The main components for a CNC machine, includes:
Computer (required with correct OS system for compatibility with the CNC control software and interface board)
CAD/CAM Software
CNC Control Software (Mach 3, Planet-CNC, Linux-EMC2)
Interface Board (Our current models: Parallel interface board(mach3), USB interface board(planet-CNC))
CNC Electronics (which should be included with most cnc kits)
(ex.) Drivers, Motors, Power Supply, Interface Board
CNC Machine

Miscellaneous Items:
Limit Switches
Cable Carrier
Wires (different gauges)
End Mills/Bits
Vacuum
Emergency Stop Button
Spindle/Router

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I have computer, Cad/Cam software and my router unit not sure what else I need?

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"

The blackfoot requires a total of 50 feet of cable.

The X axis needs 15 feet
The Y axis needs 17 feet
and the Z-axis needs 18 feet

These are 20 gauge 4 conductor cable.

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WHAT LENGTH OF CABLE DO I NEED FOR A BLAKCFOOT

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 were to buy all of that, only thing you'll need is the mach3 software to run the machine.

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I am interested in purchasing the Green Lean complete kit and also buy the ArtCamPro what other software will I need to up and running?

PC with parallel port and USB port
20awg stranded wires for the motors - http://www.buildyourcnc.com/electronicscombo.aspx
18awg stranded wires for power supply to drivers
24awg stranded wires for breakout board to drivers
(location and spacing of components varies from one person to another, so we do not provide cables/wires)
- General purpose extension cord (cut the female end off) to provide power to power supply
- USB cable to power breakout board
- Parallel cable to communicate to breakout board
- Router
- (optional - instead of router) Spindle with power inverter http://www.buildyourcnc.com/SpindlesAndAccessories.aspx
- (if purchasing spindle with inverter) General purpose extension cord (240v) (cut the female end off) to provide power to power inverter
- End Mill(s) http://www.buildyourcnc.com/ProductsEndMills.aspx
- CAD, and/or CAD-CAM software (to produce geometry, machine operations, and g-code) http://www.buildyourcnc.com/CNCsoftware.aspx
- CNC control software (to read g-code and control machine) http://www.buildyourcnc.com/CNCsoftware.aspx
- If the machine does not have the table included, then a table will need to be built. The rails, chain and chain mounts are included that are used on this table.

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WHAT ELSE DO I NEED WITH THE MACHINE?

PC with parallel port and USB port
20awg stranded wires for the motors - http://www.buildyourcnc.com/electronicscombo.aspx
18awg stranded wires for power supply to drivers
24awg stranded wires for breakout board to drivers
(location and spacing of components varies from one person to another, so we do not provide cables/wires)
- General purpose extension cord (cut the female end off) to provide power to power supply
- USB cable to power breakout board
- Parallel cable to communicate to breakout board
- Router
- (optional - instead of router) Spindle with power inverter http://www.buildyourcnc.com/SpindlesAndAccessories.aspx
- (if purchasing spindle with inverter) General purpose extension cord (240v) (cut the female end off) to provide power to power inverter
- End Mill(s) http://www.buildyourcnc.com/ProductsEndMills.aspx
- CAD, and/or CAD-CAM software (to produce geometry, machine operations, and g-code) http://www.buildyourcnc.com/CNCsoftware.aspx
- CNC control software (to read g-code and control machine) http://www.buildyourcnc.com/CNCsoftware.aspx
- If the machine does not have the table included, then a table will need to be built. The rails, chain and chain mounts are included that are used on this table.

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WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO BUY?

That depends on the particular software package that you purchased. Mach3 and CamBam are downloaded at their respective websites and we send the license file through email. BobCAD and ArtCAM is sent as a CD in the mail.

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How do I download software

Here is a list of the parts needed to get the electronics combo functioning (parallel or USB interface options):

- 22 or 24 gauge stranded hookup wire to connect all of the drivers to the USB or parallel interface (terminal to terminal connections),
- 18 gauge stranded hookup wire to connect the drivers to the power supply,
- a power cable (extension cord) to connect from the power outlet to the power supply,
- 4 conductor cable to connect the drivers to the stepper motors,
- a USB cable to connect from the computer to the USB interface (or for power to the parallel interface),
- for the parallel interface, a parallel cable is needed (male to male db-25),
- a computer (for parallel interface, the computer will need a parallel port and if the computer does not contain a parallel interface, the motherboard may have a header for it, or you can purchase a parallel adapter to plug into the motherboard, very inexpensive),
- cnc control software: for the USB interface, you will need planet-cnc software, for the parallel interface, you can use any industry standard cnc control software (the typical is Mach3 for Windows, or EMC2 or Linuxcnc for Linux (Linuxcnc.org).

