I am a retired computer electronics teacher with an interest in woodworking. I have acquired 3 NEMA steppers, an arduino and driver shield. I am designing a 30 x 30 cnc router because I cannot find a set of plans that seem complete. (mainly part and drilling templates). I do not have any way to cut metal. So my material will be MDF. Is there a book or website that talks about how to set up the electronics and open source software. I am about done with the design and ready for the build. Any suggestions (including plans) appreciated
If you are using GRBL read this Home · gnea/grbl Wiki · GitHub All of it...a couple times...refer to it often. I have been up and running with mine for almost two years and still look at that wiki a couple times a month. Most questions can be answered by it. It tells you how to do everything and lists several common opensource software packages to control it. Or, check out Estlcam.de 2D / 3D CAM Software und CNC Steuerung.... I plan to convert to it and buy the full version because it does some cool stuff, particularly the probing.
I built my OX from MDF https://openbuilds.com/builds/the-nguni-an-ox-variant.2752/ Despite the build log being a bit behind it is now up and running and busy making parts for itself like drilling holes for TNuts in the spoil board. Now I have to order Tnuts online because none of the hardware stores in this backwater have them. on this page https://openbuilds.com/builds/openbuilds-ox-cnc-machine.341/ there a 2 videos. Watch Part 2 for the electronics setup though I recommend using GRBLPanel or Candle for the GUI (that video is a little old now in that GRBL has been updated to 1.1 which has a new protocol so you need the latest GUI, some of them have not been updated to the new protocol). Releases · gerritv/Grbl-Panel · GitHub Releases · Denvi/Candle · GitHub and of course get the latest GRBL from GitHub - gnea/grbl: An open source, embedded, high performance g-code-parser and CNC milling controller written in optimized C that will run on a straight Arduino and follow Compiling Grbl · gnea/grbl Wiki · GitHub for the install. For generating your first Gcode I suggest Sketchup + SketchUcam Releases · swarfer/sketchucam · GitHub and watch these PS your table saw with a carbide blade will cut aluminum just fine. Wear ear and eye protection! (-:
