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Desktop CNC machine

Why a desktop CNC machine? A desktop CNC machine is a cool device for any hobbyist. Just image that you like building a flying radio controlled helicopters, you could build so many parts, like the rotors. What if you like building and driving radio controlled cars or boats, yes you could use a desktop CNC machine to create parts ranging from a custom steering wheel, to custom rims for your tires. Why a desktop CNC machine? What if you are a small jewelry maker, and you sell your items at craft shows, now you could make rings, beads, pendants and so many other items.

I can think of so many different application for a desktop CNC machine, I even think of the fresh cool ideas, like if you owned a skate shop, you could custom carve images into boards, why just do decals? You could also rip out a surfboard either from a non-formed block, or reshape a surfboard blank. Opps once again, I got so excited that I just noticed, you would need a larger CNC machine to do surfboards. But you could build it very easily.

So what defines a desktop CNC machine? My definition is that a) it would fit on a desk, please do not say “Da”, b) would be, the output from the desktop CNC machine, is smaller then lets say one foot square. c) Would be that they use smaller stepper motors on the desktop CNC machine. d) The stock you put in, should be around a foot square or less. So what if you want one that is bigger or stronger, then call it a macro desktop CNC machine.

In this section on desktop CNC machines I shall go through a process of working on different desktop CNC machine prototypes, as I hope to find some ready made desktop CNC machine to review, put some link to other desktop CNC machine hobbyist’s websites which show you how they made theirs.

I would also like to open a forum in this section on Desktop CNC machines which will allow those who enjoy building these to have a place to discuss their successes, failures, stories, and links. I hope this becomes a popular forum.

I also have a new shopping cart which has a section for desktop CNC machines and other items. If you have an item that would help my visitors please just drop me an e-mail gbrown@cnc1stopshop.com

If you have read this far and still want to know, “What is a desktop CNC machine?” Well the basic concepts are like this, you have 3 axis on a desktop CNC machine, they are called X, Y and Z, that means, front and back, called “x” then left to right is “z” and up and down, is “z”. By using these names you can plot a position in 3D space, if you remember 8th grade math, you use to use yard on graph paper to find a path, or plot a course, well this is sort of the same process.

On a desktop CNC machine there is a spindle which is the mechanism which has a bit on it, and carves out the design you want the desktop CNC machine to do. The spindle is normally a router, trim router, or dremel. It is an excepted idea that the more power you put here the faster the desktop CNC machine can carve out it’s task. This is normally measured in inches per minute, AKA IPM, this is not square inches, this is path or linear inches, the amount of inches your desktop CNC machine’s bit can move. The desktop CNC machine’s IMP is also conditional on what material and how fine you want the surface to be, it will take longer to carve a path in steel then in wood.

If you want to get into using a desktop CNC machine you will need a few major components, a computer to run the software and to control the desktop CNC machine, the desktop CNC machine itself. If you are going to build the desktop CNC machine from starch please be aware that this can be a very over whelming task, you may want to first look at ready made desktop CNC machine kits, but if you decide to move forward and build one, ask you to go to our DIY section, and review the links which have do it yourselfers which have been so nice as to put up entire section on building a homebrew desktop CNC machines.

When building a homebrew desktop CNC machine, you will need to select a general design of the over all desktop CNC machine. You will also want to decide if you are going to build the desktop CNC machine controller board, or if you are going to buy a desktop CNC machine controller board kit, of buy a finished desktop CNC machine controller board. You will also need at least 3 desktop CNC machine stepper motors which will move your axis, I have written a small section on desktop CNC machine stepper motors, and we have a section on our shopping cart for desktop CNC machine stepper motors. The reason I said you will need at least 3 stepper motors for your desktop CNC machine is if you decide to go to a fun “next step” for your desktop CNC machine, you would want to add a 4th axis.

