Yes, here is the URL for the parallel breakout board that we sell:

https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-parallel-breakout-relay

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can I purchase just the parallel controller board? I purchased the usb option 4 axis combo and would like to also try the system with my parallel port computer. Any help with this will be greatly appreciated; my goal is to implement mach4.

With our blackTooth kit, if you were to go with our lowest cost machine being $1700. With the parallel breakout board the best new beginner programs you can use, would be Mach 3 and ArtCAM, since it is a good program for beginning users.

Now if you feel a little comfortable with CAD/CAM, I would recommend CAMBAM and is a good overall software since it has a large design screen which allows you to view your design more clearly.

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I want to avoid the Parallel Port option and go with USB. In that case, is Planet-CNC Software, and ArtCAM the best combination? Does Planet-CNC do the same thing as Mach 3 only with different physical ports?

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I'm interested in buying your blacktooth laser engraver for cutting out inlays on woodworking projects. I am new to laser engraving/cutting, and CAD. What is the simplest beginning software setup available to allow me to cut 2D shapes and letters for inlay work?

There is some variation in the outward appearance of laser power supplies due to sourcing through different vendors. However, the basic wiring requirements are the same in each case. For the unit with integrated laser controller, follow the diagram found here: https://buildyourcnc.com/blackToothLaserCutterAndEngraver.aspx#prettyPhoto/0/. The terminals on the signal side will have a 6 connection terminal block -- these are the ones labeled 5V, IN, G, P (or WP), L (or TTL-L), and H (or TTL-H). The High Power side will have 3 inputs for AC power, one high voltage lead, and one return line. Connect these as shown in the diagram as well: the return line goes on the "front" (beam exit end) terminal of the laser tube, the high voltage lead goes to the "back" terminal of the tube, the FG terminal (or G) receives the earth ground wire of the AC power cable, and the two AC terminals receive the line and neutral wires of the AC power cable (it doesn't matter in this case which wire goes to which terminal).

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I purchased the blackTooth Laser Engraver with integrated Laser Control Unit and have been following your instructions. I noticed that the laser tube power supply is different that what is shown in your instructions. Do you have any better wiring guides that I can follow for the version that I received?

Currently our USB breakout board is only compatible with Planet-CNC software as it has to be registered with Planet-CNC.

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Hi, I have watched your vids on YouTube and I am interested in purchasing one of your USB Break-Out Boards. I currently own and use FlashCut CNC software, which is USB based, on all of my machines. I'm wondering if you could tell if the Flashcut software will talk with the USB Break-Out Board? Thank You

The Mach3 USB interface board will require a 24V power supply to enable the use of the input, output terminals, and the spindle VFD 0-10V and output for speed control.

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Hi Patrick right now I have a parallel port cnc machine that I built in 2013 using the hardware and components I purchased from your website. I want to update my system by changing my current parallel port interface board to a Mach3 USB interface board from your website. Is the Mach3 USB interface board all I need to do this or is there other components I need to get. please advise.

The blackTooth uses CNC software for its control. You will need either LinuxCNC (free) or Mach3 to control the blackTooth. There are various methods to use this control, such as using a .dxf (can be created from SketchUp) and a CAM software like CamBam. The CAM software will be used to provide machining operations, like profiling for the polygons and lines. Use a tool diameter of near 0.

The z-axis direction controls the laser on and off, so make sure that your material thickness is very thin (like .001") so there is no time delay for the laser turning on.

If you want to engrave photos, Mach3 has a plug-in for this purpose.

We will help you every step of the way, so keep posting questions, or give us a call during business hours.

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I'm still unclear about the necessary software for the Blacktooth laser cutter. I just ordered the Blacktooth laser cutter with integrated computer. Does that mean I won't need the Mach3/EMC2/CamBam types of software? I am proficient with Google Sketchup so I have the design software covered, I just can't determine from the product description what else is required in the software department.

Hola puedo venderte una maquina nueva completa chocofrutfc@yahoo.es

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Hi, I’m purchasing an ox build workbee cnc router from China but I need to purchase the spindle mount, router and all cables/wires. Please can you give a list and quote of what I will need? I am purchasing the electrical pack with it but it doesn’t come with the cables and all other bits I need. Thank tou

Identify the Control Signals: First, determine which control signals from the DB25 interface card are used for spindle speed control. Typically, these are PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) signals or analog voltage signals.

