Looking for a decent introduction course on using a cnc

[Mynewka]

Hi guys I want to buy a decent Cnc machine as hobbyist . Never touched one before so slightly bemused with all the differing products
Looking for a starter course in Essex or London where I can get to understand how to use and choose one that would suite my requirements
Has anyone any suggestions
Thanks
Dan

 

[AutoDoc Williams]

I know this is a late reply, but try this... Go to https://carbide3d.com/carbidecreate/ and wait for a window to pop up asking for your email address in exchange for Carbide 3D's crash course on CNC. They want to sell you one of their machines (which I have), but it's a general course. Those guys have been very helpful for me.

 

[meccarroll]

Hi guys I want to buy a decent Cnc machine as hobbyist . Never touched one before so slightly bemused with all the differing products
Looking for a starter course in Essex or London where I can get to understand how to use and choose one that would suite my requirements
Has anyone any suggestions
Thanks
Dan

Don't know if you have got anywhere yet in buying a CNC etc but it's quite a challenge to start off in the CNC world.

I would suggest buying a metal framed CNC because of the rigidity the framework will have when you machine parts. If you want to cut parts out with any speed then a metal frame is best. Also a water cooled spindle is quieter than an air cooled spindle which will make working on the CNC more easy on your ears.

Vetric Software is the norm and a must for most users of a CNC for creating files that can be cut on a CNC, it can be used to create a drawing of what you want to cut out on the CNC then create the file for sending to your CNC software.

Your CNC needs to be told how to move (given signals) and Mach3 is a well used and trusted piece of software used just for this purpose.

I would suggest you look on Utube to get an idea before going too far then ask questions to clear up anything you do not understand.

Mark

 

[curryjunkie]

A local fablab should be able to help, they usually run courses for begginers fabfoundationuk.org this website should be able to help

 

[Mynewka]

Thank you
I appreciate this
Dan

 

[Roysy]

meccarroll's advice is very sound and some YouTubers have videos on choice of machine.. As for software, again, there are brilliant YouTube videos out there. I am in a similar situation to you although I have my bought my machine and I would suggest you explore YouTube first and try to settle on the desired machine and software simultaneously. In relation to software, this is where I am stuck and have posted a thread in relation to Carveco and Vetric VCarve as these two have the most future proof options from my perspective. You may wish to follow that thread assuming I get responses. If you are not that familiar with software, your choice may be made by which style you think you can get to grips with hence looking at tutorials on line. Once you have made your choice, looking out for locals who use that software may be an option. My impression is that CNC users are generally very enthusiastic to share their knowledge as are the 3D printing community.

 

[Mynewka]

meccarroll's advice is very sound and some YouTubers have videos on choice of machine.. As for software, again, there are brilliant YouTube videos out there. I am in a similar situation to you although I have my bought my machine and I would suggest you explore YouTube first and try to settle on the desired machine and software simultaneously. In relation to software, this is where I am stuck and have posted a thread in relation to Carveco and Vetric VCarve as these two have the most future proof options from my perspective. You may wish to follow that thread assuming I get responses. If you are not that familiar with software, your choice may be made by which style you think you can get to grips with hence looking at tutorials on line. Once you have made your choice, looking out for locals who use that software may be an option. My impression is that CNC users are generally very enthusiastic to share their knowledge as are the 3D printing community.

Good evening
I do now have my machine . I imported a onefinity from Canada which actually came with a years subscription of carveco.
I have been watching loads of videos it just wanted to attend a decent course as I find doing it with someone is quite helpful
Cheers
Dan

 

[meccarroll]

Hi and great to hear you now have a CNC machine of your own. I use Turbocad software to draw objects, drill holes etc, then take the turbocad drawing over to vetric to produce my tool paths such as drill tools or cutting tools etc. After I have created the toolpaths I load the toolpath file into my laptop which has Mach3 software and Mach3 then tells my CNC how and where to move to do the profile.

I have a steel framed CNC which is good to have but don't have a vacuum bed which I would love. I would highly recommend using probing software which will help set up your XY and Z positions before machining. The probing software normally has to be compatible with the software you use to run your CNC but it's like a godsend once you have it.

There are lots of sites with free files you can download from the net for machining on your cnc. I buy a lort of my CNC bits from Alixpress :https://www.aliexpress.com/item/100...order_list.order_list_main.225.2bce1802ZP9gxZ

Mark