YooCNC, software.

[David Hayward]

I was using the CNC machine the other night when the spindle unfortunately burned out. There coud be a few reasons for that. One is that it had been running for a while, another is that as it went from the right hand side to the left of the piece of wood I was testing it on, the cut depth had appeared to increase by 0.5mm or so, which may have strained it. That could have occurred either because the bed wasn't quite level, the workpiece was thicker on one side, or if the chuck wasn't tight enough, the bit may even have climbed down gradually. Max and David C partly dismantled and took a look at the motor, and said it was very worn, so it may just have been its time to go.

I offered to replace it, but Ash, the owner, may have a spare and has very kindly offered to post it instead. Hopefully, the machine will be back in action very soon.

I've been learning CAD software for both Dominic's laser and the CNC machine. I've updated the YooCNC page on the wiki with a load of information on software and the workflow:

http://wiki.nottinghack.org.uk/wiki/YooCNC

Matt Little tipped me off to HeeksCAD, I've only taken a brief look at it on his laptop, but it looks great. It might be appropriate to branch some of that onto more specific pages.

I've tried to write the page up with a complete beginner in mind, because that's what I was a few months ago. I'm also planning a workshop to teach DraftSight, because I'm reaching a point where the basics are second nature. If you have any ideas of what you think would be a good beginners exercise for something to draw, let me know. At the moment, I'm thinking a nice panel cutout for switches.

David

[Matthew Gates]

The link to "cncexpro" looks extremely useful, thank you David -
exactly what I need to get me started.

[Jake Howe]

I was talking to Andrew about some of the main issues with people getting on and using the CAD equipment, and its fairly obvious that most people struggle due to the lack of knowledge to do with software.

I was thinking either running small training sessions or a workshop might be a handy idea. Something along the lines of, bring your laptop (if you have one) get the software installed, show them some basics, then actually produce an idea on either the laser cutter or CNC at the end of it.

Jake

[Kate Bolin]

On Fri, Mar 9, 2012 at 9:27 AM, Jake Howe <ho...@dr.com> wrote:

I was talking to Andrew about some of the main issues with people getting on and using the CAD equipment, and its fairly obvious that most people struggle due to the lack of knowledge to do with software.

I was thinking either running small training sessions or a workshop might be a handy idea. Something along the lines of, bring your laptop (if you have one) get the software installed, show them some basics, then actually produce an idea on either the laser cutter or CNC at the end of it.

+1 billion

That's what's currently stopping me - I haven't gotten to grips with the software, and it just seems so daunting for the amount of time that I have. But at the same time, I have things I need to get done, but then the software seems even more daunting, and it's an endless cycle of fail.

A workshop, where I bring in my netbook and learn how to properly use the software and then make something, would be utterly brilliant.

--
Kate Bolin
www.katebolin.com

[BuLLeT]

+ 1 for workshops even thou I struggle to attend!

[Matthew Gates]

On 9 March 2012 12:01, BuLLeT <bulle...@gmail.com> wrote:
> + 1 for workshops even thou I struggle to attend!

Ditto, +1 but I will probably no be able to come. :(

[Spencer Owen]

I think Kate summed up my feelings exactly.  I have a project in mind that needs lasering/cncing which I know _should_ be very straightforward but I've been putting it off because I struggle with the basics.

A workshop would be fantastic, but if it was any day other than a Thursday even better :)

Spencer

[David Hayward]

Given the interest, I'll get right on this!

Provided the machine is working, expect it to be ready sometime in April. I think making a plastic switch panel recessed into a piece of wood would make a nice beginner's CNC project. Without the machine, I could still train people to draw in DraftSight.

David

[Chunky]

If machine is not working - I could bring my similar but smaller model
(A4 size) over to use with the same software.
I'd need a car and helper to move the thing though as its a bit too
much hassle for a bike...

Matt

[Dominic Morrow]

I'd very much like to attend such a workshop +1 from me. I can collect Matt's CNC in my van (think it would be good to have an additional CNC machine there too). I could almost certainly come to this if it were on a Weekend, but I'll try and make it whenever it is. 

Dominic

--
Dominic 

Nottingham Hackspace Organiser 

For more information about the Hackspace please visit us at

www.nottinghack.org.uk 

[Andy Harsley]

As a slightly different approach to CNCing, I've got 6+ years
experience using CorelDRAW + Mach2 which is quick and easy for 2D or
2.5D objects.

Any vector art software that exports DXFs will work for creating CNC
cutter paths. (Inkscape is a free alternative.) So no need to learn
CAD if you're already familiar with such software!