VFD Configuration: Your VFD should be configured to accept the type of control signal your DB25 card provides. This involves setting parameters in the VFD that correspond to the type of input signal it will receive for speed control.

Wiring: Connect the appropriate output pins from the DB25 card to the input terminals on the VFD. This usually involves connecting the PWM or analog output to the corresponding input on the VFD. Make sure to consult the manuals for both your VFD and interface card for specific wiring details.

UCCNC Settings: Configure UCCNC to output the correct type of signal (PWM or analog) that matches your VFD's configuration. This is done through the software's spindle setup section.

Test and Adjust: Run some tests to ensure that the spindle speed is being correctly controlled by UCCNC. You might need to tweak settings in either the VFD or UCCNC for optimal performance.

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I am looking at purchasing your 2.2 kw water cooled spindle. I'm assuming it comes with the VFD. I have a rotary phase converter in my shop. Are these spindles 3 phase? And if so, can I bypass use of the VFD and control the spindle speed by the CAM software instead? Or is the VFD an absolute necessity to use on the spindle?

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.


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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.

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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

We will contact you with a list of options.

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I would like to upgrade my older engraver to usb or parallel port i want to build as much of it as possible to cut down on expense. The name of the engraver is New Hermes vanguard 4000 the specs can be found on the internet. Looking to purchase parts today please contact me at 937-262-8446 or email me at isaacjcrawford@sbcglobal.net with the information and part numbers thanks.

Most motherboard do contain parallel ports, but the port connector may not be at the back (in the section where external connectors will be connected). Instead, the motherboard may contain an LPT ribbon connector on the actual face of the motherboard (usually along one of the edges). You will need a ribbon connector to a DB25 female connector.

If your motherboard does not contain an LPT header on the motherboard, you can purchase a parallel printer adapter that plugs into one of the PCI slots. The price of the adapter is very inexpensive and sometimes is actually less costly than the actual ribbon connector.

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As I am building my 20" x 24" laser engraver cutter, I notice that there is no parallel port on the onboard computer and I have the parallel breakout board any answers?

Yes, if you want a laser on the machine, I would highly suggest that the laser be mounted on a separate gantry, similar to the following image:
https://buildyourcnc.com/images/machineConfigurations/greenBullV2_size_04x08_angle_flat_f1_no4thaxis_f2_wilasergantry_f3_nolaser_f4_wilaserready_.png

You would need to develop the gantry structure, but you can use this thread to work out the design with my guidance.

You will need a laser tube, laser power supply, laser controller, mirrors, mirror mounts, lens and nozzle. You will also need some mechanical parts and some motors, drivers and power supplies for the drivers and the controller.

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Yes, if you want a laser on the machine, I would highly suggest that the laser be mounted on a separate gantry, similar to the following image:
https://buildyourcnc.com/images/machineConfigurations/greenBullV2_size_04x08_angle_flat_f1_no4thaxis_f2_wilasergantry_f3_nolaser_f4_wilaserready_.png

You would need to develop the gantry structure, but you can use this thread to work out the design with my guidance.

You will need a laser tube, laser power supply, laser controller, mirrors, mirror mounts, lens and nozzle. You will also need some mechanical parts and some motors, drivers and power supplies for the drivers and the controller.

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I'm interested in getting the CO2 laser & Spindle for my Blackfoot - I currently have just the router mount. Do you sell complete kits or can you advise on what I need? Thank you

Yes, if you want a laser on the machine, I would highly suggest that the laser be mounted on a separate gantry, similar to the following image:
https://buildyourcnc.com/images/machineConfigurations/greenBullV2_size_04x08_angle_flat_f1_no4thaxis_f2_wilasergantry_f3_nolaser_f4_wilaserready_.png

You would need to develop the gantry structure, but you can use this thread to work out the design with my guidance.

You will need a laser tube, laser power supply, laser controller, mirrors, mirror mounts, lens, and nozzle. You will also need some mechanical parts and some motors, drivers, and power supplies for the drivers and the controller.

