website, but it is in the final stages of testing. Please check back regularly for updated stock!

Here is a link to a tutorial for a DIY relay circuit:

Click the link to add information to this solution:
I AM PUTTING TOGETHER THE BLACKFOOT AND USING A PORTER CABLE ROUTER. CONFUSED ON HOW TO RELAY ROUTETR WITH USB BOARD. IS THERE ANOTHER SWITCH THAT GOES BETWEEN BOARD ROUTER SO PLANET CNC CAN TURN PERHAPS VACUUM OFF?