New chinese cnc machine....looks good for the money!

[AlexB]

I have the 3040 bought off ebay and the controller card died while trying to install homing/limit switches.
I then found a company called YooCNC (google them). They supply the original models of the CNC's off ebay and are comparable in pricing, also their spare parts directly replaced the controller so now all is good to go.
They also have USB lager models which I will go for next time. As far as running a CNC off a laptop, the easiest thing to do is buy a motion stepper interface (check out warp9td.com). I use their USB unit and have not had a problem using my laptop.

Be prepared for a steep learning curve if you have neither cad or cam experience....
I am still learning...
AlexB

[388TH_A]

I just bought a 3040 to try and make parts. Watching buch of Videos on youtube it seems to be good.

[Matti V]

I just bought a 3040 to try and make parts. Watching buch of Videos on youtube it seems to be good.

my cnc table only 600x550x250 i use cheap chinese main board http://www.ebay.com/itm/CNC-5-Axis-B...0AAOSwJcZWeGuc

and motor drivers 3 pcs, http://www.ebay.com/itm/Single-Axis-...kAAOSwKtlWqH3V

400W spinde motor and speed controller http://www.ebay.com/itm/12V-24V-48V-...sAAOSwo4pYd47U
can use whit mach3(xp) software traight to pwm in computer start/stop/speed.
or potentiometer at manual.
and nema 23 457 oz stepper motors. wery simple and working fine now, thats is my 4th cnc what i has building. work whit wood and aluminium, but frame need made strong if use aluminum.
cost about under 300€

[Matti V]

[388TH_A]

my cnc table only 600x550x250 i use cheap chinese main board http://www.ebay.com/itm/CNC-5-Axis-B...0AAOSwJcZWeGuc

and motor drivers 3 pcs, http://www.ebay.com/itm/Single-Axis-...kAAOSwKtlWqH3V

400W spinde motor and speed controller http://www.ebay.com/itm/12V-24V-48V-...sAAOSwo4pYd47U
can use whit mach3(xp) software traight to pwm in computer start/stop/speed.
or potentiometer at manual.
and nema 23 457 oz stepper motors. wery simple and working fine now, thats is my 4th cnc what i has building. work whit wood and aluminium, but frame need made strong if use aluminum.
cost about under 300€

I should be getting this http://thumbs4.ebaystatic.com/d/l225...-liYf_ad_g.jpg tomorrow.

Before trying any upgrades I'm going to put this together and try it. I keep thinking i could buy this or that and now my thinking has changed to, SWEET I could make one with the cnc.

[388TH_A]

I have mach3 any suggestions for other programs that I might need

[Matti V]

I have mach3 any suggestions for other programs that I might need

acad can made dfx file 2D layout and drawing, example cocpit panel and text.
many cam program can use
program what generate dfx to G-code.
delcam,bobcad,artcam best, many have.
have too jpg picture generate g-code but i no rememeber program name. linux have many free program too.
but important can draw parts and compile to G-code. use what use but Gcode need mach3 (win xp) or mach 4 win 7 etc, linux have linux emc and many little tools.free, windows not have lot free programs

[388TH_A]

acad can made dfx file 2D layout and drawing, example cocpit panel and text.
many cam program can use
program what generate dfx to G-code.
delcam,bobcad,artcam best, many have.
have too jpg picture generate g-code but i no rememeber program name. linux have many free program too.
but important can draw parts and compile to G-code. use what use but Gcode need mach3 (win xp) or mach 4 win 7 etc, linux have linux emc and many little tools.free, windows not have lot free programs

Thanks ill check those out. I think im going to stick with Win 7 vs linux.

[388TH_A]

Cant seem to get my 3040 going with MACH3. Parallel port is active 0x0378, CNC turned on but yet it still doesn't work. Is the Parallel cable Pin 1-1, 2-2, 3-3 etc or is it a normal parallel cable where pin 2-15, 3-13, 4-12, 5-10, 6-11, etc?

[388TH_A]

Thanks ill check those out. I think im going to stick with Win 7 vs linux.

I Have removed win 7 and installed win xp 32 bit but still cant seem to get the cnc working yet