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Question #: 669

Question: HOW DO CNC MACHINES WORK?

Current Solution

A CNC machine takes codes from a computer and converts the code using software into electrical signals. The signals from the computer are then used to control motors. Since the motors can turn very small amounts the machine is able to move in highly precise movements over and over again.

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  • HOW DO ADDRESS THE DANGER OF THESE CNC MACHINES

    These machines are inherently dangerous. Before the machine moves, the machine should be clear of any person by a dimension of at the distance of a persons reach plus a few more feet. This is the policies we institute in our shop and what is recommend to all of our customers. Treat these machines as you would treat any major power tool in the shop.

    With that said, you can certainly add some protective parts, but still keep folks away even with those installed. I would use the gantry side to do all of the mounting of the protective parts. Consider using sheet metal that you can bend and make a simple installation right on the gantry side.

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    HOW DO ADDRESS THE DANGER OF THESE CNC MACHINES

  • WHAT CAN CNC MACHINES DO?

    There is virtually no limit to what a CNC can do. CNC machines are responsible for almost all modern day machining operations in manufacturing industries. They normally costs tens of thousands of dollars, or hundreds of thousands of dollars. Our machines can be used to engrave plaques, cut wood for kits, mill aluminum parts, and inject plastic components. All it requires is willing to learn and understand how to use the machines to accomplish what you want to do.

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    Curved Trophy

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    WHAT CAN CNC MACHINES DO?

  • Are the CNC machines covered by warranty?

    Customers have 30 calendar days from the date of delivery to return the item(s) for a full refund. The returned items must not have been used or powered in any way. The item(s) must be in its original unused condition. Send the unused item(s) to: BuildYourCNC, 20734 Settlers Lake Cir N., Katy, TX 77449 and include a letter explaining the reason you need to return the item. The original shipping is non-refundable. There is a 10% restocking fee for returned items.

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    Are the CNC machines covered by warranty?

  • WHAT MACHINES DO WE SELL PLANS FOR

    Yes, the CNC machine hardware and plans combo is the same machine as in the book. The machine that we provide the plans for, can be found on the website, here http://buildyourcnc.com/Item/cnc-machine-scratchbuild

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    WHAT MACHINES DO WE SELL PLANS FOR

  • DO YOU HAVE BLACKTOE MACHINES WITH TABLES READY TO GO OR HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE MAKE ONE?

    Yes, we have the optional table for the blackToe, but we need to fabricate it, which only takes one day. We generally reserve one week for the total fabrication and packing of all parts.

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    DO YOU HAVE BLACKTOE MACHINES WITH TABLES READY TO GO OR HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE MAKE ONE?

  • THESE MACHINES ARE DANGEROUS, WHAT DO DO?

    These machines are inherently dangerous. Before the machine moves, the machine should be clear of any person by a dimension of at the distance of a persons reach plus a few more feet. This is the policies we institute in our shop and what is recommend to all of our customers. Treat these machines as you would treat any major power tool in the shop.

    With that said, you can certainly add some protective parts, but still keep folks away even with those installed. I would use the gantry side to do all of the mounting of the protective parts. Consider using sheet metal that you can bend and make a simple installation right on the gantry side.

    Additional Information:



    Additional Information:

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    THESE MACHINES ARE DANGEROUS, WHAT DO DO?

  • HOW DO I SQUARE MY CNC MACHINE OR GANTRY?

    I use a standard large "L" square used in construction. I run gantry up and down with the bit along one side of the square to make the square aligned with the x-axis. I then run the bit along the other edge and if I see space from the edge of the bit to the square, I adjust the gantry square by loosening and tightening the eye bolts that hold the chain at the ends of the table. Repeat as necessary to get the desired square.

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    HOW DO I SQUARE MY CNC MACHINE OR GANTRY?

  • Would any of your CNC laser machines be appropriate for welding of thermoplastic materials?