What is 4th axis? Well on the top of the platform which normally holds your stock to be worked with, would be another desktop CNC machine stepper motor, which would have some type of jaws or holding device which would rotate your stock so that you may get to all side, except the area where the clams, or jaws on you desktop CNC machine would be hold the stock. This is need to create rings, and true 3D items.
Without 4th axis, most will say you are working in 2.5D, they say this because on a desktop CNC machine without a 4th axis, you just can not get to the back of you stock.

I would recommend that if you are doing anything except printed circuit boards, that you at least buy the desktop CNC machine stepper motor for the 4th axis at the time that you buy the other 3, desktop CNC machine stepper motors.

I have been told that in the near future that there will be an easy to make, add a 4th axis, to your desktop CNC machine, project on an internet friends website, I will of course put this on this section as soon as it is ready.

Two more thing you should think about when designing you desktop CNC machine, which is, software, and how are you going to get analog real world data into your software? Let me tell you my application I got into this for.

I design Hawaiian hooks, oh if you did not know, I live on Kauai Hawaii, the most backward little island in the world, don’t ask, but it is very hard to get any supplies here. So back to the Hawaiian hooks, you can see them at http://www.on-hawaii.com I make these by hand, and I love making them, the first one, then I start getting orders, which includes stores who would like to sell these on a much bigger scale, I thought about sending them to China and having them made, but they want like $2,000.00 to set up a machine and carve it, and I was worried about the quality. So I decide to build a desktop CNC machine to make them.

To be honest I created this website because I have had such a problem with building my desktop CNC machine. I wish I was back in Chicago, which I know I would be able to build a team of people who could make a desktop CNC machine for me. What I mean by this is that I know where there are machine shops which would be able to do precision drilling, and I would have custom pieces built for my desktop CNC machine.

This is also the problem with most ready made desktop CNC machines, the problem seem to be that once you get a couple of desktop CNC machine kits, the other people in the team, want to make a great deal of money on their little piece of the desktop CNC machine.

So what can I do way out on a little island in the Pacific? Try as hard as I can, to make the most accurate I can. I would even like to use a larger CNC machine to create desktop CNC machine kits, but I would have a problem selling them because of the shipping charges from the middle of the pacific ocean. So for now I will just review other's desktop CNC machine kits.

I hope this section helps you, and that you will have fun creating your desktop CNC machine.

CNC stepper motor

CNC stepper motors are the one thing that seem to be an interesting area of the CNC machine. What I mean buy this is that the CNC Machine Stepper motors are not a real standard, like race cars, it seem to be, buy the most horse power you can.

In CNC Stepper Motors, horsepower is measured in oz and basicly is the amount of torque and the amount of holding power. So how do you decide on how big you need?

I was watching a video on iTube and noticed a person who put their home built CNC machine stats on the video as it was playing and they put that their stepper motors have 640oz holding. I was sure it was a typo and it was 64oz holding, but then when I saw their homebuilt CNC machine run at 120 inches per minute, I thought "Ok this homebuilt CNC machine may have 640oz".

But I paly in the NEMA 23 size motors, which is the mounting standard not the amount of power. I am use to NEMA Stepper Motors 23 in the holding power of:
CNC Motor with 495oz
CNC Motor with 425oz
CNC Motor with 282oz
CNC Motor with 270oz
CNC Motor with 185oz
CNC Motor with 156oz

So buy as much oz's as you can afford, it is like in a computer, you want to improve speed in your computer, increase the RAM, this is the same, buy as much oz's as you can.

I will be listing a group of places to buy motors as soon as I find them.

If you have any suggestions please e-mail me, I will assemble the better ones I find.

Kellyware CNC software

KCam Router/Mill software is designed to run low cost hobby CNC equipment. Program your paths using the built in Gcode editor, or import DXF, NC, and PLT files. Create signs and plates using your CAD software and import your work into KCam. Dual cutting depth allows for holes and outlines to be punched out after routing. No more drilling holes for switches or cutting plates to size before engraving.

Engrave signs, make name tags, drill printed circuit boards, mill parts, plasma cuts, plot pictures onto paper...

