Hello, Folks. The wife and I decided we wanted to get into CNC. So like many things in life why not just JUMP right in? I spent a few days researching, watching videos and reading until my head was about to explode. Liked the X-Carve. Saw the Shapeoko frame was more stout. But both have belts. Saw the CNC4Newbie extensive upgrade kits coming out for both of them. Then stumbled upon this site.... My question is what are we missing???? This is what is heading our way: Lead 1010 (wiring kit, 24vdc power, 4 high torque motors NEMA-23, Dewalt 611, dust shoe) Blackbox Z Touch Plate - with they had an x/y/z one Extra LED light (missed that 1010 came with it) and 2 spare limit switches 1/8 shank collet CNC4newbie slider 7" with square linear bearings Dewalt 735x planer (can't trust Lowe's wood LOL) Amana AMS-132 bit set - expensive but seems top notch and long lasting a few sets of junk bits ($15.00 amazon sets) to test things out and tinker 1.5 hp dust collection system - ShopFox Forgot to grab the IOT switching relay power strip for now - but heck turning on the router myself won't kill me. The other big question is software. What doesn't the Lead 1010 come with? I see that I can get an Autodesk Fusion 360 license for free as a hobbyist? What about this Vector software that Amana seems to provide tool profiles for? How have folks modified the Lead 1010's spoiler board for clamping? I haven't dug into the forum enough yet to find the "best" layout. Thanks for any insights you can provide! Gotta love us Newbs!
Where to start? Software: you need CAD (drawing - 2D or 3D), CAM (defining tools and toolpaths) and CONTROL (sending instructions to the machine) Fusion 360 is free for non-commercial use. Steep learning curve, but includes CAD and CAM Sketchup and Sketchucam - free, easy to use Openbuilds have their own control software, but I'll let someone else tell you about that (haven't used it myself) Vectric - several levels from simple Cut 2D to full 3D Aspire. Not cheap. People who use it love it. Free trial versions available (but very limited) Others will probably chip in with their own preferences. I suggest you download some of the free software and try them out to see what suits you. Alex
OK - I realize I sent a wide open question. Software should match use of the equipment. I hear you on the Sketchup - but from what I saw on their website it isn't quite free anymore. This is an example of the work I'd like to accomplish: Dolphins.jpg
Hi @FredTheNuke. Had to cut the last message short (tea was ready). I use Fusion 360 and like the fact I can go from the drawing all the way through to creating G code, but it does take a bit of learning to get started. I mostly do 2D work so I'll let someone else advise you on software (Fusion can do it but there's probably easier to use software for what you want to do) For advice on spoiler boards you could search the forum or read some of the build reports - again you'll get a range of ideas and will need to pick something that suits you. Most of the openbuilds machines are similar (Ox, Workbee, Lead) so what works with one can be adapted for your Lead. I did mean to say earlier - welcome to the forum. Alex
Lots of good reviews regarding how easy the OpenBuilds CAM and OpenBuilds CONTROL software are.... it's free so a great place to start (see software tab top of screen). Lots of CAD options as Alex so nicely mentioned above. Welcome to the OpenBuilds community!
For doing the dolphins, I would consider getting vcarve desktop. Estlcam will also mill from .stl files. If designing them yourself, maybe consider Aspire- lots of money, or learn Blender - free.
It works very well, I think you will like it. The price is right so a very good place start. You can always buy SW later if it doesn't meet all of your needs.
YAY!!!! I am out of plastic baggie hell now!!!! Next step is to begin building it. Hope to be done before my BlackBox arrives.
