Hello everyone!
I've been a member here for a while but I think this might be my first post, lol. For the record I am not a machinist....I'm an electronics/computer tech.
There is a lot of great info here - far more then the average person can absorb in a reasonable amount of time. So I decided to put my questions out to the masses...
I'm looking to mill aluminum equipment panels - holes, slots, etc. as well as engraving control information/labels. Of course having the ability to machine a small block of aluminum or steel is nice too. I looked at some of the inexpensive chinese gantry machines but couldn't find any decent reviews. Considering the costs to go that route I figured I would look into converting the SX3.
I'm looking at two possible routes to go. One is the CNC Fusion kit with a G540 based drive system, probably from Automation Tech. The other is the Flashcut CNC system. This is the same system that Grizzly is now selling. What really appeals to me about the Fastcut system is that it appears to be pretty easy to install. And a lot of the users have a lot of good things to say about the software. However, it uses belts to couple the steppers to the lead screws. Apparently there is a way to compensate for backlash in the s/w. It's also pricey. The CNC Fusion kit can come with ball screws which mostly eliminate backlash, but the install seems to be quite involved. I've also read where people have been taking a while to get the hang of Mach 3 or other s/w used to control the 540. Obviously there will be a learning curve with any software package.
Is there a significant difference in accuracy between the two? Does the extra labor make the Fusion kit a better system? Any other possible options I should be considering?
Thanks for your comments!
Dave
I've been a member here for a while but I think this might be my first post, lol. For the record I am not a machinist....I'm an electronics/computer tech.
There is a lot of great info here - far more then the average person can absorb in a reasonable amount of time. So I decided to put my questions out to the masses...
I'm looking to mill aluminum equipment panels - holes, slots, etc. as well as engraving control information/labels. Of course having the ability to machine a small block of aluminum or steel is nice too. I looked at some of the inexpensive chinese gantry machines but couldn't find any decent reviews. Considering the costs to go that route I figured I would look into converting the SX3.
I'm looking at two possible routes to go. One is the CNC Fusion kit with a G540 based drive system, probably from Automation Tech. The other is the Flashcut CNC system. This is the same system that Grizzly is now selling. What really appeals to me about the Fastcut system is that it appears to be pretty easy to install. And a lot of the users have a lot of good things to say about the software. However, it uses belts to couple the steppers to the lead screws. Apparently there is a way to compensate for backlash in the s/w. It's also pricey. The CNC Fusion kit can come with ball screws which mostly eliminate backlash, but the install seems to be quite involved. I've also read where people have been taking a while to get the hang of Mach 3 or other s/w used to control the 540. Obviously there will be a learning curve with any software package.
Is there a significant difference in accuracy between the two? Does the extra labor make the Fusion kit a better system? Any other possible options I should be considering?
Thanks for your comments!
Dave