Here are a few of the key features:

Load GM code files
Import Excellon ASCII drill files (.NC)
Import DXF files (.DXF)
Import HPGL files (.PLT)
Import Gerber files(.GB0)
Edit/Write GM code files
3D Graphical Viewer w/ Zoom, Pan and Table Views
Manual Jogging motor control
Controller and Table setup features
Supports Parallel Port (LPT) Stepper Motor Controllers
Selectable Feed Rate
Backlash Compensation
Windows 98/NT/2000/XP 32bit Software
PCB Isolation conversion from Gerber(RS274X) files
Constant Velocity Contouring
Multiple Machine Setups

KCam is now Shareware. To get your trial version of KCam 3 Software go to DOWNLOADS

CamBam AKA Cam Bam

This is a very new and up and coming software package.

Please take a look at this software package:

http://www.brusselsprout.org/CAMBAM/

ArtCam JewelSmith AKA Jewel Smith

The ArtCAM software product range provides a unique CAD modeling and CNC CAM machining solution. ArtCAM allows you to create high quality products from 2D artwork faster than you ever thought possible.

The ArtCAM Jewelry Design & Manufacture Solution

The need for design and manufacturing methods that reduce costs and improve quality and productivity is key to a successful jewelry business. Meeting the ever growing expectations of your customers in terms of high quality, detailed and highly intricate pieces of jewelry puts a big pressure on Jewellers and businesses.

With the ArtCAM JewelSmith Solution you can design and manufacture pieces quickly and easily. You can create highly intricate personalized or custom jewelry, or new complete lines. Unique software tools guide you through the entire process, from conceptual sketch to the finished piece or mold. The ArtCAM JewelSmith Solution will give your business the competitive edge.

What is the ArtCAM JewelSmith Solution?

The ArtCAM JewelSmith Solution is a unique suite of software with which you can design and manufacture beautiful jewelry pieces, by either working directly from your sketches, by sculpting a 3D model or from customizable component libraries.

Why is the ArtCAM JewelSmith Solution different?

We offer a suite of software that allows you to work how you want to work, and ensures you have the tools necessary to complete the job. It is a proven solution for the jewelry industry world wide and is continually tested and developed in conjunction with Delcam's own in-house jewelry bureau service, who have been using ArtCAM since 1994 to produce a large range of unique jewelry pieces. We also listen and act on customer feedback for new developments and improvements in the software.

Jewelry Design:

The ArtCAM JewelSmith Solution will allow you to create stunning, 3D multi-piece jewelry on screen, no matter how you wish to design – go from your conceptual sketches, model in 3D or use the extensive component libraries. With realistic rendering you and your customers can preview your designs before manufacturing.

Jewelry Manufacture:

The ArtCAM JewelSmith Solution provides you with all the tools and functionality you need to manufacture your pieces. A fully configurable machining wizard enables you to go from design to manufactured part quickly and easily. Alternatively you can produce STL models of your models for Rapid Prototyping or transferring across systems. Import jewelry models from other systems to add to, edit and machine.

ArtCAM will automatically calculate and produce the toolpaths for machining any 3D model from multiple directions with automatic support for tool changing and rotary index moves.

ArtCAM can output to over 200 machine tools, enabling you to choose the right machine for you.

Who is it for?

The ArtCAM JewelSmith Solution is used by Jewelers worldwide to produce an enormous range of different pieces. Our customers successfully enhance their product ranges and their profits. If you take just a short time to explore this website you will quickly discover the benefits ArtCAM JewelSmith can bring to your business.

The ArtCAM JewelSmith Solution is a family of software developed by Delcam plc. Delcam plc is a CADCAM software house based in the UK. The company has grown steadily since being founded formally in 1977, after initial development work at Cambridge University, UK. It is now the largest developer of product design and manufacturing software in the UK, with subsidiaries in North America, Europe and Asia. Delcam's software is used by more than 16,000 organizations in over 80 countries.

ArtCam Pro

ArtCAM Pro is the our complete solution for professional design and manufacture. Take your products from concept to completion without compromise....

