It's a disease that has no cure..........WTF did he do now???

[BT3101]

I only have a minute here so I'll shoot one quick piece of advice: on the circles, in order to eliminate the divots at the edge increase the lead-in distance and it will force the piece point further away from the edge of the circle.

Edit: For example, set lead-in distance equal to radius and it will force pierce point to center of circle.

On software, if you learn Fusion 360, you don't need SheetCAM. Fusion does both CAD and CAM. People who use other CAD programs use SheetCAM for generating their G-Code after they finish design.

I'll be back later and read your whole thread and see if I can offer any other advice. Gotta go take father to doctor now.

 

[Runs With Scissors]

What is the part that you made going to be use for? When can I send you my requests for parts to be made? thanks

It is simply a "test part" to see if it worked, mostly to see if my .DXF files and G-code would work, but 'overal" testing of the plasma cutter and table/stepper motors were also part of reason.

I randomly drew a few circles, rounded the corners, and explored using the "line function" to make a "curly shape".

 

[Sidekick]

I only have a minute here so I'll shoot one quick piece of advice: on the circles, in order to eliminate the divots at the edge increase the lead-in distance and it will force the piece point further away from the edge of the circle.

Edit: For example, set lead-in distance equal to radius and it will force pierce point to center of circle.

On software, if you learn Fusion 360, you don't need SheetCAM. Fusion does both CAD and CAM. People who use other CAD programs use SheetCAM for generating their G-Code after they finish design.

I'll be back later and read your whole thread and see if I can offer any other advice. Gotta go take father to doctor now.

I have been using Sheet CAM for over 15 years and love it. One time buy and no future cost. I tried the Free Fusion but when they switched to a paid version lost everything on the cloud because it's just too expensive. I'm using Alibre now for plasma cutting, cnc routing, laser cutting, and 3d printing that was a one time buy.

 

[Yooper]

Pleasantly surprised with the lack of smoke/dust with the water table. Plasma particulate is very fine and gets on everything including your lungs.

I see you are starting to learn about part tip up in your video. You will figure that out with experience. Enjoy your CNC toy!

 

[Runs With Scissors]

I only have a minute here so I'll shoot one quick piece of advice: on the circles, in order to eliminate the divots at the edge increase the lead-in distance and it will force the piece point further away from the edge of the circle.

Edit: For example, set lead-in distance equal to radius and it will force pierce point to center of circle.

On software, if you learn Fusion 360, you don't need SheetCAM. Fusion does both CAD and CAM. People who use other CAD programs use SheetCAM for generating their G-Code after they finish design.

I'll be back later and read your whole thread and see if I can offer any other advice. Gotta go take father to doctor now.

Thank you for the advice.

So the whole "computer/software" thing has been an absolute debacle/comedy of errors.


Aside story: Edit (caution...long story ahead)

So I start off all "Fat, Dumb, and Happy "as per normal, by buying the CNC plasma cutter system.

Mostly cause I had been wanting one for a long time and I started "lurking about" and started keeping track of prices/sales....(this is nearly always a "pre-curser" to "action")

I am actually very proud of myself. Believe it or not, I am not well known for my "fiscal restraint practices"

Anywhoo..........Langmuir had a "Fathers day sale" just prior, and hey.....I'm a Father....

So I almost "hit the Send button" ($500 off), but I showed an almost "super human" amount of restraint and decided to "wait for a better deal".

[Actually I did not really want it until "fall time", so I could have more time to dedicate to it. but thats just between us]

Well then they "upped their game" and offered a.......$700 off sale???????? Huh? did I read that right?

OMG.........$700 off is almost FREE!!!!!!!!!! LOLOLOLOL

( insert sound of Paul hitting the "SEND" button)

{ Now for all you "Doubting Thomas's" out there, I am fully aware that rarely is the "initial cost" of anything, the "expensive part".....Legacy Costs, are usually the "expensive part", so I do factor that in................. "somewhere'}

Moving along..........I recently (2ish years ago) decided to "switch to an Apple computer", (whole different story) and in the "little amount" of research I had done, it appeared on the Langmuir forum, there were "enough Apple users" to make me feel comfortable that mine would work "just fine".

So I download the "personal version" of Autofusion 360.

FULL STOP!!!!!! (insert Sounds of a horrific crash)

Holy Sh!t..............After about 5 hours of trying to "draw" anything, I could not even figure out how to "exit" that damn program....I am serious, I had to use the "power button" to get out of the program........

Now I consider myself a "reasonably smart" person, Not @TheOldHokie smart, but reasonably smart...........

Well let me tell you what "my brother from another mother"............that "Con Fusion 360" had me "second guessing" my "smartness" Bigly......

It has taken me "weeks" to be able to draw that stupid "test part", but after lots of swearing, and rum, I'm finally able to make a "stupid box with 5 holes" on my Macbook Air

Then I try to use ConFusion 360 to convert my .DXF file to G-code(?)......Apparently the "machine" only reads this "G code"

(BTW, I am throwing these ".DXF And G-code terms" around like a pro, but the reality is that I had/have never heard of them before 3 weeks ago, and I have no real "knowledge" about them)

Well after 2 days of "futility" I can't get "ConFusion" to do a damn thing regarding the "CAM" part (ie convert to G-code?)

So, I remember on the Langmuir Forum, basically "everyone" says that "SheetCAM" is "Super Easy".

Now remember, at this point I am mentally "beat down".....I don't want to handle firearms or sharp objects at this point....hahahahah

Out of "sheer frustration" and in a "rage", I whip out the credit card and buy "SheetCAM" for no other reason than to try and make "life easier". {BTW in addition to this debacle, I "impaled" myself by sticking a 30 inch steel rod, 15 inches into my chest, and nearly died....so I was more than willing to "pay $150" to make this "computer nightmare" just "go away".)

Well if your still reading this, sit down................

After about 3 hours of trying to "open" SheetCAM, Someone on the Langmuir forum points out my "stupid'ness"

The F$%$#$$$##g Sheetcam program is NOT "Apple compatible"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

AAAAAGGGGGHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!You have got to be F'ing Sh!tting ME!!!!!!!!

At this point I am "beat down" Bigly......So I start using ".Gov tactics" and just decide to "throw money" at this problem until I "fix it".



Therefore, I decided to buy a "windows" machine and use that for My CAD/CAM stuff, and thankfully....so far,........ it has made this "easier".......certainly not "easy", .......but "easier"


Sorry for the "extended answer" guys, but it just "got away" from me......

 

[PoTreeBoy]

What is the part that you made going to be use for? When can I send you my requests for parts to be made? thanks

Meanwhile, I'll be exercising my cut-off and grinding disks and drill press.

 

[TheOldHokie]

Thank you for the advice.

So the whole "computer/software" thing has been an absolute debacle/comedy of errors.


Aside story: Edit (caution...long story ahead)

So I start off all "Fat, Dumb, and Happy "as per normal, by buying the CNC plasma cutter system.

Mostly cause I had been wanting one for a long time and I started "lurking about" and started keeping track of prices/sales....(this is nearly always a "pre-curser" to "action")

I am actually very proud of myself. Believe it or not, I am not well known for my "fiscal restraint practices"

Anywhoo..........Langmuir had a "Fathers day sale" just prior, and hey.....I'm a Father....

So I almost "hit the Send button" ($500 off), but I showed an almost "super human" amount of restraint and decided to "wait for a better deal".

[Actually I did not really want it until "fall time", so I could have more time to dedicate to it. but thats just between us]

Well then they "upped their game" and offered a.......$700 off sale???????? Huh? did I read that right?

OMG.........$700 off is almost FREE!!!!!!!!!! LOLOLOLOL

( insert sound of Paul hitting the "SEND" button)

{ Now for all you "Doubting Thomas's" out there, I am fully aware that rarely is the "initial cost" of anything, the "expensive part".....Legacy Costs, are usually the "expensive part", so I do factor that in................. "somewhere'}

Moving along..........I recently (2ish years ago) decided to "switch to an Apple computer", (whole different story) and in the "little amount" of research I had done, it appeared on the Langmuir forum, there were "enough Apple users" to make me feel comfortable that mine would work "just fine".

So I download the "personal version" of Autofusion 360.

FULL STOP!!!!!! (insert Sounds of a horrific crash)

Holy Sh!t..............After about 5 hours of trying to "draw" anything, I could not even figure out how to "exit" that damn program.....Now I consider myself "reasonably smart" person, Not @TheOldHokie smart, but reasonably smart...........

Well let me tell you what "my brother from another mother"............that "Con Fusion 360" had me "second guessing" my "smartness" Bigly......

It has taken me "weeks" to be able to draw that stupid "test part", but after lots of swearing, and rum, I'm finally able to make a "stupid box with 5 holes" on my Macbook Air

Then I try to use ConFusion 360 to convert my .DXF file to G-code(?)......Apparently the "machine" only reads this "G code"

(BTW, I am throwing these ".DXF And G-code terms" around like a pro, but the reality is that I had/have never heard of them before 3 weeks ago, and I have no real "knowledge" about them)

Well after 2 days of "futility" I can't get "ConFusion" to do a damn thing regarding the "CAM" part (ie convert to G-code?)

So, I remember on the Langmuir Forum, basically "everyone" says that "SheetCAM" is "Super Easy".

Now remember, at this point I am mentally "beat down".....I don't want to handle firearms or sharp objects at this point....hahahahah

Out of "sheer frustration" and in a "rage", I whip out the credit card and buy "SheetCAM" for no other reason than to try and make "life easier". {BTW in addition to this debacle, I "impaled" myself by sticking a 30 inch steel rod, 15 inches into my chest, and nearly died....so I was more than willing to "pay $150" to make this "computer nightmare" just "go away".)

Well if your still reading this, sit down................

After about 3 hours of trying to "open" SheetCAM, Someone on the Langmuir forum points out my "stupid'ness"

The F$%$#$$$##g Sheetcam program is NOT "Apple compatible"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

AAAAAGGGGGHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!You have got to be F'ing Sh!tting ME!!!!!!!!

At this point I am "beat down" Bigly......So I start using ".Gov tactics" and just decide to "throw money" at this problem until I "fix it".



Therefore, I decided to buy a "windows" machine and use that for My CAD/CAM stuff, and thankfully....so far,........ it has made this "easier".......certainly not "easy", .......but "easier"


Sorry for the "extended answer" guys, but it just "got away" from me......

I have 40 years expetience as a software engineer designing, writing, and using all sorts of applications and CAD applications are the least intuitive user interfaces I have ever encountered. The 2D stuff is bad enough but 3D modeling takes it to another level. G-code is simple in comparison.

Creating G-code from a CAD model (.dwg or .stp file) is a complex algorithmic process and something I dont even try to understand. That said a 2D plasma cut file is pretty "simple" compared to a 3D milling operation with way more variables.

Get yourself a primer on G code and study it a bit. In 2D its basically pen plotting with a cutting tool. Modern G code and machine controllers can do a lot on their own - e.g interpolate an arc or circle given simple inputs like center coordinate and a radius.

Dan

 

[fried1765]

I tried to "video" the assembly, so I did not do a great job on taking pics, but i got a few.

The "table" and the X and Y axis beams was pretty simple and straight forward following the directions.

View attachment 134436

View attachment 134437

Now for some reason, the I had some "minor difficulty' getting the "bearing plates" and bearings in the proper orientation.

The instructions were good I suppose, but there was some "unnecessary disassembly" in my opinion.

All in all, not a big deal.

I took my time and had about 3 "six hour" days into it.



View attachment 134438


View attachment 134439

Your "disease" is UNCURABLE!'
I am nearly 84,........ and it continues.
I will not be buying a plasma cutter (I once did have a small hand held).
But.....I just bought a SWAG press brake.
Do I need it?
NO!
Did I want it?
YES!

 

[Runs With Scissors]

I love it!!! What's the managerial unit and or your homeowners insurance think of a plasma table in the basement of your dwelling though?

I have not "asked them" yet.

But "off the top of my head", I would imagine they feel very similar to me having a 10,000 pound car hoist, 2 lathes, a Chinese mini- mill, various grinders, an "up-stairs" plasma cutter, Oxy-Acetelene torchs, MIG welder, and a TIG welder about 10 feet from X amount of "gun powder" and X amount of "spare ammo".......

Hahahahah.......

The "Langmuir " is probably the "safest" tool I have......

 

[BT3101]

I have been using Sheet CAM for over 15 years and love it. One time buy and no future cost. I tried the Free Fusion but when they switched to a paid version lost everything on the cloud because it's just too expensive. I'm using Alibre now for plasma cutting, cnc routing, laser cutting, and 3d printing that was a one time buy.

I don't think you lost everything. I still use (3yrs now) the non-commercial (free) version.

He said he was learning F360 anyway, so I was just trying to help lighten his computer load. I know everyone likes certain software for different reasons, so I usually don't say one is better than another. I like F360 because I can do CAD and CAM in one spot. I often have to make changes to a design and its handy to be able to update everything without changing programs.

 

[BT3101]

I have 40 years expetience as a software engineer designing, writing, and using all sorts of applications and CAD applications are the least intuitive user interfaces I have ever encountered. The 2D stuff is bad enough but 3D modeling takes it to another level. G-code is simple in comparison.

Creating G-code from a CAD model (.dwg or .stp file) is a complex algorithmic process and something I dont even try to understand. That said a 2D plasma cut file is pretty "simple" compared to a 3D milling operation with way more variables.

Get yourself a primer on G code and study it a bit. In 2D its basically pen plotting with a cutting tool. Modern G code and machine controllers can do a lot on their own - e.g interpolate an arc or circle given simple inputs like center coordinate and a radius.

