Keith I really enjoy your videos, thank you. I think it would be a good idea to do a complete beginners guide to CNC and judging by how many views this video has received they would be well appreciated by your viewers.
Hi, David Thanks for your comments. It's such a lot of work making videos and there are quite a few on UA-cam already. I am working on a new video on how to convert from the old parallel port to USB. I don't have the computers anymore with the parallel port so for now, my LinuxCNC days are over. It doesn't work with USB. Keith
Just a thank you for the video, I work as a cad cam machinist but I am starting to look at a small system for at home hobby use, this has given me heaps to think about
@@samuellobo4882 I'm sorry I never used that software. Bit it looks like its CAM software. LinuxCNC is the controller and not CAM software. CAM software creates the g-code and LinuxCNC reads the g-code and translates that into the movement of each axis.
Glad to see another LinuxCNC user out there. I've been putting together a playlist on my site to help people get through it as well. Keith - If you need/want any help getting a custom pyVCP panel started to add features let me know and I'll be glad to assist.
Thank Jerry. A big fan of LinuxCNC especially for Foam cutting the display is very good showing the airfoil cutting paths. Thanks for the offer, will look into them sometime. A bit overwhelmed with some building work on the house right now, but should be clear soon and get back to some interesting stuff, Keith
If you get a chance look at the Frankenlab playlist. If you have some indication you want to see... a button for a special task, etc... I can show you how. (Kinda a hobby of mine when time permits.)
hi Keith looking realy good i build my own cnc and been using linuxcnc for the last 2 years and just doing some modifications with my computer going to try it on Ubuntu
New Asus Work Station computers have a LPT riser pins on the Mother board that can be plugged directly in to a breakout board using a ribbon cable. I have one with 6 / 7 Generation intel processor.
lot better and safety have own pci or isa card in motherboard ,if come somethink fail not destroy mainboard only pci card. mother board cost 190$ and pci card 10$ lot better broken pci card not motherboard hahaha
@@mattivirta I been fixing computers for over 20 years, don't let that idea fool you. I have seen many computers fried from power sures that came through a ISA or PCI card slot. Breakout boards are the only protection for data using Optical isolation chips.
Very nice video. I've got a Chinese 3040 4-axis and while I've been using an Arduino Nano running GRBL to a DB25 to control it using bCNC, I've got an old laptop with a PCMCIA/PCCard slot and might get a Parallel card/port and give LinuxCNC a try. One of my 3D printers( a delta) runs MachineKit via a CRAMPS board. I've heard LinuxCNC has lots of features which can really help fine tune even a cheap CNC well. I appreciate the effort you put into this.
Thanks. LinuxCNC is very good and often overlooked in favour of Mach3. People often ask me which is better? I tell them neither both are very good it just depends on your budget and what hardware you want to use. Certainly give LinuxCNC a try even with a old desktop with a parallel port and it works great. Keith
I think it was due to the test setting. It was 5 years ago so I can't remember exactly. I don't use LinuxCNC anymore because my old PC's died. So I now use GRBL Mega 5x. LinuxCNC is a great program if you can run it,
Thanks for these videos....so, when I install linuxCNC, does it automatically install its own OS with realtime kernels? or do I have to patch my existing OS (ubuntu) with realtime extensions and install linux CNC into this OS?
Yes the CNC controller is a TB6560 with a parallel port connection. Mach3 and LinuxCNC will both work with the old parallel port. You need a license for Mach3 if you go over 500 lines whereas LinuxCNC is free with no limitation.
yes can. i has build and uses 4 cnc machine and uses mach3 and change second computer and uses linuxcnc emc2. all working fine after config and motors setup.
Ok thanks so really you have to use a computer just to run the cnc Wich is fine any computer probably Will do thanks for the video and your response I am researching to buy a budget CNC Like the Chinese 3040T but look like there is some issues Whit software to run it I only see people getting good results with CNC linux course you can buy the expensive software but I got bit real bad in the past on buying software on line lie after a period of one they move on to another business and they let you with no soport and also I don't want to spend day's trying to make the router working the 3040T have a great frame and step motors hardware but the electronics controllers are crap and they send you a software that most people can make it work I really liked your video thanks again
@@1miltond You might want to look at GRBL which uses inexpensive controllers boards based on the Arduino Uno and Mega with Univeral G-gode Sender (UGS) software. Mach3 is the defacto standard for CNC routers which is very good. Not free and needs a license to go above 500 lines of g-code.
@@rckeith or load torrent full version. or add main file location lic.dat file and then all mach3 have full version FREE, idiot pay old apps because have FREE in internet now.
Hi Keith, Thank you for posting this video. I'm totally new to CNC. Is there any reason why a Chinese 6040 4 axis router will not work with a laptop? I have just bought one and it says on the control box it will only work with a desktop PC - despite the photo on the advert showing it connected to a laptop. It came with a USB (computer end) to 25 pin parallel port (control box end) adaptor lead. I have an old laptop with Windows 7 64 bit installed and I'd like to use it with LinuxCNC. Before I mess anything up, could you advise me please?
Hi Bob, LinuxCNC won't work with USB. if you want to stay with USB then you will need to use Mach3 or the Arduino based GRBL controller. LinuxCNC works well with the old parallel port and doesn't require a powerful computer. I run mine on old Dell Desktops that are getting on for 10 years old. Mach3 will even run on them. It sounds like you have a copy of the UCCNC100 adapter and that will only work with Mach3. Drop me an email with a few pics and I'll be able to give you a better answer. Keith
Same here I believe mine is a 3040t it will work on my laptop but I have scaling and homing and soft limits problems right now really tired of mach3 I'm 500$ into them and it has only cut roadrunner twice not happy. I was wondering would I have to change my mach3 card in my machine
Mach3 is very good but can take some setting up. If you do want to run LinuxCNC then I would use an old desktop with a parallel port. I would be cautious using a laptop with a parallel port card. Some parallel ports addon cards do not work well as they use 3.3 Volts. I would stay with Mach3 and try posting your issues to some of the forums like www.cnczone.com/forums/mach-software-artsoft-software-/
@@rckeith most laptop not can use cnc whit usb because all laptop have safe usb connection not give out all 5V and max 500mA have lot lot less power. out. and usb cards not working too less volt ,need use table computer then come usb out full volts and power full have 5,1V 500mA laptops not give this out.