5v power supply is not needed. The 5 volts signal level power is derived from the computer through USB on both types of interfaces.

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what do I need to hook up the electronics?

If you take the standard parallel cable BoB (Break Out Board), then you will need control software (Mach 3 or EMC2) and CAM software to make your G-Code (such as CamBam). Personally I use CamBam and Mach 3, they work beautifully but don't expect to turn them on and know how they work out of the box. Give yourself a few weeks to get familiar with the basics. CamBam is VERY powerful software for it's price. I'm surprised how much I keep learning on what I can do with it...I highly recommend it if you want as much control as possible.

Mach 3 + CamBam as a bundle costs $310. EMC2 will give you a free replacement for Mach 3 and is exclusively for Linux.

If you use the USB BoB, it will cost an extra $75 + $75 for the software. This is an all-in-one package so no need for Mach 3 or CamBam.

For etching rasters (jpeg, bmp, tiff, non-vectors, photos), I highly recommend PicEngrave. It has been a labor of love for the past 9 years and John has done a wonderful job with it. It easily compares in quality compared to software that is in the $200-$300 range. John's software runs $40 and can be found here: http://picengrave.com/ (don't let the modest website fool you, this stuff can do amazing things). DotG and the Mach3 engrave plugin are two other options and instructions can be found on Dustans page in the gallery on buildyourcnc.com website.

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WHAT SOFTWARE CAN BE USED WITH THE BLACKTOOTH LASER CUTTER?

The driver and motor need a pulse train signal from the computer to move the motors, so it would be best to at least install the control software and use the jog feature to test the motors.

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Do I need to install cad\cam,and control software to test x,y,and z hardware when it is completely installed?

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 buy a 3 axis cnc combo, which software would I need for working this combo?

I would recommend either a 36VDC or a 48VDC power supply with 10 amps. Here are links to these power supplied on this website:

https://buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-power-supply-24v-36v-48v

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[807] What size power supply do I need to this?

You will need a 24V DC Solid State Relay to accompany the Mach3 USB Motion Card as the outputs on that motion card requires a 24V Power Supply.

Until we start supplying this relay, you can find these relays here:
https://www.mcmaster.com/#relays/=1d535ws

The Mach3 USB Motion card link:
https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-breakout-Mach3-USB-Board

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Specifically, you will need a relay link this one:
https://www.mcmaster.com/#7170k1/=1d536ko

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This one has an easier method of connecting:
https://www.mcmaster.com/#7266k38/=1d53765

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What Relay do I need for the Mach3 usb motion card?

There are almost no limits to the kind of materials you can machine. Anything from wood or plastic to exotic materials like stainless steel can be cut as long as the part can be safely and firmly held and the proper cutting tool and cutting speed are used

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WHAT KIND OF MATERIALS CAN MACHINE?

You can find the cnc machine interface board here that works with Mach4:
https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-breakout-Mach4-mach3-USB-ethernet-Board

This board will work with Mach3 and Mach4. The board is filled with a wealth of options and features, including the ability to connect up to 8 axes (motor drivers), pendant, LCD, many outputs and inputs, separate pins for limit switches , 2 relays, Ethernet and USB interfacing.

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What interface or breakout board do I need for Mach4?

The Planet CNC Software will require purchase after the trial version is completed, and will be purchased through their website. Currently that is the only software available for the USB Controller.

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I have rhino software, I am going to purhase planet cnc software. Would I need any more.

The Planet CNC Software will require purchase after the trial version is completed, and will be purchased through their website. Currently that is the only software available for the USB Controller.

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I have rhino software, I am going to purhase planet cnc software. Would I need any more.

You can call us, send an email, or pose the specific question on this customer service live that pertains to the issue that you are having.

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Im having software setup problems with my backtooth (mach3) and i seem not to find a solution in the forum. what can i do?