    That is a good question. We have not tried to weld thermoplastics using our CO2 Lasers. It is possible since the laser outputs a heat source and at the right intensity and speed, the thermoplastic can be heated and melted rather than instantaneously vaporized and off gassed. I have done research to see if CO2 laser can weld thermoplastics with positive results.

    Our CO2 lasers are typical of other laser cutters on the market, so if their literature, or examples you have found, successfully weld thermoplastics, then ours will probably be able to as well.

    In some cutting test with different speeds and intensities, the kerf has welded back together; however, this was caused by an unintentional process rather than an intentional one.

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    Would any of your CNC laser machines be appropriate for welding of thermoplastic materials?

  • Would any of your CNC laser machines be appropriate for welding of thermoplastic materials?

    That is a good question. We have not tried to weld thermoplastics using our CO2 Lasers. It is possible since the laser outputs a heat source and at the right intensity and speed, the thermoplastic can be heated and melted rather than instantaneously vaporized and off gassed. I have done research to see if CO2 laser can weld thermoplastics with positive results.

    Our CO2 lasers are typical of other laser cutters on the market, so if their literature, or examples you have found, successfully weld thermoplastics, then ours will probably be able to as well.

    In some cutting test with different speeds and intensities, the kerf has welded back together; however, this was caused by an unintentional process rather than an intentional one.

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    Would any of your CNC laser machines be appropriate for welding of thermoplastic materials?

  • WHAT IS THE PRICE OF ASSEMBLED MACHINES COMPLETE?

    Yes, we have fully assembled machines that come complete with the spindle (and laser if needed) with sizes ranging from 1'x2' all the way up to 6'x12' or longer. We can also make custom fully assembled machines with other sizes. All of these machines are perfect for very intricate detailed work including but definitely not limited to sign making, bas relief, cabinetry, architectural model making, engraving, machine parts, automotive, custom sound enclosures (automotive or other), and other scientific application which we have delivered machine for many types of these applications.

    Our machines are as follows (in order by size, larger at top):

    The Fabricator Pro (although stated on the website at 4'x8') can be provided up to a 6'x12' (or longer) size. Call us for the price above the 4'x8' size.
    https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/cnc-machine-fabricator-pro-milling

    The greenBull 4x, 5x or 6x CNC Machine is available fully assembled; however, you are responsible for building the table on this machine, but the price is considerably lower. The 4x, 5x, and 6x is a width specification and the length is determined by your table length.
    4x: https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/cnc-machine-greenBull-v4-4X-milling-hybrid
    5x: https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/cnc-machine-greenBull-v4-5X-milling-hybrid
    6x: https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/cnc-machine-greenBull-v4-6X-milling-hybrid

    The 4'x8' greenLean CNC Router (Table bed is vertically oriented with a slant) fully assembled:
    This machine is fully assembled with the overall frame. The customer would need to fasten the frame to the wall and affix a spoilboard to the bed.
    https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/cnc-machine-greenLean-v1-milling

    The 4'x8' Vertical Laser XL Laser Cutter and Engraver fully assembled:
    https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/cnc-machine-vertical-laser-xl-laser-cutter

    The 4'x8' blackFoot CNC Router:
    This machine requires a table to be built by the customer.
    https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/cnc-machine-blackFoot-v4-milling

    The 2'x4' blackToe CNC router fully assembled complete with table:
    https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/cnc-machine-blacktoe-v4-2x4-milling

    The blueChick CNC Router fully assembled completel with table:
    https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/cnc-machine-bluechick-v4-milling

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    WHAT IS THE PRICE OF ASSEMBLED MACHINES COMPLETE?

  • WHAT IS THE PRICE OF ASSEMBLED MACHINES COMPLETE?

    Yes, we have fully assembled machines that come complete with the spindle (and laser if needed) with sizes ranging from 1'x2' all the way up to 6'x12' or longer. We can also make custom fully assembled machines with other sizes. All of these machines are perfect for very intricate detailed work including but definitely not limited to sign making, bas relief, cabinetry, architectural model making, engraving, machine parts, automotive, custom sound enclosures (automotive or other), and other scientific application which we have delivered machine for many types of these applications.