The top of the line is ArtCAM Pro you can design and manufacture 3D models or 3D sculpted reliefs quickly and easily. With ArtCam Pro You can create highly intricate personalized or custom 3D models from 2D sketches or photographs. This Unique software tools guide you through the entire process, from conceptual sketch to the finished piece or mold. Whether you are using ArtCAM Pro for woodworking, signmaking, metal cutting, engraving or embossing, ArtCAM Pro will give you and your business the competitive edge.

What is ArtCAM Pro?

ArtCAM Pro is a unique software program that lets you produce high quality free-form 3D products from conceptual sketches or pictures faster than you ever thought possible. ArtCAM Pro also enables you to easily manufacture your 3D models. With ArtCAM Pro you can work directly from your sketches to build up a multilayered relief model, sculpt a 3D model on-screen or use customizable vector and relief libraries.

The advanced 3D modeling tools and flexible machining strategies in ArtCAM Pro provide the complete solution for all your CNC needs. ArtCAM Pro is a proven solution for many industries including: Sign making, woodworking, 3D Engraving and Mold making, mold tool engraving, coinage, packaging...

Our aim is always to product extremely powerful, yet easy to use software. ArtCAM will give you the tools to produce highly intricate artistic designs quickly and effectively. Delcam is also committed to maintaining ArtCAM as a leading edge software solution to keep you competitive.

Why is ArtCAM different?

ArtCAM Pro ensures you have the tools necessary to complete the job from conceptual design to finished part. It is a proven solution for many industries world wide and is continually tested and developed. We listen and act on customer feedback, including feedback on our Forum and at User Groups, for new developments and improvements in the software . We also offer local comprehensive training and support together with extensive online resources including tutorials, free relief’s and access to the latest software developments.

Design:

ArtCAM Pro will allow you to create stunning designs on screen, no matter how you wish to work. Go from your conceptual sketches, mold and sculpt your 3D model or use the extensive relief libraries, also you can scan in or photograph existing pieces to produce replicas of hand crafted models. With realistic rendering you and your customers can preview your designs before manufacturing.

Manufacture:

ArtCAM Pro provides you with all the tools and functionality you need to manufacture high-end artistic designs. The quick and simple interface and inbuilt help and explanations guide you through the machining process and enable you to easily go from on-screen design to manufactured part. Alternatively you can produce STL models of your models for Rapid Prototyping or transferring across systems.

Who is ArtCAM for?

ArtCAM Pro is used to produce an enormous range of different products by companies worldwide including Sign Makers, furniture manufacturers, architects, mold tool manufactures, biscuit and confectionary manufacturers, and many more. ArtCAM is also one of the leading products in the Jewelry world, where we have a custom version of the product, ArtCAM JewelSmith. Whatever their industry or application of ArtCAM, our customers successfully enhance their product ranges and their profits. If you take just a short time to explore this website you will quickly discover the benefits ArtCAM can bring to your business.

ArtCam Insignia CAD CAM CNC Software

The ArtCAM software product range provides a unique CAD modeling and CNC CAM machining solution. ArtCAM allows you to create high quality products from 2D artwork faster than you ever thought possible.

ArtCAM Insignia is part of the ArtCAM family of products and is a unique software program that lets you manufacture high quality 2D products from conceptual sketches or pictures faster than you ever thought possible.

ArtCAM Insignia also enables you to easily manufacture your models with it’s easy to use, yet highly proficient 2D and 2.5D (V-Bit) machining strategies. With ArtCAM Insignia you can work directly from your sketches or imported images to build up a multilayered vector model, or use customizable vector libraries.

The flexible machining strategies in ArtCAM Insignia provide the complete solution for all your 2D and 2.5D CNC needs. ArtCAM Insignia is a proven solution for many industries including: Sign making, woodworking, Engraving, mold tool engraving...

Our aim is always to product extremely powerful, yet easy to use software. ArtCAM will give you the tools to produce highly intricate artistic designs quickly and effectively. Delcam is also committed to maintaining ArtCAM as a leading edge software solution to keep you competitive.