I installed linuxcnc on my computer. You mention to stress the computer when running the latency test, but then say not to have it connected to the internet. So how do you know how much stress to put it under? I did not know how to run other programs while running the latency test but the ones you mentioned. I put 2 and 3 sets of the gears running and got somewhere in the neighborhood of 42,000. Then I did it with 2 gears running a and then UA-cam trying to get a video up. UA-cam never completely installed within 1/2 hour. But, the number went to 50750 right away and stayed there for the full 30 minutes. How much to stress it? This was a windows machine that I loaded linuxcnc on top of it. Thank again for the videos. I got the ebook, but it was funny that it never did come through to my wife's. Hopefully I will completely finish my wire cutter and see how and or if I can get it to work with linuxcnc. My driver board is a old mm2001 board. I am looking to use the cat cables as you have for the stepper. Thanks
amtpdb1 I usually leave it running for 15-30 minutes with glxgears running and Gimp and then move the mouse around randomly during that time. The Max Jitter number should be a good value to use then. As you found connecting to the internet does make a difference , so that why I prefer not to have it connected. A more powerful machine may be OK connected,. I did have some issue with the ebook caused my a plugin I used on the website, but that's fixed now. Thanks it was you that made me aware of it. Good luck with your build keep me updated, love to see it working. Keith
Keith Howlette Thanks for the information Keith. I have been working on getting this going for more years then I care to admit. I solve one problem then hit another and put it away,then start again later. Now that as I said I am retired, I am trying to get it done along with all the other thing I have put off! Thanks for your help an instructional videos.
Hi Keith can you tell me is there is enough power on a tb6560 3 stepper motor card to power two 2amp motors? I’m trying to possibly use a 3 port to run 4 x2 watt steppers. Thanks
Hi, Ron, the TB6560 only support 3A so I would say no. You are better of getting a 4 axis and slaving the other stepper That's how I did mine and works really well.
@@rckeith new TB6600 have maximum 5A 49Volt best card today if use cheap cards. then if need more amperes to motor need buy super expensive tcm or what has 583 card, i not remeber type number now. but have expensive TB 6600 cost 10+20$ and tmc or what have cost 100$ 50-100$ more, and can use cheapen model 7A motors. biggest card cost more and can use 6-9A motors. only stepper motors, if have money not use stepper motor buy closed loop servo controller and servo motors AC servo, but cost about 5000$/ axis.
better use motor driver card DM 554 or other what can handle maximum current at stepper motors. one motor and one driver, if you use 4 motor need use 4 drivers, 3A motors good option use DM 554 driver, and dip SW need set up near or less than 3A not burn motor, important, 2Amp motor need cheapen TB6600 driver all arduino motor driver and cheap worst drivers maximum have 2 A. but good better drivers handle more ampere. normal cnc used nema 23 motors 470 oz torque about 4-6Ampere maximum current, and drivers normal used DM 554,556,558,etc what have max motor current need little bit biggest driver can handle motor max current sure. ewery motors need own drivers, very cheap all drivers have DM serie drivers cost less than 20$/piece, TB 6600 less than 12$/piece, not expensive,
how about getting an external hard drive case stick in your drive in the case . Connect to machine and on startup menu boot to external drive when you want to use debian / linux cnc and when you want mach 3 boot from c drive.
@@rckeith only problem have mach3 windows, not have REAL time, interrups cut alltime machining run. windows not have stabile and safety platform machine controller newer. interrupts have big problem. and windows all. not working newer good. i has last 4 cnc mach3 and linux cnc and i keep linux because have lot lot better safety and not broken bits interrupt problems. ewery factory machine controllers made only linux platform not newer windows os because interrup and many more problem destroy many million $ machine wery fast whit windows OS. ols DOS can use better than any windows os in factory machines controllers.
I'm new at the cnc program stuff I have a plasma table and I'm look for something I can learn to run I'm have problems with learning mach 3 with lazy cam do u think this will work for my table thanks Dewayne
LinuxCNC can do plasma but I have no experience of it. Have you looked at SheetCam it's used with Mach3 that seems to be the one most people use, Sorry can't be any more help than that?
Hi Daniel, LinuxCNC is very good and yes I do recommend it. But if you already have Mach3 and its working OK then there is no real reason to change to LinuxCNC. Both are good software but LinuxCNC is free which if you are on a budget is a good choice. Glad you like the video thanks for watching
actually everything went well at first but then when i tried to boot it on my old dell xp pc the boot drive wouldn't show up as available. do you know why this isnt working for me?
I have managed to follow you up to 22 minutes in where you are inputting the parallel port settings, I have a chinese 3040t cnc, what settings do I need to input please, I'm panicking now lol
Do you have some details of the controller board with your 3040. Maybe a picture and I'll take a look, contact me via my website www.rckeith.co.uk/free-linuxcnc-openbuilds-ox-router/
ewery axis step and dir need configure setting then acceleration speed. volts need be more than 24V amperes need max what motor can use. if mnotor has stamp max A = 3A not use more newer burn motor. votl possiple high what can use. stepepr motor can use 74X more Volts what nominal have, my second cnc i uses nema 23 5volt motors and i uses many year 46volt psu. no newer problem. volt not important better speed come only if volts have high. buty moment and working amperes have important. not newer more than motor maximum have. burn motor super fast.
