You will probably have post processors like the following listed:
Mach2/3 ATC Arcs (inch)
Mach2/3 ATC Arcs (mm)
Mach2/3 Arcs (inch)
Mach2/3 Arcs (mm)
Mach2/3-WrapX2A ATC Arcs (inch)
Mach2/3-WrapX2A ATC Arcs (mm)
Mach2/3-WrapY2A ATC Arcs (inch)
Mach2/3-WrapY2A ATC Arcs (mm)

If you have an Automatic Tool Changer, use the post processor with the ATC in the name. For most applications and if you don't have an ATC (automatic tool changer), use the Mach2/3 Arcs (inch) or (mm) post processor.




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I purchased Mach3 from buildyourcnc dont know what verson i need to use in VCarve as the processor. There are 8 2/3Mach listed

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?

For purchasing on our website, our account log in is a safe way to keep your personal data at hand for future orders. However we do not keep any bank information in our systems, it is a single use system.

Now dealing with the cnc book, you can view our web version of the book with a list of materials and hardware that will be needed here (https://www.buildyourcnc.com/cnckitintro.aspx).

Adding the items to your cart in the quantity's needed, now for certain items for example, or ACME screws, and aluminum angles will require a total length needed, but the specific lengths required will have to be email here (customerservice@buildyourcnc.com) or called here (281-815-7701) with the completion of your order.

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I want to purchase some items from your co. How do i go about it. I already have the buildyourcnc book and wand to begin.

The settings that will have to be change will be your steps per inch in motor tuning (mach 3), or settings/axes(planetCNC). But we do not have the actual numbers/specs that will fit your 10 TPI 5 start lead screw, here is a tutorial video which explains how to get the exact numbers you need! (

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I just changed my X and Y to the ACME 1/2" 5 start lead screw. What are the motor tuning numbers. I have the book built machine.

The BobCAD post processor that will work with the USB interface that uses the Planet-CNC software:

According to the Planet-cnc folks, wincnc or mach3 post-processors should work. According to a representative at BobCAD, mach3 post-processor should work.

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Do you know which BobCAD-CAM post processor works with your USB controller? Do you have a dll or command document to communicate with your USB controller?

Connecting drivers from a controller to the driver does not require relays. A controller typically has pins or terminals for Step and Direction. These terminals connect to the driver's Pulse and Direction terminals. For instance for the X axis: if you are connecting from the Mach3 USB controller, you would connect the XD (X axis Direction) terminal to the Driver's DIR+ terminal, and the XP (X axis Pulse) to theDriver's PUL+ terminal, and the GND from the controller to the PUL- and DIR- terminals.

I have thorough step by step instruction for two controllers:
https://buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-breakout-Mach3-USB-Board
https://buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-breakout-Mach4-mach3-USB-ethernet-Board

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When you are talking about relatys, that is all Greek to me. Will a breakout board do what I need to hook up to my drivers?

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,

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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.

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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?

You will need a collar or adapter to connect the ID of the #40 sprocket (0.622") and a 1/4" collar with our OD (0.674"). We currently do not have anything in this nature.


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For a 1/4" input shaft the larger #40 sprocket, seem's pretty large for the 1/4" input shaft. So we recommend using a #25 sprocket and #25 roller chain with our NEMA-23 since it will be more compatible arrangement.

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What else from you shop do I need to connect a #40 Drive Sprocket to my nema23 motor, its not so clear

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

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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?

Can you see any damage to the beginning of the thread on the shaft of the spindle, or any damage to the thread on the inside of the collet nut?

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There is no damage, I cannot put a tool in without removing the nut and collet when I go to tighten it, it starts to seat the collet and if I cannot hold the tool just right it is off center

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The ER collets should actually snap in to the collet nut, which eliminates that issue

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The ER collets should actually snap in to the collet nut, which eliminates that issue

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The ER collets should actually snap in to the collet nut, which eliminates that issue

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My Question is about the 2.2kw spindle, because the thread start is so small I have a hard time centering the collet before it binds from tighting what have others done to overcome this

a 2' (24 inches) diameter workpiece for a 2'x8' machine may be a bit too much for an overhang. I would recommend the 4'x8' that can house a 4th axis in a cavity within the limits of the machine for a 24-inch part. If you need the rotary axis on the side of the machine, I can design a machine that would work.

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[790] Is there a way to build a 2x8 flat cnc with a 4 th axis on the side so I can do 24” diameter objects. Or have the z axis that tall

Software specific questions for Planet-CNC will have to come from them or other sources as we are not fully equipped to troubleshoot all issues. If the issue is related to motor tuning or setup involving our electronics, then we will gladly assist you. You may contact techsupport@buildyourcnc.com with inquiries.

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What do I need to purchase from you to get me running. I have planet cnc control board but it is difficult contacting them when I need help.