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I'm interested in getting the CO2 laser & Spindle for my Blackfoot - I currently have just the router mount. Do you sell complete kits or can you advise on what I need? Thank you

The blackFoot uses the same electronics and motors as the blackToe (2'x4') machine. The only parts that change are the gantry horizontal structural parts which may be relatively easy for you to change. We can send you those parts if you are interested in a smaller unit.

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I have a Blackfoot that was purchased in 2017, after the purchase we moved and I haven’t been able to find room for it... would you be interested in buying it back or trading for something smaller. The Blackfoot and computer have never run but I did purchase it assembled. Thanks in advance, scott

Attaching two motors in parallel is possible, but you will need another motor and driver for the opposite side. Each motor must have its own driver to work accordingly and fluently. The two can be wired together, to the same pins on your breakout board and set the dip switches on the driver to match the ones on your x-axis(ex). But remember to view the orientation of the motor and which way it spins, since it is on the opposite side it will have to be orientated correctly to move in sync with the other motor.

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I just finished building my first CNC with the electronics I purchased from you and I am already thinking about improving it. I would like to build a 2 motor X axis solution. Is it possible to attach 2 parallel motors and drivers to the BlueBrew Breakout Board? If so, how?

Do you have any intention to upgrade to Mach4? If you will be staying with Mach3 for a while, then the Mach3 USB interface is fine. If you intend to change to Mach4, then I would go with the Pokeys57CNC interface.

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Hi Patrick right now I have a parallel port cnc machine that I built in 2013. I want to update my system to use a usb. Do you recommend changing my interface board to a Mach3 USB interface board or purchasing the UC 100 parallel port to USB adapter?

On "our" VFDs, we advise that the R connect to black (live), T connect to white (neutral) and green to E or earth. We are not professional electricians, so we also recommend that you seek the advice of a professional electrician. Some VFDs are made to work on 3 phase power and this configuration may not work with these VFDs.

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On your diagram it says to connect the power to the VFD in port L1, L2 and PE. On the VFD I have there is no L1 or L2. Which ports do I connect my input power to? There is only a P+, P-, R, S, T, U, V, W, and PE. What do I do?

In all CNC electronics configurations, you will need the motor paired with its own driver.

If two motors/drivers are intended for a single axis and the motors need to turn at the same rate and in the same direction, then the two drivers for these motors should be connected to the same signal wires from the breakout board (step (CP) and direction (CW)) signal wires.

If the motors need to turn in opposite directions, then either one driver will need to have the direction signal inverted, or resolve the opposite direction through a change in the mechanical drive train (i.e. flip the rack on a rack and pinion configuration, or in a roller chain setup, have the chain ride along the opposite side of the drive sprocket).

How do I go about purchasing a redleaf system with 4 drivers, where the (y) and (a) driver are connected to the same signal from the breakout board? I'd also need them to rotate in opposite directions.

The redLeaf webpage contains a purchase option for an extra motor and driver. We can setup the redLeaf system uniquely so it conforms to your application (i.e. motors running in opposite directions).

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I've built a machine where the y axis has (2) 425oz motors, x axis has (1) 425oz. motor, and the z axis also has (1) 425oz motor. Would it be better to purchase a redleaf system with 4 drivers? or can I just connect both y axis motors to the same driver for a total of 3 drivers?

Considering enlarging the machine, might have its down sides do to the structural integrity of the scratch build machine. Primarily by making the width longer it will start to sag in the center, which will lead to having to redesign the gantry to be more structurally rigid to support the added length. Which then will increase the weight and height of your gantry to support the add size, which will always end up to creating a larger CNC.

We usually do not recommend modifying the scratch build CNC, due to the very limited capabilities, and the structural design of the scratch build. We also do not recommend using longer than 48" ACME screw/leadscrew due to the increasing chance of warping and bending in the ACME screws/leadscrew in the given length.
We do recommend modifying the CNC machines we sell to accommodate the added requests that some of our customers desire, but you will be limited to the width of the gantry with our machines.

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I've read your book and I'm looking to purchase the hardware kit with DVD as well as an electronics kit. I would like my machine to have a working area of at least 24" wide by 48" long. Can I just make the bed (and gantry) wider to accommodate larger priceslike 30"x60"? If so what electronics kit would you recommend?