    Our machines are as follows (in order by size, larger at top):

    The Fabricator Pro (although stated on the website at 4'x8') can be provided up to a 6'x12' (or longer) size. Call us for the price above the 4'x8' size.
    https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/cnc-machine-fabricator-pro-milling

    The greenBull 4x, 5x or 6x CNC Machine is available fully assembled; however, you are responsible for building the table on this machine, but the price is considerably lower. The 4x, 5x, and 6x is a width specification and the length is determined by your table length.
    4x: https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/cnc-machine-greenBull-v4-4X-milling-hybrid
    5x: https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/cnc-machine-greenBull-v4-5X-milling-hybrid
    6x: https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/cnc-machine-greenBull-v4-6X-milling-hybrid

    The 4'x8' greenLean CNC Router (Table bed is vertically oriented with a slant) fully assembled:
    This machine is fully assembled with the overall frame. The customer would need to fasten the frame to the wall and affix a spoilboard to the bed.
    https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/cnc-machine-greenLean-v1-milling

    The 4'x8' Vertical Laser XL Laser Cutter and Engraver fully assembled:
    https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/cnc-machine-vertical-laser-xl-laser-cutter

    The 4'x8' blackFoot CNC Router:
    This machine requires a table to be built by the customer.
    https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/cnc-machine-blackFoot-v4-milling

    The 2'x4' blackToe CNC router fully assembled complete with table:
    https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/cnc-machine-blacktoe-v4-2x4-milling

    The blueChick CNC Router fully assembled completel with table:
    https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/cnc-machine-bluechick-v4-milling

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    WHAT IS THE PRICE OF ASSEMBLED MACHINES COMPLETE?

  • Would your CNC machines be able to have an optic camera to pick up registrations marks from a printer?

    You can modify our machines to have a camera to view your process and pick up registrations.
    Here you can see a one of our customers adding a webcam to his machine! (https://www.buildyourcnc.com/tutorials/Example-customer-blacktoe-clintW)

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    Would your CNC machines be able to have an optic camera to pick up registrations marks from a printer?

  • I read the book and i want the vedios show assembly the CNC Machines please give me alink for vedios

    The instructions for assembly are found in the book. If you are interested in purchasing the plans and instructional DVD please see this link https://buildyourcnc.com/cnckitintro.aspx

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    I read the book and i want the vedios show assembly the CNC Machines please give me alink for vedios

  • Is it possible to integrate the shipping costs of 2 CNC machines paid separately, but same shipping address?

    We are able to work with many different options to provide solutions for our customers. Please send an email to customerservice@buildyourcnc.com for further assistance with this matter.

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    Is it possible to integrate the shipping costs of 2 CNC machines paid separately, but same shipping address?

  • CAN YOUR PRODUCTS OF MACHINES BE USED TO CREATE PLASMA TABLE?

    The plasma nozzle must be close to the cutting area and you will need some way to keep the nozzle at the right level with some type of device. The spray is downward, so you will need a contained area with a sheet of water at the bottom to extinguish he spray. You should have no problem using our machines for this application since you would need to product the table bed.

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    CAN YOUR PRODUCTS OF MACHINES BE USED TO CREATE PLASMA TABLE?

  • will mach4 software work with planet CNC breakoutboard?

    Our USB breakout board, will not work with Mach 4! The USB BoB is specifically designed to work with Planet-CNC.


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    will mach4 software work with planet CNC breakoutboard?

  • HOW DO I CALIBRATE IN MACH3?

    In Mach3, go to the Settings Tab, and select "Set Steps Per Unit". It will ask you how far to move the machine. Before you do this, make a mark on the table exactly where the end mill is resting. You can do this by lowering the end mill until it touches the material, then spinning it by hand to cut a small dimple in the material. Then, raise the end mill to clear the material, and assign a distance to move the machine. Once the machine moves and stops, measure the exact distance that it actually traveled with a tape measure, and enter this value into the dialog box that asks how far it moved. Mach3 will automatically adjust your steps per unit for that axis to be more accurate. Do this for all axes often to ensure you are cutting accurately. The longer distances you use calibrate, and the more precise you are with your measurements, the better.