I'd be happy to attend a workshop and explain how if it's of any use
to anyone. Could also run a follow on session covering the design of
moulds for making plastic items if there's interest. Some Nottinghack
keyrings or drinks coasters might be a useful project to start with.

andy

[David Hayward]

I think it'd be great to have a brains trust there who know and can demo different software. I know a few of us have also fiddled around, or become very proficient with, Illustrator, Inkscape, and various other programs. HeeksCAD also looks very good from what Doc Little has shown me.

For the workshop, and having run some software training before, I'd like to stick to DraftSight though: There's a lot to take in even with just one package. It'll probably be a Saturday in April. Before then, could I get one volunteer to go through it with one on one please?

David

[Kate Bolin]

On Wed, Mar 14, 2012 at 5:17 PM, David Hayward <nach...@gmail.com> wrote:

For the workshop, and having run some software training before, I'd like to stick to DraftSight though: There's a lot to take in even with just one package. It'll probably be a Saturday in April. Before then, could I get one volunteer to go through it with one on one please?

Oooh oooh, pick me, pick me, I'll pay you in cake.

(except it can't be any time this week)

 

--
Kate Bolin
www.katebolin.com

[David Hayward]

It won't be any time this week :)

I have three volunteers (thanks), and will come back to everyone with a workshop. A new spindle for the CNC machine arrived from Ash this morning, too.

David

[Ashfaq Juna]

Hello

I am definately in favour of a workshop type, I (though I own the machine) dont really know how to get good use out of it, due to time and brain constraints I have not been able to learn how to use it my self :)

Plesae suggest some dates, I really want to be able to come and will do my best to attend and be in Nottingham :)

Thanks

Ashfaq

[Ashfaq Juna]

Just to add, I will bring my own PC (not laptop) with parallel port and also a smaller CNC machine.

This PC has Windows with MACH3 (licensed) and also Linux CNC installed.. dont have a clue what to do with them though.. :)

[David Hayward]

Excellent, thanks Ash. Matt Little has offered to bring a small machine too; I'll email you all privately to set a suitable date in April.

It'd be very good to have multiple machines set up; depending on the number of attendees, with only one CNC we could be there cutting stuff for a long time otherwise.

David

[David Hayward]

Ok:

Saturday April 21st, from 12:00 I'll be doing some DraftSight training which will give you the basics of how to draw stuff for the laser cutter or CNC machine to cut from sheet material. Cost TBA, but it'll be low. It'll probably take about three hours for a group to go through it.

Beyond that, in terms of sending stuff to the machines, there are options. I believe a few of us will be around with different experience. I can teach a bit of G-code and show you some tools for making it out of DXF files, namely dxf2gcode and CamBam, which both have their annoying idiosyncracies.

I'd like to know: Who would be able to make it that day, and what kind of projects would you like to cut? Depending on how many machines we have and what people want to make, there could be quite a backlog on the dy; I'm going to have something simple and small ready for people to fiddle with and make.

David

[BuLLeT]

Sounds cool.
You have already given me some good pointers and advice with draftsite.
Not sure if I can do 3 hours on the Saturday afternoon but will let you know the week before, that's if there's space!
Cheers
Tom

[Joe Duckhouse]

Im VERY interested in this!

Im working my way through the draftsight tutorials at the moment anyway but really need to get my head around G-code and the workflow for outputting to cnc.

Im working on some toys for my sons birthday that will be cut from 25mm birch ply.

Rather than tie the machine up with that i'll either attempt to output a smaller scale version or use some florists foam that will cut quickly.

Joe

[Neil Thomson]

+ 1 for DraftSite on the 21st.

[Chunky]

Just seen these guides (via hackaday so probably everyone has seen them). Basically this guy is making molds with a CNC and then creating plastic components.
Amazing level of detail.
http://lcamtuf.coredump.cx/guerrilla_cnc1.shtml
http://lcamtuf.coredump.cx/guerrilla_cnc2.shtml

Check out the photos here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/candy-bottoms/sets/72157625850569320/detail/

Very nice.

Matt

[Spencer Owen]

It was looking like I was going to be away for this, but I've now had
it confirmed that I'll be able to make it! Woo Hoo! So please add my
name to the list.

I'm mainly interested in using DraftSight to make stuff on the laser
cutter (although some examples of when/how/why the CNC would be used
in favor of the laser cutter would be quite good). I've got a project
in mind that would use 4 or 5 layers of acrylic, but that'll be
something best worked through some other time, so any stuff you have
on the day will be great.

Thanks

Spencer