You can purchase the BobCAD-CAM as a bundle with any of our machines.

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Can you purchase the BOBCAD-CAM software alone, or in with the combination LaserCutter, or is it only available for the price listed in combination with the blackfoot CNC

I will check with some of our suppliers.

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I am looking for a lead screw with a 4mm lead, at least 4 starts and 36" in length, can you help me out?

It is possible to connect and configure the spindle VFD to the mach3 via an RS485 communication and protocol.

The first thing you will need is the dynamic link library to pair with mach3 called the Huanyang VFD Mach3 PlugIn. You can find this file at the mach3 support forum here: http://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php/topic,14182.0.html

You will also need to download the Microsoft .net 3.5 framework and install it: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=21

Follow the pdf that comes with the library file, but here is a synopsis of what you need to do (I also added a lot more information that may be useful during this process as the manual does not cover the main connections that need to be done):

You will need to program your VFD so that it knows how to communicate with mach3 and the computer (go into the programming mode of the VFD and change these parameters):
- PD001 - value 2 - Enables with communication aspect of the VFD
- PD002 - value 2 - Enables frequency control from the communcations port
- PD163 - value 1 - VFD address
- PD164 - value 1 - Baud rate of 9600 (speed of the communication)
- PD165 - value 3 - 8N1 RTU - 8 bits (that's the size of the word that gets communicated), N (No parity or no error checking) and 1 (1 stop bit)

Copy the dll file to the PlugIns folder of mach3.

Connect the RX and TX lines to your computer. There are a couple ways you can do this, but the recommended way would be to use an FTDI USB device which converts a USB to a serial com port. The device will have Rx and Tx connectors to connect to the VFD terminals with the same labels. This method is recommended since serial ports are not as common in computers these days.

Next, you will need to configure mach3 to use the plugin library. Start mach3 and click on Menu -> config ->Config Plugins. Enable the new plugin by clicking on the red cross on the left column next to the plug in. Restart mach3 after doing this.

No you need to configure mach3 to use the HuanyangVFD plugin. Go to the ports & pins configuration and select the spindle setup tab. Make sure that the Disable Spindle Relays checkbox is unchecked. We don't want mach3 to output a signal for a relay since the spindle will start up and turn off within the VFD and not from an external relay.

Next, go to the HuanyangVFD settings by clicking on Menu -> plugin control -> HuanyangVFD. Set the parameters to the same settings you put into the VFD programming. The com port will be shown as new hardward when you plug in the USB FTDI device. A little bubble will be displayed at the bottom right where it will notify you that a new device is being installed (be patient while windows assigns a com port). Alternatively, you can use the windows device manager to see which port was set for the new USB FTDI device). You may need to restart mach3 several times until you get the correct information displayed in the PD001 and PD002 fields. When the com port is correct and the other parameters, like baud and VFD address is the same as you entered in the programming, then the PD001 and PD002 will show the number 2, otherwise, a 99 will appear which means that communication was not successful.

You can now control the on/off and RPM of the spindle using the RS485 communication between mach3 and the VFD.



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This looks easy enough, however, the VFD that came with my spindle is made by Huajiang, not a Huanyang. The parameter codes are different and do not line up with the ones offered in this response.

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How do I program the 2.2kw VFD to jog with a Digital Input

Dealing with the dimensions of our scratch build kit, you can find the design and dimensions here (https://www.buildyourcnc.com/Documents/CNC%20Kit%201-1.pdf).
You can go to the main CNC book page here (https://www.buildyourcnc.com/Book.aspx).

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I am looking for the dimensions for drilling from the plans in the book

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.

The greenBull 4x8 is designed specifically for heavy usage with a larger gantry and 3 large NEMA 34 651oz-in motors on each axis. You can expect superior performance from the greenBull since it is specifically designed for every day production of 4x8 sheets of material.

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The greenBull response was not an answer to my question. I'd still like to hear from users. There must be some suggestions comments from those that have built the machine?