Yes the CNC will do 3D wood carving and we can ship to Mexico. email sales@buildyourcnc.com for more information.

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I have a New Hermes Vanguard 4000. It has an IS controler. I know nothing about these machines. What can I do to make it usable?

It generally does not matter if it is longer at the other end as long as the lead screw provides the desired travel for that axis. The lead screw will only need to be long enough for the travel, plus any structure and lead-nut positioning.

For example:
- The motor that will turn the lead screw will need to be mounted at some position (generally at one end of the axis). In many cases, this positioning will be mounted where some of the lead screw will not be used (the lead nut will not be able to moved close to the coupling of the lead screw to the motor shaft). Add some of the length of the lead screw to be inserted into the coupling.

- If the lead screw will contain bearings at either end of the travel, that portion of the mechanical assembly will need to be considered in the lead screw length.

- The lead-nut will need to be mounted in a position on a structural member of the part that is to move. The distance from the part of the structure that will extend closest to the motor will have some distance to the position of the lead nut. This distance will need to be added to the lead screw length.

Add these discrepancies to the length of the lead screw and the travel length and you will have the final length.

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How to determine lead screw length needed. My Thomson 1 1:4 rails are 60 inches long roughly for the router I’m building. I know I have to have it long enough to couple up with the stepper motor of course but does it matter if it’s a little long on the other end

The KL-4030 is a Keling 3.0 amp stepper motor driver. These are generally pretty robust drivers. You mentioned in the question that it worked for one hour. This sounds like it could be a contact issue with the wiring in the terminals. I would recommend that you check all of the connections. The terminals that are used in these drivers have terminals that are easily used incorrectly.

Make sure to open the terminal all the way using a small screw driver. Then insert the exposed wire into the opening and re-tighten the terminal. Make sure of a good connection by tugging on the wires.

Also, check kthe digital wires that connect from the driver to the control board.

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I have a KL-4030 stepper motor driver that I only have about an hour use on it but seems to be bad already. Has anyone out there had the same problem?

On the Planet-CNC board, the Mist, Spindle and Coolant outputs will require a relay to switch on those devices. Test one of those terminals with a multi-meter (Mist, Coolant, or Spindle). Each of these terminals have a GND next to the terminal for the device.

Test the voltage across the GND to the terminal with the arrow that you want to test. Go to the software and click on the device you want to test (mist, coolant or spindle) and note the voltage. If no voltage is output then check under the board to where the terminals are soldered. Re-test the terminals across the solder joints rather than the terminal block wire inputs. If you get a voltage, then there is a problem with the terminal block. If you don't get a voltage, then the board is not functioning properly.

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I activated the output signal.. I did the tests indicated and I did not get voltage. I heated the welds of the three outputs and now works coolant but no mist or spindle, what should I do?

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There are probably cold joints on the board at the chip or the resistors on the traces for those terminals. You can send the board back to us and we will repair and test the board.

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I have a "Based on planet-cnc's diy cnc usb controller", I activated the output signal (mist, coolant or spindle) in the planetcnc software but at the output there is no voltage, what can I do to turn on this elements?

On the Planet-CNC board, the Mist, Spindle and Coolant outputs will require a relay to switch on those devices. Test one of those terminals with a multi-meter (Mist, Coolant, or Spindle). Each of these terminals have a GND next to the terminal for the device.

Test the voltage across the GND to the terminal with the arrow that you want to test. Go to the software and click on the device you want to test (mist, coolant or spindle) and note the voltage. If no voltage is output then check under the board to where the terminals are soldered. Re-test the terminals across the solder joints rather than the terminal block wire inputs. If you get a voltage, then there is a problem with the terminal block. If you don't get a voltage, then the board is not functioning properly.

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I activated the output signal.. I did the tests indicated and I did not get voltage. I heated the welds of the three outputs and now works coolant but no mist or spindle, what should I do?

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There are probably cold joints on the board at the chip or the resistors on the traces for those terminals. You can send the board back to us and we will repair and test the board.

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If you want to troubleshoot this yourself, take a very close look at the traces from the terminal and follow them to the tiny resistors, then to the legs of the chip. If you see any bad or bridged solder joints, then those will need to be re-touched. It will take a somewhat experienced soldering individual to accomplish this task and will require flux to make sure the solder joints are fully joined.

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I have a "Based on planet-cnc's diy cnc usb controller", I activated the output signal (mist, coolant or spindle) in the planetcnc software but at the output there is no voltage, what can I do to turn on this elements?

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.

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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?

(These steps are to be taken with precaution, due to the fact that we do not know the model or manufacturers specifications for your BoB)

Here is a link to our CNC electronic videos(

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I have a CNC Machine from China, and the Breakout Board is not Labeled. Is there any way to test the board using Mach3 to find out the pin designations? db25 bob