I'm trying to figure out how this all fits together. If I get a dedicated pc for running my diy cnc and load Linuxcnc on it can it take the place of windows, or does it have to run Windows also?
Hi, it just runs LinuxCNC. The Windows operating system is replaced by the install as shown in the video. So you don't need it to run Windows as well. Keith
Hi, I"m Elson Patricio. I"m brasilian. My cnc router runs with Mach3. They say using Emc2 linux is better. Which is better linux cnc or mach3 ? Thanks for the video.
Hi Elson Both are very good , Mach3 is more widely used but can look a bit complicated. LinuxCNC is still being developed unlike Mach3. If you already have Mach3 and it does what you need, then probably no point in changing over. I prefer LinuxCNC for my CNC foam cutter because the display show the tool paths better for 4 axis. I don't think one is better than the other they both work well. The main advantage of LinuxCNC is its free, which if you are on a small budget can help, Thanks for the question, and watching the video.
@@rckeith and linux cnc have lot lot addons what help you made many different parts, boc, finger joint, round hole net etc, automatic many tools and open software many people has made many little tools help user, and main display can change and made what u want see in display.
Boy howdy, you're running that machine slowly. And the edge quality looks terrible. I suspect a dull router bit. You will probably find your bits stay sharp longer with better chip load (running the feed speed much faster in your case). The common wisdom with wood is to make chips, not dust. Sorry to sound negative. Thanks for putting this video together! It's a nice introduction about what to do first with LinuxCNC.
Hi thanks for your comments. No problem being negative actually it's better to say how it is and you can learn from it. Since the video I've improved on that and taken time to learn more about speeds and feeds. 👍
I suspect that the spiral on the bit is lifting. If you employ a bit that pushes down as it cuts, the edges will be less frayed. It's called a compression bit.
@@jawneelogik5744 But that puts higher demands on the chip and dust removal. For wood, the twistless straight flutes deliver the best results.. Optimally a single flute bit with ample space to get the chips away.
Hey Keith. I see you've got an off-brand router. I've been thinking about using something similar (Still piecing together parts for my build). How do you find using it? Does it hold up? This video is really useful by the way, thanks!
Hi Yes it's holding up fine. I don't use router all the time just when I need to make a part for one of my projects. I did buy some extra collects so I can use 1/4 inch and 6mm end mills. There's a slight difference in diameter.
Please help me if anyone know about my doubts. Mh doubt is if i start a machine and when i just met a problem i had to stop. But when ever i get this problem i have only one option that is to restart the cycle. Actualy i want to know that if i get that problems again can i skip the previous cycles, i mean can i restart the cycle where i stop. Please help me if anyone know hoe to clear it ( Linux Cnc, Native cam)
Have a look at this video which shows how to restart a job. It's for Mach3 but you should be able to apply the same principle to LinuxCNC ua-cam.com/video/x6gvNP2paCo/v-deo.html If that doesn't help try the LinuxCNC forums. I'm not using LinuxCNC anymore I'm converting to an Arduino based system. Keith
were has link to paraller port card, need add second paraller port to old HP computer what have motherboard one paraller port, need pciE card slim model. and how connect to working linuxcnc.
You would be better off asking on the LinuxCNC forums. Some Parallel cards are known not to work because they output 3.3v instead of 5v. I don't use LinuxCNC anymore because my old computers died. I now use GRBL with microcontrollers.
i try watch all video what i found linuxcnc touch probe tool height zeroing but not understand, how make button to panel and what file need add were in linuxcnc, and make subfile or macro this when bush button go to upside at touch plate and go down slowly and zeroing bit height and go to workpiece corner all zero.
@@rckeith hmm, i understand little better, manual move bit to workpiece corner and then bush "touch off" then zero all axis , thanks need test tomorrow thats. how you wiring limit SW, i have in linuxcnc soft limit, but if run some error out off limit i have hard limit SW all axis rail head but i have only 5 input, E-stop,home XYZ, probe, how connect hard limits no have input. maybe i think connect hard limits all paraller whit E-stop ? then not broken rails etc, frame if come somethink errors in G-code run.
LinuxCNC will only work with the parallel port or Mesa controller cards. A raspberry pi with USB will not work with LinuxCNC. You can use a Ardiuno to interface with a TB6600 but I haven't tried that and you would need to use GRBL on the Arduino. A few people have done this. Hope that helps
@@rckeith thanks, i has looking many has build GRBL cnc to raspi and arduino or raspi and cnc shield. same board than ramps use, arduino top. and 4966 drivers or adapter step,dir,enaple pin out and big steppermotor driver big motor. but i think IF can use linuxcnc ,ok thanks no can use. sad. lot better at cnc have old table pc old xp machine were instal new linuxcnc then working many year wery good old computer,
@@mattivirta LinuxCNC still works very well on old computers and you can install a parallel port PCI card in a newer PC which works as well. I still use old computers for LinuxCNC and have a few spare ones as well which will keep me going for many years. 😁
I am looking without success for info to calibrate axis with a measuring device to actual distance traveled,not theoretical values.As is present in mach3.
I used a digital caliper. Usually you can find a part on one of the axis you can use to measure against. Then set to zero and move a known distance say 20mm and me measure with the caliper. Can be a bit fiddley but I've used this method several times. Parts I've made have all been correct size. Hope that helps
@@rckeith yes but need calibrate 10mm and 100mm and more maximum tmm too. not only little dimension. because maybe have 10mm right and 500mm not right. calibration have big procres many dimension many axis. but after this no newer need do same again.
Try with ncstudio from China -> beautiful. Auto detect stepper motor, give you a perfect level for industry/hobby. Don't waste of your time and money like I was.
Just got a 3040 cnc machine...Can't get anything to work...super bummed. Followed these instructions over and over. Got the Debian software onto my computer but can't get any pull down menus...the ones you start to the setup page. Also the standalone xp 32 bit machine I am going to use to control my cnc, is now stuck in this debian mode. can't even turn it off properly. I have some experience with this stuff,,,and I am completely stuck. 500 dollar cnc just sits there doing nothing. Sure wish I would have done more research before buying this cnc.
