Book Image

A Tinkerer's Guide to CNC Basics

By : Samer Najia
5 (1)
Book Image

A Tinkerer's Guide to CNC Basics

5 (1)
By: Samer Najia

Overview of this book

Until recently, Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines belonged to the realm of heavy industry, but as technology becomes cheaper and smaller, these machines now can be used in home workshops. It’s not easy to get started, though, but thanks to this guide, you’ll be ready to take on a variety of projects in no time. A Tinkerer’s Guide to CNC Basics contains everything you need to get set up at home with computer-controlled machining and fabrication. Sparing you the theory, this project-laden guide helps you learn by doing. Once you’ve got to grips with the principles of CNC and installed the 3018 Pro CNC machine, you’ll gradually move from simple projects such as basic engraving to more complex milling and machining techniques. You’ll even learn how to upgrade your machine to accomplish more sophisticated designs. The plethora of projects in this book will keep you busy and give you the practice you need to get started with your computerized workshop. By the end of the book, your computerized home workshop will be one step closer to realization, and your machining skills will be taken to the next level.
Table of Contents (15 chapters)
11
Chapter 11: Building a More Capable CNC Machine

Summary

In this chapter, we took a deep dive into what is needed to set up our CNC machine and prepare it to mill our workpiece. We also determined how to load firmware, calibrate it, and set the origin of the axes. Finally, we also learned how to prepare the necessary G-code to load into our machine. While we focused on a machine without an LCD controller, the only difference between using a sender program such as UGS and the LCD is that the LCD will require the G-code to be loaded onto an SD card and read directly from there. There would be limited functionality to reset zero on the axes, which then speaks to having endstops on your machine, something we will cover in greater depth when we get to upgrades.

Our next chapter will get into selecting our materials for milling, as well as the bits we need to use. We will also look into what and how various bits cut and when we should use them.