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    HOW DO I CALIBRATE IN MACH3?

  • HOW DO I SET THE DIP SWITCHES?

    blueChick:

    X-axis
    “CW230 (3.0A) Driver”
    Set to 1/16 Microstep, 2.7A
    Dipswitches: 11001100
    Mach3 Motor Tuning: 1422.22 steps/in

    Y-axis
    “CW230 (3.0A) Driver”
    Set to 1/16 Microstep, 2.7A
    Dipswitches: 11001100
    Mach3 Motor Tuning: 1422.22 steps/in

    Z-axis
    “CW230 (3.0A) Driver”
    Set to 1/4 Microstep, 2.7A
    Dipswitches: 10101100
    Mach3 Motor Tuning: 1600 steps/in

    blackToe:

    X-axis
    “CW230 (3.0A) Driver”
    Set to 1/16 Microstep, 2.7A
    Dipswitches: 11001100
    Mach3 Motor Tuning: 1422.22 steps/in

    Y-axis
    “CW230 (3.0A) Driver”
    Set to 1/16 Microstep, 2.7A
    Dipswitches: 11001100
    Mach3 Motor Tuning: 1422.22 steps/in

    Z-axis
    “CW230 (3.0A) Driver”
    Set to 1/4 Microstep, 2.7A
    Dipswitches: 10101100
    Mach3 Motor Tuning: 1600 steps/in

    blackFoot:

    X-axis
    “CW8060 (6.0A) Driver”
    Set to 1/16 Microstep, 2.7A
    Dipswitches: 11001100 (“0”=down, “1”=up)
    Mach3 Motor Tuning: 914.29 steps/in

    Y-axis
    “CW230 (3.0A) Driver”
    Set to 1/16 Microstep, 2.7A
    Dipswitches: 11001100
    Mach3 Motor Tuning: 1422.22 steps/in

    Z-axis
    “CW230 (3.0A) Driver”
    Set to 1/4 Microstep, 2.7A
    Dipswitches: 10101100
    Mach3 Motor Tuning: 1600 steps/in

    greenBull:

    X-axis
    “CW8060 (6.0A) Driver”
    Set to 5.43A, 1/16 Microstep
    Dipswitches: 01100110 (“0”=down, “1”=up)
    Mach3 Motor Tuning: 914.29 steps/in

    Y-axis
    “CW8060 (6.0A) Driver”
    Set to 5.43A, 1/16 Microstep
    Dipswitches: 01100110
    Mach3 Motor Tuning: 914.29 steps/in

    Z-axis
    “CW8060 (6.0A) Driver”
    Set to 5.43A, 1/4 Microstep
    Dipswitches: 01100100
    Mach3 Motor Tuning: 1600 steps/in

    Additional Information:

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    HOW DO I SET THE DIP SWITCHES?

  • HOW DO I CALIBRATE MY MACHINE?

    In Mach3, go to the Settings Tab, and select "Set Steps Per Unit". It will ask you how far to move the machine. Before you do this, make a mark on the table exactly where the end mill is resting. You can do this by lowering the end mill until it touches the material, then spinning it by hand to cut a small dimple in the material. Then, raise the end mill to clear the material, and assign a distance to move the machine. Once the machine moves and stops, measure the exact distance that it actually traveled with a tape measure, and enter this value into the dialog box that asks how far it moved. Mach3 will automatically adjust your steps per unit for that axis to be more accurate. Do this for all axes often to ensure you are cutting accurately. The longer distances you use calibrate, and the more precise you are with your measurements, the better.

    Click the link to add information to this solution:
    HOW DO I CALIBRATE MY MACHINE?

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