I got super frustrated...I will try it again...super determined to get this going...So stoked to get a response from you man. Thank you so much for the response. I will keep trying.
Hi, Todd sorry to hear you are having problems. Usually, when you partition a disk it overwrites whatever was there so its unlikely you'll get it back. Unless it's just the boot loader can't see windows partition and only Linux. The best option, in my opinion, is to use a dedicated disk. LinuxCNC doesn't need much so cheap 40GB would do, probably pick one up on eBay for a few dollars. If it's already put LinuxCNC on the disk then probably best to leave that on now. Stick with it I've helped a few guys out on CNC and they get very dishearted but when it works its a great feeling. You'll learn a lot as well which will be good for the future. If you want to contact me via my website www.rckeith.co.uk there's a contact page there. Good luck
@@rckeith Super stoked that I am really close to running my machine...just can't get the steppers to move in the test axis...trying to figure out why my steppers are not moving. any ideas?
need biggest motors if use fasten, lost easy steps if have too small motors. users say need minimum 450 oz torque motors but more have lot better, and perfect drivers handle lot biggest voltage too can use fasten, normal good cnc used 90 volt 6-8AMP drivers and motors, hobby users use lot less 40 volt less 6A motors. super expensive and fast have servomotors closed loop motors and drivers but cost 10-100x more than small size stepper motor cnc.
Yes, you're right a bit of a slip of the tongue. I meant to say run the risk of deleting an existing partition. What I was trying to warn of was if you already had a Windows partition then if you made a mistake you could delete it. Well spotted.👍
@@rckeith no they simply don’t pick up and take you to the new page (I did try on another video of yours, and that works, perhaps if I leave it a little while and try again?).
i build my son own cnc machine now, first time i use better linuxcnc than old shit mach 3. but newbie not understand new system linux and linuxcnc, lot problem understand all have new. machine move and has adjusted but some problem have how setup and use. pcie paraller port card, dual Y axis motor use,all forum help i try do but not working. touch plate tool height system, try many example not working. how add button to display, spindle on/off, touch plate, move work piece to working area, i try ask at linuxcnc forum but any not help, or all examples not working.
@@rckeith yes i has try learn lot last year, but im old 65 year and not understand good english and translator not help many world translate lot wrong, not understand good.
@@rckeith yes but my problem have not understand english good, my schooltime not has in school english, today ewery school learn english little different and translator not help, say only lot poop not understand all(translator change wrong lot)
At 17:17 in the video it will try and detect a network card. You can select the network card you have and then it should create a network interface to connect to the interent. But I would advise not to do this and download on another machine and transfer via a USB thumb drive. Thats how I do it.
@@rckeith thank you so much ❤ .. Another question is iam currently working on a tripod with serial arm at the end of the tripod, when i looked for something like it in linux i did't found anything exept a tripod and a hexapod ... my question is how chould i implement the kinematics of the robot and how to configure the output pins of a breakout board to my robot in linuxcnc?
A walk through the linuxcnc and router setup process is just what I was looking for. Thanks for taking the time to make this video!
No problem glad it helped 😊
A well produced, comprehensive video that has taken a good chunk of time. Thank you.
Thanks. Yes it did take while but I enjoy making the videos and the feedback you get makes it all worthwhile 😁😁😁
Keith I really enjoy your videos, thank you.
I think it would be a good idea to do a complete beginners guide to CNC and judging by how many views this video has received they would be well appreciated by your viewers.
Hi, David Thanks for your comments. It's such a lot of work making videos and there are quite a few on UA-cam already. I am working on a new video on how to convert from the old parallel port to USB. I don't have the computers anymore with the parallel port so for now, my LinuxCNC days are over. It doesn't work with USB.
Keith
Clear easy to follow description, thanks for taking the time to make and upload the video.
Thank you glad it was useful.
Thanks for taking the time to make this video.
Don
Hi Don
I enjoyed making it and learnt a lot myself. Thank you
Thanks for sharing the content, I couldn't define the zero point of XYZ
Need more information to help you.
Just a thank you for the video, I work as a cad cam machinist but I am starting to look at a small system for at home hobby use, this has given me heaps to think about
Thanks Matthew. I learnt a load making the video . Good luck with your new system.👍
@@rckeith is autodesk inventor cam / cnc different from this/??
please answer thank u . i am looking to build for hobby/commercial use as well
@@samuellobo4882 I'm sorry I never used that software. Bit it looks like its CAM software. LinuxCNC is the controller and not CAM software. CAM software creates the g-code and LinuxCNC reads the g-code and translates that into the movement of each axis.
Glad to see another LinuxCNC user out there. I've been putting together a playlist on my site to help people get through it as well. Keith - If you need/want any help getting a custom pyVCP panel started to add features let me know and I'll be glad to assist.
Thank Jerry. A big fan of LinuxCNC especially for Foam cutting the display is very good showing the airfoil cutting paths. Thanks for the offer, will look into them sometime. A bit overwhelmed with some building work on the house right now, but should be clear soon and get back to some interesting stuff,
Keith
If you get a chance look at the Frankenlab playlist. If you have some indication you want to see... a button for a special task, etc... I can show you how. (Kinda a hobby of mine when time permits.)
dual boot! If you arent comfortable with boot managers like grub then i would suggest a SATA Hard Drive Hot Swap cage
Thanks for your sharing that greatly encourage me to start
You're welcome
hi Keith looking realy good i build my own cnc and been using linuxcnc for the last 2 years and just doing some modifications with my computer going to try it on Ubuntu
Thanks for watching.
