Just got my very 1st machine, the 60 x 40 Workbee. I know ZERO about GBRL and such, and I have the CNC xPro V3 board. I have the full Bobcad/Cam Suite on a desktop, and Mach 3 on a laptop that I ordered with Langmuir Systems CNC Plasma cutter. How do I make all this work together with this new machine? Thanks all!
Really only one way to fix that, start reading... gnea/grbl, Spark-Concepts/xPRO As for Mach3, you'll find it isn't compatible with the xPro boards.
I'm no expert but I don't believe so. It comes with its own software. Most using Mach3 either pair it with a Gecko G540 or a BOB and drivers.
Ok, well that solves one thing I was wondering about; whether or not I needed drives and forgot to order them.
Hi @Bill DeSilvey I see you have the xPRO so please take a minute to look over this WorkBee 1500x1000 electronics and wiring video. It will really help you to see the Design,CAM,Control workflow. You still may be able to use BobCad/CAM if you like to design and layout your toolpathing in them. Then you can export generic gcode (most software can) to import into the OpenBuilds CONTROL Software machine controller, to control your machine.
Sweet! I haven't even unboxed all of the machine as of yet. Knowing that Mach 3 is the post-processor that does the graphical translation into G-code and having the ability to export the design to a different program is an eye-opener indeed. Honestly, it is still all new to to me. I went through the Machine Tool Technology Class at the local trade school (Shameless plug, Salina Area Technical College) in 2014. My issues were that a 9 month program crammed in way too much for even a licensed,degreed RN to digest. The VERY INVOLVED math and G-code did me in. I got enough out of the class (which I failed in high style!) to get the basics. That was enough to rekindle the long-dormant interest in machining. (Sidebar; My late father was a Machinists Mate 1st Class in WW2; mayhap where I got the initial interest.) So, long-term goals are to minimize my exposure to Nursing, and eventually turn this into a profitable enterprise. I also have on hand a Langmuir Systems 24 x 24 CNC plasma cutter that I also have yet to fully assemble. (Winter projects , ya know; WINTER IS COMING!) So, I covet your Prayers, advice, and assistance. Know that I will give credit where credit is due; to God and the various forums that are so willing to assist! Thanks and God Bless, Bill DeSilvey
um, no.... Mach3 is a machine controller, it translates Gcode into machine movement. Programs like Fusion360, BobCad/Cam, HSMworks, Sketchup+SketchUcam plugin and OpenBuilds CAM Gcode Creator - Public Beta are examples of programs that take drawings and create Gcode. oh they always harp on math in classes when really you just need to know where to look it up (-: I am a full time programmer and I NEVER use the high grade math I (failed) to learn at university (like calculus). The only thing I really use is trigonometry (calculating angles, or co-ordinates from angles and distances, which we all learned in grade 7 or so). Everything else I just google, implement and document, and forget. absolutely do not wait for winter! (-: "do it now" even if only 30 minutes a day. and don't quit the day job until the side job is earning an equivalent amount. and listen to these guys.... Business of Machining and watch these videos SketchUcam Howto - YouTube and these videos
You folks have no clue what all the advice and assistance actually mean to me! Sage advice from all. Especially the "Don't quit the day job". Which follows into what the Director of the AASRN Program made sure I knew, "Nursing will not be kind to you. It won't matter that you are there to provide the best care possible, then go home. No one will see that; most of your supervisors will think you are out for their jobs. You catch on pretty quick, and coworkers won't like that"...and that's the short form. Fast forward to ~ 2005, and I am out of commission with Severe Crohn's Disease. Had surgery in '14 to take out ~18 inches of useless gut, and just got back to FT Nursing in January of this year. I keep butting heads with the top Clinical Supervisor, and have a butt chewing scheduled for 1100 tomorrow. Remains to be seen as to the outcome; so post the big meeting I shall commence with honey-do list and hopefully get some assembly done before returning to work (?) on Thursday.
Been there, done that. Donated 12 small/18 large in '96. Best decision I ever made. Hope it works out as well for you.
Much appreciated Sir! Am very fortunate that it appears the only involvement was the small intestine. Still on the high $ Humira; just stocking up on the stuff while I can.