ArtCAM is used by companies worldwide, to produce an enormous range of different products, successfully enhancing their product ranges and their profits.

Why is ArtCAM different?
ArtCAM ensures you have the tools necessary to complete the job from conceptual design to finished part. It is a proven solution for many industries world wide and is continually tested and developed. We listen and act on customer feedback, including feedback on our Forum and at User Groups, for new developments and improvements in the software . We also offer local comprehensive training and support together with extensive online resources including tutorials, free designs and access to the latest software developments.

With the ArtCAM range you can also rest assured that we have a solution for you as your needs grow or develop. Should you need a 3D design or machining solution in the future, ArtCAM and Delcam can provide it.

Design:
ArtCAM will allow you to create stunning vector designs on screen, no matter how you wish to work. Go from your conceptual sketches, create vectors to quickly and easily create your 2D model or work from the extensive vector libraries, also you can work from photographs of existing pieces to produce replicas of previously created designs. With realistic rendering you and your customers can preview your designs before manufacturing.

Manufacture:
ArtCAM Insignia provides you with all the tools and functionality you need to manufacture your high-end 2D designs. The quick and simple interface and inbuilt help and explanations guide you through the machining process and enable you to easily go from on-screen design to manufactured part.

Who is it for?
ArtCAM Insignia is part of the ArtCAM family of products, which are used to produce an enormous range of different products by companies worldwide including Sign Makers, furniture manufacturers, architects, mold tool manufactures, biscuit and confectionary manufacturers, and many more (linked to applications section). ArtCAM is also one of the leading products in the Jewelry world, where we have a custom version of the product, ArtCAM JewelSmith (Link to Jewelsmith.com). Whatever their industry or application of ArtCAM, our customers successfully enhance their product ranges and their profits. If you take just a short time to explore this website you will quickly discover the benefits ArtCAM can bring to your business.

ArtCam Express
In the ArtCam world, there will soon be a new baby in the family, that would be ArtCam Express.

Although their own parent website says coming soon, we are waiting for this to have great new things, from a phone conversation I had with the companies Sales Manager, the ArtCam Express will have all the function of MillWizard and Insignia E. Here is what they have to say so far....

ArtCAM Express is designed specifically for the smaller business. Quick and easy to learn, and powered by ArtCAM's award-winning design & manufacturing engine....

As we find out more, we will tell you all the details. Stay tuned.

I have spoken with ArtCam reps, and they are excited about the new CNC Machine software package ArtCam Express. When I asked them about the release date for ArtCam Express, I was told that they are hoping it is soon. The ArtCam reps commented they are most concerned about making sure the quality is there in their new ArtCam Express product.

I am looking for many of the new features that are currently promised in the ArtCam Express product. Many of the ArtCam Express features are a combining of the ArtCam Mill Wizard, and ArtCam Insignia E, so many of the features of ArtCam Express will be the best of both worlds.

So ArtCam Express will have an beginners 2D routing package which will provide accurate 2 D design and toolpath, which will help learn the ArtCam Insignia. ArtCam Express will have the advanced drawing tools for editing and freeform shapes.

ArtCam Express should also have trimming tools, and fixing importing artwork. ArtCam Express will also have advaned text editing which gives you very powerful text tools giving spacing, kerning, line and paragraph formatting.

Under the ArtCam Express CNC Machining part there are commands like Area Clearing. ArtCam Express also has profiling which has the lead in. 3D engraving and V-carving with 10 fonts should also be in the ArtCam Express package. ArtCam Express still performs drilling and machining along vector graphics. I am hoping that ArtCam Express will have the database of editable tools which has pre-defined tools.

I am sure that ArtCam Express will have their normal support for drivers of most CNC machine driver boards, and interfaces.

Some of the ArtCam MillWizard features, should be the full 3D modelling.

This package was developed for use by childern between the ages of 11 and 16, so I know you can learn this package. Although ArtCam MillWizard was developed for childern, that does not mean that it is a childern package.