Dan

No argument here. I'm retired from Toyota and used CAD there a lot so adopting Fusion 360 wasn't too bad for me, but I've seen a lot of people go through what @Runs With Scissors is now. It's rough at first, but definitely worth it in the end. Luckily, 2D satisifies most of the needs for us amateurs. Also, the sheet metal function in F360 is pretty easy, so making basic 3D shapes to press brake is straightforward once you are versed in the 2D.

I've been cutting with my Langmuir system for over 2 years without really learning any G-Code. The programs like Fusion 360 or SheetCAM have made it pretty easy for us novices to generate the G-Code to run the table. The steep learning curve once you get everything setup (software wise) is getting a good understanding of the CAM settings and how changing them affects your cut quality.

I'm only now, more out of curiosity than necessity, starting to learn G-Code. Someone recently posted a link to this software and it's really slick. You might enjoy checking it out:

NC Viewer // GCode Viewer and Machine Simulator

 

[Sidekick]

I don't think you lost everything. I still use (3yrs now) the non-commercial (free) version.

He said he was learning F360 anyway, so I was just trying to help lighten his computer load. I know everyone likes certain software for different reasons, so I usually don't say one is better than another. I like F360 because I can do CAD and CAM in one spot. I often have to make changes to a design and its handy to be able to update everything without changing programs.

I lost everything when I refused to switch to a subscription rate plan. They suck you in and then you get an email stating the free version will not renew a couple years later. I bought Alibre Atom and love that it is almost the same as Solidworks. I was trained in and used CATIA, Solidworks, Solid Edge, Desault Helix and Micro Cadam over the years for product development and tooling. I found Fusion the slowest of all of them to use. Mastercam is the best cnc software I used. Some paying the Fusion subscription love it and have access to advanced features. I don't recommend any cloud based software for home use anymore.

 

[BT3101]

Thank you for the advice.

Sorry for the "extended answer" guys, but it just "got away" from me......

Don't get discouraged. This CNC table is going to be something you'll love once you master it, but it will involve some growing pains.

The Langmuir forum has tons of good info and there are people there really willing to help. Don't get frustrated. It takes a while to get up and running with this stuff, but eventually it gets easy.

You may have already found this info, but if not it's definitely worth reviewing.
CAD/CAM with Fusion360 | Langmuir Systems

I learned a lot fro this guy's videos:
Tyler Beck of Tech & Espresso - YouTube

Awesome file conversion program for converting jpegs into svg and dxf files you can Insert into Fusion360. I make a lot of signs as gifts and I usually start with a picture, convert it to svg (better luck than dxf) and make changes to it as needed.
Convertio — File Converter

I suspect you will occasionally be making brackets. If you make them in cardboard, take a photo, then put them on a "canvas" in F360, you can quickly go from cardboard to CAD. Come back to this later when you get some more F360 experience.

If you decide to make items that are press brake ready, you'll want to use the sheetmetal tab in F360. Here is a pretty good tutorial for learning that section:
Intro to SHEET METAL in Fusion 360 - Sheet Metal Beginners Start Here! (youtube.com)

Recently finished for a friend's garage wall. Roughly 4' x 3'. He painted and lit with LED strips.

Had so many family/friends wanting one of these, I recently cranked out 4 of them:

I make a lot of sports stuff for friends. We live in Indiana so...

Made this for a former friend from work.

I've probably made 200-300 signs at this point. Just a hobby. Only sold some at craft fairs last Summer because my garage walls were full.

If you want to see more, scroll this thread and see what allot of us LS regulars have made. All my earlier stuff is at beginning. My projects have gotten better down deeper in the thread, as have other posters:

What have you done on your CrossFire Pro Today? - CrossFire ® PRO - Langmuir Systems Forum

 

[TheOldHokie]

No argument here. I'm retired from Toyota and used CAD there a lot so adopting Fusion 360 wasn't too bad for me, but I've seen a lot of people go through what @Runs With Scissors is now. It's rough at first, but definitely worth it in the end. Luckily, 2D satisifies most of the needs for us amateurs. Also, the sheet metal function in F360 is pretty easy, so making basic 3D shapes to press brake is straightforward once you are versed in the 2D.

I've been cutting with my Langmuir system for over 2 years without really learning any G-Code. The programs like Fusion 360 or SheetCAM have made it pretty easy for us novices to generate the G-Code to run the table. The steep learning curve once you get everything setup (software wise) is getting a good understanding of the CAM settings and how changing them affects your cut quality.

I'm only now, more out of curiosity than necessity, starting to learn G-Code. Someone recently posted a link to this software and it's really slick. You might enjoy checking it out:

NC Viewer // GCode Viewer and Machine Simulator

I got here by a different route.

