Learning CNC Step-by-step
What?
I bought a Proxxon MF70 micro-mill with a basic but neatly done CNC conversion from a key-cutting outfit and I am going to learn from zero to hopefully turning out some useful stuff.
Why?
If you have a lathe and a mill you can rebuild civilisation from scratch. Also, CNC mills are super-useful for neat stuff like control panels, brackets, jigs, mountings, etc. or just anything where you need a set of holes which are all in the right place relative to each other.
This video from Project Binky shows the sort of swanky bracketeering you can achieve with a hobby mill.
This video shows what the big boys can do.
Why write about it?
Basically because there's a lot of stuff to think about and you've gotta write it down somewhere, so why not here where it might help someone else solve a problem?
Step on!
Step 1: Buy a mill! - my mill, what is it, specs, what can it do, etc.
Step 2: Get some software! - Installing Linux CNC in a virtual machine. 1st steps to test if LinuxCNC kinda works with my mill and if I can fly it.
Step 3: Mill something! - or, don't actually mill something but still success.
Step 4: Get more software! - Some CAD and CAM to go with your CNC, just in case there aren't enough TLA's here.
Step 5: Don't mill something else - Getting a shape from a drawing package to the mill (work in progress)
Step 6: Get a real computer - Building finding a PC to run LinuxCNC (work in progress)
Step 7: Put it in the shed! - Or why you need somewhere to put your mill that can stand being covered in swarf.
Step 8: Mill something! - For real this time!
Step 9: Buy more bits! - Shopping!
Step 10: The inevitable backlash!
Step 11: Install NativeCAM - for simple shapes / routines without having to draw anything
Step 12: Milling new bits of mill with your mill
…to be continued!
