Finally had some success with my desktop Milling machine..........

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After weeks of cussing and nearly taking a sledge hammer to it..... I finally had some success with the Shapeoko desktop milling machine.....I plan to start engraving the plastic lids I use for my stainless domino boxes..... so after some trial and error on wood..... i stuck some Plexi in there and took some video.......Here's the vid..... just for fun....Precision TIG 185 and MP 210Bobcat 225NTCutmaster 42O/A tanks.... 2 Argon tanks...... 2 C25 TanksFacebook...... F2 Metal WorksETSY....... https://www.etsy.com/shop/F2MetalWorksF2MetalWorks.com....... http://www.f2metalworks.com/
Reply:Looks good Fexal. I have a friend that runs a shapeoko. He has been using it to cut Lexan. After some issues with melting he found that 1/8 single flute hss end mill worked best. He is using 16 IPM at 3000 RPM with 0.005" DOC for the best finish and least amount of chatter. I was going to loan him my cold gun but he dialed it in without it.He also built an Arduino Sherline Rotary Table controller that I thought was very cool.http://www.cnczone.com/forums/arduino/215402-cnc.htmlMy younger brother is in the process of building one to mill/drill circuit boards. He told me yesterday that he had the XY axises are working but his Z was still a little tight.
Reply:Fex, wondering when you were going to break loose with all that moldy money. Lincoln PrecisionTig 275Miller 251Miller DialArc 250Bridgeport millHossfeld bender & diesLogan shaperJet 14 X 40 latheSouth Bend 9" 'C'Hypertherm 900Ellis 3000 band saw21"Royersford ExcelsiorTwo shops, still too many tools.
Reply:Looks like they have a 3rd generation model out now too.What software do you use with this and what does the software costTiger Sales:  AHP Distributor    www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P,  Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma.  For Sale:  Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun.  Lincoln Wirematic 250
Reply:It's all open source. Free......I use the web based Easel for some stuff but the program is buggy..... so i use it to get certain designs and to generate G-code....I am getting familiar with MakerCam but the learning curve is a bit steeper and it is limited on what it can do.....I can generate SVG's from Illustrator as well as the free Inkscape....I typically use the free GCode sender application to actually run the machine.....I'm still learning these programs but they are all free....There are paid programs out there that generate G-Code..... but since I'm still learning the free stuff.... I won't be spending too much on programs in the near future........Precision TIG 185 and MP 210Bobcat 225NTCutmaster 42O/A tanks.... 2 Argon tanks...... 2 C25 TanksFacebook...... F2 Metal WorksETSY....... https://www.etsy.com/shop/F2MetalWorksF2MetalWorks.com....... http://www.f2metalworks.com/
Reply:Do you know Cambam, nice little program.http://sites.fastspring.com/hexray/product/cambamYou can buy it with Mach3 to run your machine.Jeff
Reply:You might want to play with F-Engrave. It supports engraving and v-carving.http://www.scorchworks.com/Fengrave/fengrave.htmlIf you use Inkscape.... pstoedit is the best way to generate g-code as the built in generator isn't very good.http://www.helga-glunz.homepage.t-online.de/pstoedit/