In the early 70's I was working at a Navy R&D lab where we were engaged in developing CAD software for designing and building surface ships and submarines. APT was state of the art toolpath software and hand verifying the G code before hanging a tape on a machine was SOP.

To show how far we have come at one point I was tasked with porting a 3D piping design application to new hardware. The original program was written in FORTRAN by 2 MIT researchers and ran on a SPERRY UNIVAC 1108. It was remarkable for its hidden line elimination and 3D view capability. A typical run witj 3D views and hidden line elimination consumed the entire machine for a full night.....

Dan

 

[Runs With Scissors]

Don't get discouraged. This CNC table is going to be something you'll love once you master it, but it will involve some growing pains.

The Langmuir forum has tons of good info and there are people there really willing to help. Don't get frustrated. It takes a while to get up and running with this stuff, but eventually it gets easy.

You may have already found this info, but if not it's definitely worth reviewing.
CAD/CAM with Fusion360 | Langmuir Systems

I learned a lot fro this guy's videos:
Tyler Beck of Tech & Espresso - YouTube

Awesome file conversion program for converting jpegs into svg and dxf files you can Insert into Fusion360. I make a lot of signs as gifts and I usually start with a picture, convert it to svg (better luck than dxf) and make changes to it as needed.
Convertio — File Converter

I suspect you will occasionally be making brackets. If you make them in cardboard, take a photo, then put them on a "canvas" in F360, you can quickly go from cardboard to CAD. Come back to this later when you get some more F360 experience.

If you decide to make items that are press brake ready, you'll want to use the sheetmetal tab in F360. Here is a pretty good tutorial for learning that section:
Intro to SHEET METAL in Fusion 360 - Sheet Metal Beginners Start Here! (youtube.com)

Recently finished for a friend's garage wall. Roughly 4' x 3'. He painted and lit with LED strips.
View attachment 134514
Had so many family/friends wanting one of these, I recently cranked out 4 of them:

View attachment 134515

I make a lot of sports stuff for friends. We live in Indiana so...
View attachment 134516

Made this for a former friend from work.
View attachment 134517

I've probably made 200-300 signs at this point. Just a hobby. Only sold some at craft fairs last Summer because my garage walls were full.

If you want to see more, scroll this thread and see what allot of us LS regulars have made. All my earlier stuff is at beginning. My projects have gotten better down deeper in the thread, as have other posters:

What have you done on your CrossFire Pro Today? - CrossFire ® PRO - Langmuir Systems Forum

Thank you for those resources.

And "just WOW!" you guys do awesome work!

 

[DustyRusty]

I'm still working on mastering the Radio Shack TRS-80 Micro Computer System

 

[Sidekick]

Soon you will have stacks of skeletons in the corner proving it is a good disease to have . Pick up a blasting cabinet, old electric oven, and powder coat gun for long term therapy .

 

[BT3101]

Thank you for those resources.

And "just WOW!" you guys do awesome work!

Here is a sign I have on my wall that you may want to try to cut. I tried to attach a cut ready (G-Code) file but it's not allowed. If you want to give me an email address, I'll send you the file. It's about a 15" diameter oval.

 

[skeets]

Looks good my friend, and now you will have friends, cousins and uncles you never met, stopping in to say howdy and oh if you got time I need ,,,,,,,,,, Stay safe

 

[ejb11235]

In the early 70's I was working at a Navy R&D lab where we were engaged in developing CAD software for designing and building surface ships and submarines. APT was state of the art toolpath software and hand verifying the G code before hanging a tape on a machine was SOP.

To show how far we have come at one point I was tasked with porting a 3D piping design application to new hardware. The original program was written in FORTRAN by 2 MIT researchers and ran on a SPERRY UNIVAC 1108. It was remarkable for its hidden line elimination and 3D view capability. A typical run witj 3D views and hidden line elimination consumed the entire machine for a full night.....

Years ago, decades ago, actually ... I was race director for the local motorcycle road-racing club. Terrible racer ... I always came in second to last ... but excellent administrator. One year we had a new track built on an old airfield. We set up the track using firehose stuffed with pea gravel. The first time we set it up it took something like 6 hours ... it was horrible. I went home and used 2D CAD skills I had learned in a college class on, was it Mini-APT? I wrote out a bunch of pages of instructions in the spirit of the CAD software. The next time we set up the track in an hour. It was brilliant!

Also, it gives me pleasure to read "FORTRAN" in a post here. I worked on a DEC PDP11/34 with a 2.5MB RK05 disk pack. I loved that machine.