Hi, I wonder what is the spindle you use called? Thanks
Hi it's the Makita rt0701c palm router
New Asus Work Station computers have a LPT riser pins on the Mother board that can be plugged directly in to a breakout board using a ribbon cable. I have one with 6 / 7 Generation intel processor.
Hi John, thanks very much for that. I'll add it to the website.😀
lot better and safety have own pci or isa card in motherboard ,if come somethink fail not destroy mainboard only pci card. mother board cost 190$ and pci card 10$ lot better broken pci card not motherboard hahaha
@@mattivirta I been fixing computers for over 20 years, don't let that idea fool you. I have seen many computers fried from power sures that came through a ISA or PCI card slot. Breakout boards are the only protection for data using Optical isolation chips.
Very nice video. I've got a Chinese 3040 4-axis and while I've been using an Arduino Nano running GRBL to a DB25 to control it using bCNC, I've got an old laptop with a PCMCIA/PCCard slot and might get a Parallel card/port and give LinuxCNC a try. One of my 3D printers( a delta) runs MachineKit via a CRAMPS board. I've heard LinuxCNC has lots of features which can really help fine tune even a cheap CNC well. I appreciate the effort you put into this.
Thanks. LinuxCNC is very good and often overlooked in favour of Mach3. People often ask me which is better? I tell them neither both are very good it just depends on your budget and what hardware you want to use. Certainly give LinuxCNC a try even with a old desktop with a parallel port and it works great.
Keith
Superb video ! Why does the Z axis motor vibrate like that during the tests?
I think it was due to the test setting. It was 5 years ago so I can't remember exactly. I don't use LinuxCNC anymore because my old PC's died. So I now use GRBL Mega 5x. LinuxCNC is a great program if you can run it,
@@rckeith thank you so much for your answer !! Is your new card able to drive the steppers quick enough?
Yes for have a look at ua-cam.com/video/mgT1NO6f-yE/v-deo.htmlsi=q1Q9l5d4K6lXRMbL
Dude you rock this is a awesome video
Thanks for these videos....so, when I install linuxCNC, does it automatically install its own OS with realtime kernels? or do I have to patch my existing OS (ubuntu) with realtime extensions and install linux CNC into this OS?
Hi, Yes it installs its own OS which is based on the Debian RT kernel. So just download the latest install on to a hard drive and off you go.
Hello there!
Here's what I didn't get: The same interface board can be used either for Mach3 or LinuxCNC?
Yes the CNC controller is a TB6560 with a parallel port connection. Mach3 and LinuxCNC will both work with the old parallel port. You need a license for Mach3 if you go over 500 lines whereas LinuxCNC is free with no limitation.
yes can. i has build and uses 4 cnc machine and uses mach3 and change second computer and uses linuxcnc emc2. all working fine after config and motors setup.
Hi great video so I need to have linux install mi pc to run linuxcnc ?
LinuxCNC runs its own operating system. So you need to install it on its own PC. You can't run it on windows if that's what you had in mind.
Ok thanks so really you have to use a computer just to run the cnc Wich is fine any computer probably Will do thanks for the video and your response I am researching to buy a budget CNC Like the Chinese 3040T but look like there is some issues Whit software to run it I only see people getting good results with CNC linux course you can buy the expensive software but I got bit real bad in the past on buying software on line lie after a period of one they move on to another business and they let you with no soport and also I don't want to spend day's trying to make the router working the 3040T have a great frame and step motors hardware but the electronics controllers are crap and they send you a software that most people can make it work I really liked your video thanks again
@@1miltond You might want to look at GRBL which uses inexpensive controllers boards based on the Arduino Uno and Mega with Univeral G-gode Sender (UGS) software.
Mach3 is the defacto standard for CNC routers which is very good. Not free and needs a license to go above 500 lines of g-code.
@@rckeith or load torrent full version. or add main file location lic.dat file and then all mach3 have full version FREE, idiot pay old apps because have FREE in internet now.
Hi Keith, Thank you for posting this video. I'm totally new to CNC. Is there any reason why a Chinese 6040 4 axis router will not work with a laptop? I have just bought one and it says on the control box it will only work with a desktop PC - despite the photo on the advert showing it connected to a laptop. It came with a USB (computer end) to 25 pin parallel port (control box end) adaptor lead. I have an old laptop with Windows 7 64 bit installed and I'd like to use it with LinuxCNC. Before I mess anything up, could you advise me please?
Hi Bob, LinuxCNC won't work with USB. if you want to stay with USB then you will need to use Mach3 or the Arduino based GRBL controller. LinuxCNC works well with the old parallel port and doesn't require a powerful computer. I run mine on old Dell Desktops that are getting on for 10 years old. Mach3 will even run on them.
It sounds like you have a copy of the UCCNC100 adapter and that will only work with Mach3. Drop me an email with a few pics and I'll be able to give you a better answer.
Keith
Same here I believe mine is a 3040t it will work on my laptop but I have scaling and homing and soft limits problems right now really tired of mach3 I'm 500$ into them and it has only cut roadrunner twice not happy. I was wondering would I have to change my mach3 card in my machine
Sorry to switch to linux
Mach3 is very good but can take some setting up. If you do want to run LinuxCNC then I would use an old desktop with a parallel port. I would be cautious using a laptop with a parallel port card. Some parallel ports addon cards do not work well as they use 3.3 Volts. I would stay with Mach3 and try posting your issues to some of the forums like www.cnczone.com/forums/mach-software-artsoft-software-/
@@rckeith most laptop not can use cnc whit usb because all laptop have safe usb connection not give out all 5V and max 500mA have lot lot less power. out. and usb cards not working too less volt ,need use table computer then come usb out full volts and power full have 5,1V 500mA laptops not give this out.
