Hello all. I'm an experienced woodworker but new to CNC. I just purchased a used OpenBuilds machine. Not sure the vintage and the seller wasn't too helpful, though he was able to demonstrate that it worked. It's probably 2-3 yrs old, has belt driven actuators and an MK3/4 controller. My question (for now) is what software to use. Am I limited to PlanetCNC or are there others that would be better? I will need the ability to convert .stl files to GCode, and I'll be using a Macbook. I'm sure this has been answered somewhere before but I'd appreciate any tips you might could offer. Thanks!
You can get a BlackBox Motion Control System X32 and use OpenBuilds Software: OpenBuilds CONTROL and OpenBuilds CAM - FREE software to run your CNC, Laser, Plasma or Pen Plotter with a Mac. However, the Mac will limit your ability to use the best CAM software(s) available for 3D stl files -- Vectric products like VCarve Desktop v12 and Carveco . I believe Fusion360 can be used with a Mac and you could generate gcode with that from stl files, but it is much more complicated.
Thanks for your reply! So, is the BlackBox X32 would be an upgrade from the MK3/4 that I have or does it play better with the CONTROL and CAM software?
I would say that it is an upgrade, and you can add a 4th independent rotary axis if you want. You can look through the specs to see what it can do here: docs:blackbox-x32:start [OpenBuilds Documentation]
Awesome, thanks. I've ordered the X32 and will plan on using Control and CAM. Do you happen to know if they can convert a .stl into gcode?
OpenBuildsCAM (Free) is a 2.5D CAM only Use Vectric or Fusion for 3D (STL) work. Have a read through the documentation docs:software:overview [OpenBuilds Documentation]
In looking for an economical software for my 3D stuff (STL) I came across MeshCam. Converts the stl to gcode. Do you know if it's compatible with the Blackbox X32? Might be a Mac-agreeable option for me?
Beta post processor available at GitHub - OpenBuilds/OpenBuilds-MeshCAM-Postprocessor: Post Processor for MeshCAM for use with OpenBuilds Machines running Grbl 1.1
Perfect - thanks! I can't tell you how pleased I am with how responsive the OpenBuilds Team has been! In deciding which brand CNC to choose, I was hoping the brand would have good support, especially since I'm a newbie. And both the store and support have been superb - thanks!
By the way - I'm sure as I go along I'll have other newbie-type questions. Should I add them to this thread or start another one with the specific topic I have a question about?
I'll be upgrading from the MK3/4 controller to BlackBox X32. Do I need to change limiter switches? Seems like the current ones have two-conductor wire and the ones that ship with a new Lead CNC are 3-conductor wire. Thanks
Also, when I am setting up the Control software with the BlackBox, how can I tell which OpenBuilds machine I have (I purchased it used) so I can upload the correct settings?
They do help a lot with EMI so I'd say do it. The less "3rd party" parts the better Post a pic. We'll help check. Hopefully not a clone otherwise you are in for expensive replacements all round
I'm out of town for a few days but will post some pics when I get back so you can help me with model. Can you give me pro's and con's of the RoutER11 spindle vs the Makita RT0701C? I've purchased the Makita but haven't opened the box if you see an advantage to the spindle. Thanks!
ER11 Collets. Less runout. More choice in shaft diameters. Cheaper than replacement Makita collets (need to go with expensive 3rd party collets for sizes other than 1/4")
Also, I'm having issues with the Interface updating firmware (see attached screenshot of the log). I've tried updating from CONTROL, from WiFi and from USB. The Interface doesn't recognize that the USB drive is connected when plugged in. I'm using a Macbook on 14.4.1 [A
I don't have access to a Windows computer. I have installed Python on my Macbook but don't know what to do next. I'm not versed in using advanced programs. I think I'm gonna need a step by step how-to for getting this working with my Macbook. I've searched for such a tutorial but can't find one. Any help will be appreciated.
Can you please try CONTROL v1.0.375 OpenBuilds Software: OpenBuilds CONTROL and OpenBuilds CAM - FREE software to run your CNC, Laser, Plasma or Pen Plotter - tried adding a little tweak to help (perhaps, I am unable to test my mac doesn't give the error in the first place, so you'll be the tester as you have the issue if you don't mind. 50/50 chance it works)
Great - I'll try it. Just to clarify, I should have the X32 connected to my Mac via the USB connection, correct?
Well you originally wanted to update the Interface? Not the X32? So I guess the questions is which do you actually want to do. The one you want to do, is of course the one you want to have connected. BlackBox: docs:blackbox-x32:firmware [OpenBuilds Documentation] Interface: docs:interface:firmware-update-control [OpenBuilds Documentation]
According to what I've read, I need to update firmware on both the blackbox and the interface. So I've tried both, starting with interface. When that failed I thought it possibly was because the blackbox wasn't up to date - so I tried that. That's when I discovered the blackbox wasn't connecting to my Mac. Using the interface I can jog the machine - just don't seem to get CONTROL to talk to the system (blackbox).
With the Blackbox connected to the computer with usb, after installing the latest version of CONTROL, this the the log after hitting "Connect" on CONTROL.
OK - I've purchased an inexpensive windows machine to do all this. Seems good so far. I'm installing the new Xtension limit switches I ordered. I'm guessing for the two switches on Y and X axis, I wire them together into the one blackbox connector? Some people wire them in series and then to the blackbox, but would this be just as good?
See the 2nd picture on docs:blackbox-x32:connect-xtension-limit [OpenBuilds Documentation] (Scroll down) - use parallel wiring. PS: Don't guess Read the documentation
So, I've surfaced my spoil board and getting ready to run "Hello World". I've noticed a good bit of play in the spindle mount mechanism. The spindle can be moved up and down maybe 1/8" by lifting on the front of the mount. I've tightened everything I can see to tighten. Any ideas? I've attached pics of my system. Also, Is there a newer, more robust Z axis system for my setup that I could upgrade to? Many thanks!