If you have any question, I am in contact with the Sales Reps for this pacakge on a regular bases so please fell free to e-mail me, I will post your comments, and or questions and contact them and hope I will have an answer. You may e-mail me at gbrown@CNC1StopShop.com

ArtCam Millwizard AKA Mill Wizard
ArtCam MillWizard AKA Mill Wizard (Click the banner to go to the website)

You can create real 3D objects from your favourite 3D modelling program using the new ArtCAM MillWizard software package from Delcam, and almost any 3D CNC milling machine even your desktop one. You will find that suitable machines range from small CNC desktop hobbyist machines costing less than $2000 up to 8' by 4' industrial routers which can cost 100's of thousands. ArtCam Mill Wizard was designed for users of 3D modelling packages rather than machinists, ArtCAM MillWizard uses a simple step by step approach which allows anyone to begin creating real 3D parts from their 3D computer models in minutes, and soon we will have some of our own examples.

The software ArtCam MillWizard was created based on a program developed for use by school children between the ages of 11 and 16, ArtCAM MillWizard is the worlds easiest to use 3D machining program. As you know just because it is easy to use, doesn't mean that the results are low quality. Using machining technology originally developed for ArtCAM Pro - Delcam's flagship 3D relief engraving and modelling program - the results from ArtCAM MillWizard will amaze you. And fulfill your 3D modeling needs

ArtCAM MillWizard's with simple step by step approach, from the initial importing of 3D models, to producing a real 3D product, is a revolution in 3D CNC machining usability is so easy anyone can do it. No machining knowledge is required other than how to load tools into your CNC machine and transfer a file to it to the computer which controls the CNC machine.

We are confident that ArtCAM MillWizard is the easiest 3D machining package available. However, to convince you of the fact, ArtCam would like you to download their free evaluation version which will allow you to test ArtCAM MillWizard for yourself on your own CNC machine. The evaluation version comes complete with sample models which you can generate toolpaths for and cut on your machine, using your choice of tools, strategies, size, material etc. The evaluation version will also allow you to load your own 3D models into ArtCAM MillWizard and generate toolpaths and simulate the results. However, the evaluation version will not allow you to cut these toolpaths. But will allow you to see the results.

ArtCAM MillWizard 1.3 is now available with bug fixes and enhancements over version 1.2. The evaluation version has been updated and if you are an existing user of ArtCAM MillWizard you can upgrade your copy for free by downloading the patch from thier Downloads Page. From there you can also find out what's new in version 1.3

ArtCAM MillWizard has been created by Delcam - one of the world's leading developers and suppliers of CAD/CAM software for the 3 dimensional design, manufacture and inspection of complex shapes. Their products are used by more than 3000 organisations in over 40 countries world-wide, in a huge range of applications, from conceptual design to pattern making and tool making. For more information on Delcam's range of industrial strength CAD/CAM software, visit our main page at www.delcam.com

We collected this information directly from their website, and find their software to be as promised. Please be careful, if you download the demo, you are going to want the full version software. Just remind your wife, this is what you want for X-Mas!

ArtCam InsigniaE AKA Insignia E
ArtCam IngigniaE (Click the banner to go to the website)

The ArtCam company is tring to make sure that there is a software package for everyone. The package ArtCam Inginia E is the basics plus a few bells and whistles. ArtCAM Insignia E is the easiest to use and quickest to learn 2D Design and CNC machining software product on the market.

ArtCam Insignia E is an mid level to entry level 2D routing package. This will Give you accurate 2D design tools and basic 2D toolpath functionality all wrapped up in the same simple ArtCAM interface. It is an excellent starting product for a any new router owner. The toolpath is a great improvment of this product helps you with rough out and finishing toolpaths.

ArtCam Insignia E is extremely easy to use, you will be achieving basic routing tasks and producing parts in very little time. ArtCam Insignia E is also a perfect first step to learn the layout and basics of Insignia so you can upgrade as your needs grow.