I installed linuxcnc on my computer. You mention to stress the computer when running the latency test, but then say not to have it connected to the internet. So how do you know how much stress to put it under? I did not know how to run other programs while running the latency test but the ones you mentioned. I put 2 and 3 sets of the gears running and got somewhere in the neighborhood of 42,000. Then I did it with 2 gears running a and then UA-cam trying to get a video up. UA-cam never completely installed within 1/2 hour. But, the number went to 50750 right away and stayed there for the full 30 minutes. How much to stress it? This was a windows machine that I loaded linuxcnc on top of it. Thank again for the videos. I got the ebook, but it was funny that it never did come through to my wife's. Hopefully I will completely finish my wire cutter and see how and or if I can get it to work with linuxcnc. My driver board is a old mm2001 board. I am looking to use the cat cables as you have for the stepper. Thanks
amtpdb1 I usually leave it running for 15-30 minutes with glxgears running and Gimp and then move the mouse around randomly during that time. The Max Jitter number should be a good value to use then. As you found connecting to the internet does make a difference , so that why I prefer not to have it connected. A more powerful machine may be OK connected,. I did have some issue with the ebook caused my a plugin I used on the website, but that's fixed now. Thanks it was you that made me aware of it. Good luck with your build keep me updated, love to see it working.
Keith
Keith Howlette
Thanks for the information Keith. I have been working on getting this going for more years then I care to admit. I solve one problem then hit another and put it away,then start again later. Now that as I said I am retired, I am trying to get it done along with all the other thing I have put off! Thanks for your help an instructional videos.
Hi Keith can you tell me is there is enough power on a tb6560 3 stepper motor card to power two 2amp motors? I’m trying to possibly use a 3 port to run 4 x2 watt steppers. Thanks
Hi, Ron, the TB6560 only support 3A so I would say no. You are better of getting a 4 axis and slaving the other stepper That's how I did mine and works really well.
@@rckeith thanks so much Keith have a great day. It’s 3:30 am here in eastern Canada. Cheers
@@MrRenoman2011 You are a night owl. Have a good day as well
@@rckeith new TB6600 have maximum 5A 49Volt best card today if use cheap cards. then if need more amperes to motor need buy super expensive tcm or what has 583 card, i not remeber type number now. but have expensive TB 6600 cost 10+20$ and tmc or what have cost 100$ 50-100$ more, and can use cheapen model 7A motors. biggest card cost more and can use 6-9A motors. only stepper motors, if have money not use stepper motor buy closed loop servo controller and servo motors AC servo, but cost about 5000$/ axis.
better use motor driver card DM 554 or other what can handle maximum current at stepper motors. one motor and one driver, if you use 4 motor need use 4 drivers, 3A motors good option use DM 554 driver, and dip SW need set up near or less than 3A not burn motor, important, 2Amp motor need cheapen TB6600 driver all arduino motor driver and cheap worst drivers maximum have 2 A. but good better drivers handle more ampere. normal cnc used nema 23 motors 470 oz torque about 4-6Ampere maximum current, and drivers normal used DM 554,556,558,etc what have max motor current need little bit biggest driver can handle motor max current sure. ewery motors need own drivers, very cheap all drivers have DM serie drivers cost less than 20$/piece, TB 6600 less than 12$/piece, not expensive,
how about getting an external hard drive case stick in your drive in the case . Connect to machine and on startup menu boot to external drive when you want to use debian / linux cnc and when you want mach 3 boot from c drive.
Yes that would work. I don't swap them very often so it's not to much trouble. 👍
@@rckeith only problem have mach3 windows, not have REAL time, interrups cut alltime machining run. windows not have stabile and safety platform machine controller newer. interrupts have big problem. and windows all. not working newer good. i has last 4 cnc mach3 and linux cnc and i keep linux because have lot lot better safety and not broken bits interrupt problems. ewery factory machine controllers made only linux platform not newer windows os because interrup and many more problem destroy many million $ machine wery fast whit windows OS. ols DOS can use better than any windows os in factory machines controllers.
I'm new at the cnc program stuff I have a plasma table and I'm look for something I can learn to run I'm have problems with learning mach 3 with lazy cam do u think this will work for my table thanks Dewayne
LinuxCNC can do plasma but I have no experience of it. Have you looked at SheetCam it's used with Mach3 that seems to be the one most people use, Sorry can't be any more help than that?
you could try fusion 360 cam software
Thanks!
Boa tarde, gostei do vídeo, eu uso o Mach 3 a algum tempo, queria mudar a IHM da minha máquina, você recomenda o Linux cnc? Achei legal mesmo
Hi Daniel, LinuxCNC is very good and yes I do recommend it. But if you already have Mach3 and its working OK then there is no real reason to change to LinuxCNC. Both are good software but LinuxCNC is free which if you are on a budget is a good choice.
Glad you like the video thanks for watching
Genial... saludos desde Escuador.
thanks this really helped me
Carson Turner no problem. I enjoyed making the video. Seems to be going down quite well.
Keith
actually everything went well at first but then when i tried to boot it on my old dell xp pc the boot drive wouldn't show up as available. do you know why this isnt working for me?
What model of Dell are you using. It may need setting in the BIOS to recognise the disk. Are you swapping the disk ?
im using a dell dimension 2350 and trying to boot it through a usb thumb drive
Did a search on Google and it looks like the the Dell 2350 doesn't support USB boot. You will need to burn the iso to a DVD and boot from there.
Keith
I have managed to follow you up to 22 minutes in where you are inputting the parallel port settings, I have a chinese 3040t cnc, what settings do I need to input please, I'm panicking now lol
Do you have some details of the controller board with your 3040. Maybe a picture and I'll take a look, contact me via my website www.rckeith.co.uk/free-linuxcnc-openbuilds-ox-router/
ewery axis step and dir need configure setting then acceleration speed. volts need be more than 24V amperes need max what motor can use. if mnotor has stamp max A = 3A not use more newer burn motor. votl possiple high what can use. stepepr motor can use 74X more Volts what nominal have, my second cnc i uses nema 23 5volt motors and i uses many year 46volt psu. no newer problem. volt not important better speed come only if volts have high. buty moment and working amperes have important. not newer more than motor maximum have. burn motor super fast.