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Strange that you got the response matching the greenBull answer. That was probably our automated "closest match". I would re-state the question and select the "no, the answer is not related" and let it hang out on the customer service page for a while to see if you get any bites.

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Just getting started with building the "Book Machine". I'm looking for feedback from users. Lessons learned, performance etc.

We can special order this part for you. Give us a call and we will either find the part for you, or find a part that we can machine to your specifications.

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HI, I am looking for a drive sproket for a roller chain. The drive sproket should have an ID= 16mm. do you have something like this in your inventory?

We are about to unveil the greenBull v2 which comes with the table and many upgrades. This will be available at the beginning of February. I would recommend waiting for that version.

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if i request for Grren bull assembled kit. i noticed it does not come with table. how about Torsion ? I am looking to buy one very soon. thnx

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/

Customer Response:
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

Artsoft (Also called Newfangled Solutions, Inc.) creates Mach3 and Mach3 along with other CNC related software. They are still in business. I noticed that the https seems to not work, so their SSL may have lapsed (2/19/2019). It is safe to use their website; however, if you do purchase on their site while their SSL is down, it's best to use their PayPal link to do the transaction.

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Or you can purchase the software from us.

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I would recommend Mach4 for the control software.

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Is Artsoft is out of Bussiness ? I am looking fo 64bit software , was going to use Mach4, so what would you recomend ? thanks John

Mach4 is designed to run in both 64 and 32-bit computers and operating systems, however, the parallel port interface will not work with 64-bit windows. The easiest solution would be to use a more modern CNC controller, like the:

pokeys57cnc that I sell
https://buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-breakout-Mach4-mach3-USB-ethernet-Board

Or other options like the Smoothstepper board that I do not sell.

Both are great options.

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[468] I wanted to know if I could use a computer with 64 bits windows installed (with Parallel port in the mainboard) or not. Thanks

Yes, all of the spindles come with collets. The collets have a 1/4" (6.35mm) bore for end mills that have a 1/4" shank. The ER specification is different for the 1.5kW (ER-11) and the 2.2kW (ER-20).

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I’M LOOKING TO PURCHASE SPINDLE AND VFD WAS CURIOS IF THE SPINDLES COME WITH COLLETS SO WHICH ONES?

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.

If you purchase the Vertical Laser XL in kit form, then we would be able to deliver it within 2 weeks. If you want the Vertical Laser XL to be assembled, we would need a minimum of 1 month.

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What is the shipping cost to rural WV? Mannington, WV.

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Hello! How fast could I get a VLXL? Looking to get it by the end of the month. In WV. Ben

This would totally work for that application. This cable carrier is used for any object that needs to move and carries some electrical or tubing within it. This cable carrier is great for cable management where you want to make sure the wires and tubes are in a position that you set, not where the wires and tubing want to go.

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[311] I am looking to use this type of thing with a pipe for theater. Where the pipe can be lowered and it would have electrical and signal cable inside. Is this good for that or should I look at something else?

The electronics combo with the sku of 101 on Amazon.com includes a parallel interface.

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I am looking at your 3 axis CNC machine kit(part #101) on Amazon. Is the interface on this kit USB?

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!

Yes, our greenBull is the best machine to exhibit those dimensions. The 8" z-axis travel can be achieved by making sure that the table and bed of the machine will built with a depression that lowers the work are to the desired travel and clearance depth.

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I am looking for a 4'x4'x8" cnc machine kit... do you carry something like this?

The parallel breakout board uses pins 10 to 13 relating specifically to the pin numbers on the parallel port. It is in fact 13 and not i3.

The mach3 USB board does use the I1-I4 using the I to represent the word "input"; hence I3 (i3).

Thanks for the question and wanting clarification.

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In the video 'Primer on Homing and the Use of Limit Switches' Patrick refers to pin number "13". Is this in fact pin "i3"?