1 Topic by dyfeb

  • dyfeb
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  • Registered: 2018-05-14
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Topic: newb's first CNC mill (3040), advices

Just got this second hand. https://www.ebay.com/itm/US-CNC-3-Axis- … Sw7-palR5Y

(not exactly the same model as the above ebay seller but they all look the same generic china design).

The seller showed me it in operation and seems good enough for my personal usage for cutting and engraving 1.5-2mm acrylic.

To give an idea of my experience level:
I've never owned a small CNC miller but I've had 2 3d printers before and have had them disassebled/reassembled and upgraded parts, both all the electronics as well as the mechanical components.

So I guess my questions are these but if there are other things/advices you think I should know please also post.

1) What cutting speeds can I expect from this stock 300W spindle with 2mm acrylic?

2) There are some videos on swapping the spindle with a powerful but cheap dremel. is that a good idea? Besides the overheating/short lifespan and difficulties of controlling the rotation and speed in software I don't see why not.

3) What control software should I use?

4) The seller gave the CNC to me with a thick plastic slab bolted on the base plate. I guess its a good idea to keep it on so not to damage the baseplate? But is 40mm thick one maybe too much?

5) What mill bits to use and when?

6) Any obvious newbie dos/don'ts?

2 Reply by Tin Falcon

  • Tin Falcon
  • Tin Falcon
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  • From: New Jersey, USA
  • Registered: 2014-08-01
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Re: newb's first CNC mill (3040), advices

https://www.china-cncrouter.com//downfi … 452561.pdf

Here is a manual that appears to be for your machine.
1) A good speed and feed calculator is very helpful

https://littlemachineshop.com/mobile/speeds_feeds.php

2) a dremmel tool is higher speed this can be helpful . IMHO use the existing spindle to get started.

3) according to the above manual the machine is designed for mach 3

4) use the pad unless it is getting in the way.

5 the last page of the manual covers this.

6) Read the manual and push through .

Soliddoodle 4 stock w glass bed------Folger Tech Prusa 2020 upgraded to and titan /aero extruder mirror bed
FT5 with titan/ E3D Aero------MP mini select w glass bed
MP Utimate maker pro-W bondtech extruder
Marlin/Repetier Host/ Slic3r and Cura

3 Reply by dyfeb

  • dyfeb
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  • Registered: 2018-05-14
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Re: newb's first CNC mill (3040), advices

Thank you Tin Falcon. The stock spindle is actually good for my needs (prototyping parts) as can cut 4mm acrylic easily at slow speeds.

Only issue is it came with a program called "CNC USB Controller" and it seems to not allow to set the position of the part to be cut on the table corrctly. Didnt come with Mach 3.

Oh well, will sort this out after I figure out how to properly control my laser cutter.

Thanks.