I'm trying to figure out how this all fits together. If I get a dedicated pc for running my diy cnc and load Linuxcnc on it can it take the place of windows, or does it have to run Windows also?
Hi, it just runs LinuxCNC. The Windows operating system is replaced by the install as shown in the video. So you don't need it to run Windows as well.
Keith
@@rckeith So a PC without an os would be a good candidate for a linuxcnc build then?
Hi, I"m Elson Patricio. I"m brasilian. My cnc router runs with Mach3. They say using Emc2 linux is better. Which is better linux cnc or mach3 ? Thanks for the video.
Hi Elson
Both are very good , Mach3 is more widely used but can look a bit complicated. LinuxCNC is still being developed unlike Mach3. If you already have Mach3 and it does what you need, then probably no point in changing over. I prefer LinuxCNC for my CNC foam cutter because the display show the tool paths better for 4 axis. I don't think one is better than the other they both work well. The main advantage of LinuxCNC is its free, which if you are on a small budget can help,
Thanks for the question, and watching the video.
@@rckeith and linux cnc have lot lot addons what help you made many different parts, boc, finger joint, round hole net etc, automatic many tools and open software many people has made many little tools help user, and main display can change and made what u want see in display.
Boy howdy, you're running that machine slowly. And the edge quality looks terrible. I suspect a dull router bit. You will probably find your bits stay sharp longer with better chip load (running the feed speed much faster in your case). The common wisdom with wood is to make chips, not dust. Sorry to sound negative. Thanks for putting this video together! It's a nice introduction about what to do first with LinuxCNC.
Hi thanks for your comments. No problem being negative actually it's better to say how it is and you can learn from it. Since the video I've improved on that and taken time to learn more about speeds and feeds. 👍
I suspect that the spiral on the bit is lifting. If you employ a bit that pushes down as it cuts, the edges will be less frayed. It's called a compression bit.
@@jawneelogik5744 But that puts higher demands on the chip and dust removal. For wood, the twistless straight flutes deliver the best results.. Optimally a single flute bit with ample space to get the chips away.
Hey Keith. I see you've got an off-brand router. I've been thinking about using something similar (Still piecing together parts for my build). How do you find using it? Does it hold up?
This video is really useful by the way, thanks!
Hi
Yes it's holding up fine. I don't use router all the time just when I need to make a part for one of my projects. I did buy some extra collects so I can use 1/4 inch and 6mm end mills. There's a slight difference in diameter.
Please help me if anyone know about my doubts.
Mh doubt is if i start a machine and when i just met a problem i had to stop. But when ever i get this problem i have only one option that is to restart the cycle. Actualy i want to know that if i get that problems again can i skip the previous cycles, i mean can i restart the cycle where i stop. Please help me if anyone know hoe to clear it ( Linux Cnc, Native cam)
Have a look at this video which shows how to restart a job. It's for Mach3 but you should be able to apply the same principle to LinuxCNC ua-cam.com/video/x6gvNP2paCo/v-deo.html If that doesn't help try the LinuxCNC forums. I'm not using LinuxCNC anymore I'm converting to an Arduino based system.
Keith
were has link to paraller port card, need add second paraller port to old HP computer what have motherboard one paraller port, need pciE card slim model. and how connect to working linuxcnc.
You would be better off asking on the LinuxCNC forums. Some Parallel cards are known not to work because they output 3.3v instead of 5v. I don't use LinuxCNC anymore because my old computers died. I now use GRBL with microcontrollers.
40:32 too slowly. It may be fast as 2-3 meter/min
i try watch all video what i found linuxcnc touch probe tool height zeroing but not understand, how make button to panel and what file need add were in linuxcnc, and make subfile or macro this when bush button go to upside at touch plate and go down slowly and zeroing bit height and go to workpiece corner all zero.
I don't use LinuxCNC anymore so I can't offer much help. Please ask on the LinuxCNC forums
how i move bit all 0,0 zero to workpiece top left corner ? can move bit but how but all to zero ? XYZ 0,0
What the video from here ua-cam.com/video/F4xHCwtaS3w/v-deo.htmlsi=_zYJu-ZXRcwvVLui&t=2323
@@rckeith hmm, i understand little better, manual move bit to workpiece corner and then bush "touch off" then zero all axis , thanks need test tomorrow thats.
how you wiring limit SW, i have in linuxcnc soft limit, but if run some error out off limit i have hard limit SW all axis rail head but i have only 5 input, E-stop,home XYZ, probe, how connect hard limits no have input. maybe i think connect hard limits all paraller whit E-stop ? then not broken rails etc, frame if come somethink errors in G-code run.
what this touch off button make ?
This zeros the axis
how this installing to raspberry pi and what raspi hat need use run tb6600 and big nema stepper motors.
LinuxCNC will only work with the parallel port or Mesa controller cards. A raspberry pi with USB will not work with LinuxCNC. You can use a Ardiuno to interface with a TB6600 but I haven't tried that and you would need to use GRBL on the Arduino. A few people have done this. Hope that helps
@@rckeith thanks, i has looking many has build GRBL cnc to raspi and arduino or raspi and cnc shield. same board than ramps use, arduino top. and 4966 drivers or adapter step,dir,enaple pin out and big steppermotor driver big motor. but i think IF can use linuxcnc ,ok thanks no can use. sad. lot better at cnc have old table pc old xp machine were instal new linuxcnc then working many year wery good old computer,
@@mattivirta LinuxCNC still works very well on old computers and you can install a parallel port PCI card in a newer PC which works as well. I still use old computers for LinuxCNC and have a few spare ones as well which will keep me going for many years. 😁
@@rckeith same here, the oldest ones still running perfectly. ISA, not PCI cards! But a printer port on the mainboard already... ;)
@@ugkliegis2319 Usually better built as well.
