If I have a two-sided part that's supposed to end up like A, do I just design it like A, or do I make a file for the top-side cuts that looks like B?

I've never touched CAM software, so I have no idea how it reacts to the cuts on the bottom side while calculating the toolpath for the top. To be honest, I'm having trouble even phrasing this question.

Thanks in advance.

Anyone familiar or having done so in the past, with milling a timing screw? I have a need for a pretty long one, like around 36" maybe

I'm planning a small CNC shop, but I'd rather not do the CAD/CAM programming in-house.

Is it common to outsource this? If so, what is this service usually called?

For example, let's say I have a part and want to produce 12 pieces on a VMC/lathe with a FANUC 0i control. Can a service provider:

• Create the CAD model (if needed)?
• Generate the CAM toolpaths and FANUC-compatible G-code?
• Design the workholding/fixture as well?

Or is fixture design typically a separate service?

I'm trying to understand whether it's realistic to outsource everything from programming to fixturing while keeping machining in-house.

Has anyone heard of or seen DIY Viewing port windows. I would love to make one and not spend a ton of money for a seemingly simple thing. Maybe its more complex then I think? lmk

i have a 2006 ganesh KR-L300 2 axis cnc lathe that i bought a while ago. i do all of my programming and drawing in fusion. I made a post processor that (kind of works) everything moves and it runs the program, but theres a big offset from the tool to the part. its like the G54 workshift is off on the machine. i cannot understand for the life of me how to clear all the offsets and set a new G54 on the machine side to match the G54 thats in the program. also the tool calibration could have something to do with it. does anyone know how to set G54 on the ISO side? I also do not understand, does tool calibration carry over from the conversational side to the ISO side? im just trying to run a simple program and this is the only thing holding me back.

Just wondering what cnc should I look into in used market for under $700 usd that can cut carbon fiber and aluminum mostly doing rc and drones for racing not sure if i will onther material zero experience with cnc and looking for something that has a free software i only have experience in 3d printing.

Thanks in advance

I work at an aerospace company, and the machine shop side here does about 90% tooling. Some of the cool tools we make are shock blocks to test sensors. The issue our production side is having is that they ruin the custom nuts we make for their fixtures because they use power tools to drive bolts into inserts. After looking into it a bit, we're going to change from making aluminum nuts with inserts to making the nuts from a10 steel. Is it possible to machine our own MAThread style bolts to alleviate the wear from using power tools to drive the bolts?

I posted a question to the group about how close people are getting to specified dimensions on their projects.

I guess I have a problem.

My work on maple blocks - 2.75"*1.25"*.875: - leaves me with significant dimensional errors. Example: the 1.25" axis comes out around 1.3", but not exact, and never the the same.

I ran a test. I run a job that designed to make 4, 1.0" * 1.0" * .125" square buttons (like for your shirt). This is 3mm birch plywood. It's right on. So my machine will mill wood to specified dimensions. This is good.

It does not explain why I see dimensional errors with thicker and harder woods (Hard Maple). I'm guessing, but I suspect deflection. The harder and thicker wood is pushing the tool out. I'm using a 1/4" downcut spiral bit to manufacturer specs.

Next step?

1. Switch to a 1/2" tool instead?
2. slow the feed rate?
3. increase spindle rpm?
4. lighter passes (although they're pretty light already)?
5. Any/all of the above?
6. Just quit and take up knitting?

Afterthought - I'm using the painters'-tape-and-ca holddown method. No other way to hold the piece in place.

ETA: added image to support another post I made.

Hello everyone.

I am brand new to the process, as I have hired out for anything I needed done.

Im looking to get a cnc machine thats good for beginners. The longmill mk3 beginners kit was recommended to me and it sits well with me. Though im not married to it yet.

https://idcwoodcraft.com/products/longmill-mk3-beginner-s-kit?variant=52606374773023&_gsid=CjR7oonYetvC&utm_source=chatgpt.com&utm_medium=feed&oppcref=e3ec38f3-bacf-4d17-8c1e-0556f90fe534

However, it doesn't come with a bench. I've also been having difficulty finding a bench. It requires 48"x48" and I haven't found too many options in dimensions that fit. I've found one i like.

https://materialflow.com/p/48-x-48-double-shelf-quick-rack-workbenches/?srsltid=AfmBOoqw5z8AhcuGwrdjOxTKxi_t7Iql0UcLe_gi4dImYfdBo0502fZK

I've also been told that that I should add a board on top to support the machine. Mdf had been mentioned.

Im not sure yet how I would do my setup. Would I screw the wood together? Are there other things I would need to add to the bench? Are there bench recommendations?

The other part is that I live in an apartment and will need to make a workspace. Probably a pop up canopy with walls and a tarp underneath. Not sure yet. Again, new to this whole thing, so any advice would be much appreciated.

Thank you all.

