Upgrade cnc machine?

[Tom Baugues]

I've had a very small 7" x 7" cnc machine for about 5 years now but never had the time to really learn how to use it. Now I have time but cant get things to work. In my quest for answers to my current issues I've been seeing a lot of really nice larger projects that people have made using there machines. This makes me start to wonder if I'm barking up the wrong tree and if I really want to do any serious cnc work then what would I need to look at as far as a machine and controls to operate it with. My shop is still small but I could maybe get a 24" x 24" tabletop unit to fit nicely. Would anyone have any advice or recommendations of units to look at? Would it be possible to do (all in...unit, controller, software) under $2000.00?

 

[Leo Voisine]

Tom, there are machines out there for under $2000. Maybe not 24 x 24, most likely a bit smaller. Toni C just bought one, but there is a very steep learning curve. For any CNC machine you will need some software just to make programs for it. Some free stuff out there. Some people use the free stuff. Vectric is probably the most popular not free software. The cheapest price is $150 the highest price is $2000 - just to create programs. One very popular package from Vectric is V-Carve pro. FREE TRIAL. That package is $700. Toni C made his wavy boxes with V-Carve Pro.

Mach3 control software is $175 if you choose a machine that will accept Mach3. That is one of the most popular control software packages - lots of helps available on youtube.

So my point is - the machine plus the programming software plus control software plus some cutters and accessories may be more than $2000.

Lots of people like the X-carve, or the Shark from Rockler. You can get a Chinese import or a kit on EBAY.

Rigidity in the machine is very important as well as the power of the drive motors - steppers

USED - take your chances - why are they selling it??

Carbide 3D Shapeoko XXL CNC Router (33x33") | eBay

<p>Carbide 3D Shapeoko XXL CNC Router (33x33"). </p><br /><p>This is a lightly used Carbide 3D router in the largest size. I purchased 2 years ago & used a total of ~40 hours on a dozen client projects. Our work has lended itself more towards laser so letting this unit go. It's fully...

www.ebay.com

I don't know the quality

VEVOR CNC Router Kit Evolution 4 Router 32" x 32" Cutting Area 3.4" Z Travel 8085443387026 | eBay

Why Choose VEVOR?. So even beginners can assemble it with little effort. In addition, it's compatible with Windows, OSX, Linux, and Raspberry Pi, which is an excellent engraving tool for plastics, soft aluminum, wood, PVC, and so on.

www.ebay.com

This is very similar to what Toni C has

USB 4 axis 6090 1500W cnc router engraver engraving carving milling machine | eBay

Spindle motor: 1500W high-speed variable frequency spindle motor, ER11 chuck, with 6mm collet. Feeding height: ≤140mm(From base of Z axis to platform). X axis:SFU1605 Ball Screws. Y axis:SFU1605 Ball Screws.

www.ebay.com

There are just so many choices out there it becomes a difficult decision as to what to select.

What things do you things you want to make?

 

[Darren Wright]

I'd probably look more at that last link Leo posted myself. But budget wise are you looking at new software too or do you already have a CAM software to run the machine you plan to use?

This one is a little smaller, but of the same design and a bit cheaper: https://www.ebay.com/itm/353170185450

 

[Leo Voisine]

Maybe the same as Darrens link but without the rotart axis may be cheaper.

Vectric Cut2D desktop is $150.

 

[Tom Baugues]

Does anyone here know anything about these uc100 motion controllers? They are suppose to convert parallel port connections to USB. I've read that they work (but ONLY) if you dont buy cheap ones.

 

[Darren Wright]

Haven’t used one. Does your computer not have any usb ports?

 

[Leo Voisine]

I have tried that on my older machine and it does not work.
It is easier to install a parallel port in the computer
BUT
Win 10 does not do a good job at supporting a parallel port.
This is an issue I have yet to resolve for my little MAXNC10
I will try installing Win XP - in the future someday.

My new machine was set up with a chinese USB software like.
It is certainly a weak link. It works but is troublesome.
This is one reason I will upgrade my machine to a centroid control.

Darren - I believe he is trying to plug into the computers parallel port to comvert to a USB in order to plug in a USB BOB

 

[Darren Wright]

If it’s to get more usb ports, ether of these should work.
https://a.co/d/4llyRv5

https://a.co/d/jeUMbaS

Or a usb hub in an existing usb port…

https://a.co/d/fEyCRWw

Edit: There are also pcs to buy that would run these machines for about $100. I don't know what issue you're trying to solve though.