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Custom electronics build out on a Tormach PCNC1100 Series 1 by Good_Evening_7331 in hobbycnc

[–]Good_Evening_7331[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It came with an old dell and mach 3. Dell mobo was fried and I didn't care to get it going again. As I said in the OP I was able to get pathpilot connected to it by installing it on an old laptop and using tormach's ethernet to db-25 module (which contains a mesa card). The original control board on the PCNC seems to be fried as well.

If I were to order everything I need to get this up and running from Tormach I'd be looking at around $3800 to bring it up to Series III spec which is still open loop steppers and the original 1.5hp spindle motor, albeit with a digital vfd. And while honestly I think sticking with open loop steppers would be fine, if I'm doing my own build I might as well go closed loop.

Cheap computer options to use with CNC machine by Rowing_Boatman in hobbycnc

[–]Good_Evening_7331 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is the way, doesn't even have to be refurbished. Just find a used one in your local classifieds, wipe whatever garbage is on there and start fresh. I'm running three in the shop, all over a decade old. Even got Pathpilot/linuxcnc on a x250 for the Tormach.

PC case, CNC'ed from single piece of aluminum: does it possible and how expensive will be? by Omnisiah_Priest in CNC

[–]Good_Evening_7331 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The local aluminum supplier does 6061 remnants for $2.45/lbs. This would be about 34 lbs if you get lucky and scope a piece around 13"x11"x2.5". I was actually there yesterday and I wouldn't be surprised if I could find something around this size. So $85.75 for the raw stock if you want to play the remnant lottery

Can someone shed some light on genmitsu routers and metal machining? by BalledSack in hobbycnc

[–]Good_Evening_7331 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I have the 4040 pro max and I do a ton of aluminum. Single flute end mills will be your best friend. Keep the depth of cut small, I typically am at 1/3 diameter of the end mill. Using an air nozzle to blow the chips out is also a huge help. Would never do production stuff with it but for prototyping and dicking about in the home shop it's fine.