I am looking without success for info to calibrate axis with a measuring device to actual distance traveled,not theoretical values.As is present in mach3.
I used a digital caliper. Usually you can find a part on one of the axis you can use to measure against. Then set to zero and move a known distance say 20mm and me measure with the caliper. Can be a bit fiddley but I've used this method several times. Parts I've made have all been correct size. Hope that helps
@@rckeith yes but need calibrate 10mm and 100mm and more maximum tmm too. not only little dimension. because maybe have 10mm right and 500mm not right. calibration have big procres many dimension many axis. but after this no newer need do same again.
Try with ncstudio from China -> beautiful. Auto detect stepper motor, give you a perfect level for industry/hobby. Don't waste of your time and money like I was.
Linuxcnc has confusing array of supported controller boards. You need to be a professional to know which ones to buy.
Yes, it not easy. I've only ever used the parallel port.
all paraller port controller can use linuxcnc and best option have mesa 7I76 or 79 controller board use all cnc machines, linuxcnc or mach 3 cnc.
Just got a 3040 cnc machine...Can't get anything to work...super bummed. Followed these instructions over and over. Got the Debian software onto my computer but can't get any pull down menus...the ones you start to the setup page. Also the standalone xp 32 bit machine I am going to use to control my cnc, is now stuck in this debian mode. can't even turn it off properly. I have some experience with this stuff,,,and I am completely stuck. 500 dollar cnc just sits there doing nothing. Sure wish I would have done more research before buying this cnc.
Hi Todd, if you boot to live on the LinuxCNC ISO does it work on the menus. Did you try the latency test?
I got super frustrated...I will try it again...super determined to get this going...So stoked to get a response from you man. Thank you so much for the response. I will keep trying.
Hi, Todd sorry to hear you are having problems. Usually, when you partition a disk it overwrites whatever was there so its unlikely you'll get it back. Unless it's just the boot loader can't see windows partition and only Linux. The best option, in my opinion, is to use a dedicated disk. LinuxCNC doesn't need much so cheap 40GB would do, probably pick one up on eBay for a few dollars. If it's already put LinuxCNC on the disk then probably best to leave that on now. Stick with it I've helped a few guys out on CNC and they get very dishearted but when it works its a great feeling. You'll learn a lot as well which will be good for the future. If you want to contact me via my website www.rckeith.co.uk there's a contact page there. Good luck
@@rckeith Super stoked that I am really close to running my machine...just can't get the steppers to move in the test axis...trying to figure out why my steppers are not moving. any ideas?
@@rckeith Been learning so much about Linux When it runs the screen saver it is soooo cool...takes me back a little..to a simpler time!
why is it so slow ?
It works fine for me.
need biggest motors if use fasten, lost easy steps if have too small motors. users say need minimum 450 oz torque motors but more have lot better, and perfect drivers handle lot biggest voltage too can use fasten, normal good cnc used 90 volt 6-8AMP drivers and motors, hobby users use lot less 40 volt less 6A motors. super expensive and fast have servomotors closed loop motors and drivers but cost 10-100x more than small size stepper motor cnc.
You can't destroy a hdd by partitionning, why have you said that ?
Yes, you're right a bit of a slip of the tongue. I meant to say run the risk of deleting an existing partition. What I was trying to warn of was if you already had a Windows partition then if you made a mistake you could delete it. Well spotted.👍
very easy can destroy if manually partition hard disk, only one click wrong and destroy all.
None of your links seem to work!
Hi Pat, just tried them and they all work for me. Can you tell me which ones are not working for you?
@@rckeith I tried each in turn on a Samsung tablet and an iPad, I does occur that you might be using a pc?
@@pcka12 They work fine on my Samsung tablet. Are you getting any error messages .
@@rckeith no they simply don’t pick up and take you to the new page (I did try on another video of yours, and that works, perhaps if I leave it a little while and try again?).
@@rckeith still don’t work at the moment, ipad sort of flashes then does nothing, Samsung just does nothing, puzzling!
i build my son own cnc machine now, first time i use better linuxcnc than old shit mach 3. but newbie not understand new system linux and linuxcnc, lot problem understand all have new. machine move and has adjusted but some problem have how setup and use. pcie paraller port card, dual Y axis motor use,all forum help i try do but not working. touch plate tool height system, try many example not working. how add button to display, spindle on/off, touch plate, move work piece to working area, i try ask at linuxcnc forum but any not help, or all examples not working.
Maybe you have to invest some time in learning Linux and LinuxCNC. You will be in much better position to understand your problems
@@rckeith yes i has try learn lot last year, but im old 65 year and not understand good english and translator not help many world translate lot wrong, not understand good.
I'm older that you. Just try to fix one problem at a time and your knowledge will grow.
@@rckeith yes but my problem have not understand english good, my schooltime not has in school english, today ewery school learn english little different and translator not help, say only lot poop not understand all(translator change wrong lot)
I installed linuxcnc and boot it live from usb, i did most of what you did but i chouldn't acces the internet and i don't know why?
Hi I don't recommend you connect to the internet with LinuxCNC it just adds extra latency which is not good for CNC. Mine is not connected.
@@rckeith Hi,
but what if i want to download something ?
At 17:17 in the video it will try and detect a network card. You can select the network card you have and then it should create a network interface to connect to the interent. But I would advise not to do this and download on another machine and transfer via a USB thumb drive. Thats how I do it.
@@rckeith thank you so much ❤ ..
Another question is iam currently working on a tripod with serial arm at the end of the tripod, when i looked for something like it in linux i did't found anything exept a tripod and a hexapod ... my question is how chould i implement the kinematics of the robot and how to configure the output pins of a breakout board to my robot in linuxcnc?
Best to ask on the LinuxCNC forums. I can't help you on that sorry.