====== 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 [[https://io9.gizmodo.com/everything-you-need-to-know-to-rebuild-civilization-fro-1566170266|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 [[https://youtu.be/PPYNCt5yV-U?t=301|video from Project Binky]] shows the sort of swanky bracketeering you can achieve with a hobby mill.

This [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnIvhlKT7SY|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 [[https://xkcd.com/979/|might help someone else]] solve a problem?

===== Step on! =====


**[[1-my_mill|Step 1: Buy a mill!]]** - my mill, what is it, specs, what can it do, etc.

**[[2-install_vm|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.

**[[3-mill_something|Step 3: Mill something!]]** - or, don't //actually// mill something but still success.

**[[4-more_software|Step 4: Get more software!]]** - Some CAD and CAM to go with your CNC, just in case there aren't enough [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three-letter_acronym|TLA's]] here.

**[[5-svg_to_g|Step 5: Don't mill something else]]** - Getting a shape from a drawing package to the mill (work in progress)

**[[6-get_pc|Step 6: Get a real computer]]** - <del>Building</del> finding a PC to run LinuxCNC (work in progress)

**[[7-put-in-shed|Step 7: Put it in the shed!]]** - Or why you need somewhere to put your mill that can stand being covered in swarf.

**[[8-mill-something|Step 8: Mill something!]]** - For real this time!

**[[9-more-bits|Step 9: Buy more bits!]]** - Shopping!

**[[10-backlash|Step 10: The inevitable backlash!]]**

**[[11-NativeCAM|Step 11: Install NativeCAM]]** - for simple shapes / routines without having to draw anything

**[[12-yo_dawg|Step 12: Milling new bits of mill with your mill]]**

**[[13-step_trip|Step 13: Tripping over]]**

**[[14-practice|Step 14: Practice]]**

**[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zc4bGkU05o|Step n: ...Profit!]]**

{{http://fuddymuckers.co.uk/gallery/cnc/gnome_sm.png}}

...to be continued!