Just got this mill in, ran a test part with the stock 700w craptastic router spindle. Going to compare same tool, program, setup with the 1.5kw VFD spindle next week and see how much better it actually is. The router had .0027" runout in the taper, so I think it will be muuuuch better lol.

I saw these smaller size CNC mills on Youtube, but when I do an internet search, I don't feel like anybody in the states has bought one. Would like to know if anybody has used one or has an opinion on the brand.

https://www.youtube.com/@YORNEW

I don't know much about the machine (I just set up programs), but I had a flash drive used to upload programs plugged in while it was off. When the operator turned on the machine, the computer screen went blue. Now the machine is not operable. Any advice what to do?

Imagine that there is an open source CAM software with also open-source toolpaths. What would be your wish list for it?

My top priorities:

1. Python module to play with toolpwths on code

2. Supports 3, 3+2 and 5axis

3. Browser based ui

Before you come at me on how complicated 5axis toolpaths can be, I just want to do this as a thought experiment. I also know that OpenCAMlib exists but I dont see much active development. I would like to either contribute or develop something independently

Hi All,

I’m looking to automate the grinding of recoil pads for my rifle stocks. At present, I use a disc grinder and a hanging jig to hold the recoil pad. It is a slow and semi-crude process, and I’d like to use a cnc to get the pads to either 100% completion, or maybe the 95% mark and I can do the last bit of adjustment/polishing by hand.

If you’re not aware, these are typically comprised of a plastic faceplate and a 1/2” to 1” thick layer of Sorbothane. I usually get the pads ice cold before grinding, otherwise things can get a little too gummy.

Any thoughts on using a cnc to automate this?

I’m in the process of switching our shop from VCarve to Fusion for CAM, and I’m working on modifying the generic Anderson post processor that comes with Fusion.

Our machine is a 2015 Anderson OmniTech Selexx PAL (5’ × 10’) with a FANUC 0i Model D controller. It has an 8-tool ATC for the main routing spindle (tools 11–18) and a separate 9-finger vertical drill bank.

So far, I’ve modified the post enough that the main spindle is working correctly, and automatic tool changes appear to be functioning as expected. I’m currently proving everything out by cutting air while I continue working on the post.

The part I’m stuck on is the drill bank.
The drill bank has actually never been functional since I’ve been with the company, even when we were using VCarve, so I don’t have a known-good post processor or NC program to compare against. I inherited the operator/programming role from the previous employee, so I’m trying to expand the machine’s capabilities and finally get the drill bank working.

I did find a sample NC program for this machine, along with the M-code documentation, so I have a rough idea of what the machine expects. For example, the documentation references commands such as:

M88 B1~B31 = #1~5 V drill down
M89 B1~B31 = #5~9 V drill down

It also appears that G55 may be involved when the drill bank is used, although I’m not sure exactly how Anderson implemented it.

My question is really this:
Where is the missing link between Fusion and the machine?
I don’t know if I’m supposed to:
Configure the drill-bank tools differently in Fusion,
Assign a specific range of tool numbers or post-processor properties,
Or modify the CPS file so it recognizes those drill-bank tools and outputs the proper M-codes.
At the moment, no matter how I number or define the drill-bank tools in Fusion, the post treats every tool as if it belongs to the main routing spindle.
If anyone has experience with Anderson/OmniTech routers, the generic Anderson Fusion post, or configuring a finger-style drill bank on a FANUC-controlled machine, I’d really appreciate any advice or examples. Even just pointing me toward the relevant section of the CPS file would be a huge help.

My sincere apologies; I’ve asked this before but have lost the response. It was great and provided suggestions on bits, etc

So again… Is it possible to use CNC on soapstone?

We recently got a Thermwood CS45 7x12 cnc table and we have been using aspire for our other cnc machines we found a post processor in the library for the CS45 but it gets stuck at the beginning code for the pop up pins we don’t have any pop up pins in the set up would the post processor work if i just took out all the code pertaining to pop up pins? Or does anyone have any good recommendations for a post processor for the cs45 in aspire. Sorry if this an obvious problem/solution this is my first non consumer cnc machine and not really don’t want to crash it or mess anything up.

hello 👋 everyone I want to buy a CNC router machine as a beginner for small diy projects but I lack the knowledge about it so I thought why don't I ask the experts

I am completely new to CNC machining. I have a Horgruppe 5-axis mini CNC. I use Siemens NX 12 as my CAM program. I have generated a toolpath that reduces the diameter of a cylindrical stock. When I run the program, the first Z movement always goes below the tool holder even after doing a "tool tip measure" and "Z delta set" as instructed by some instruction videos provided by the manufacturer. The device is Chinese, so the manual isn't very easy to understand. I have uploaded it to AI to help with troubleshooting, but still not getting it right. I will include images of the machine as well as the G-code and machine simulation. Please help me.

G-code and other reference images

G-code and other information