A Tinkerer's Guide to CNC Basics

Cover
Title Page
Copyright and Credits
Dedication
Contributors
Table of Contents
Preface
Chapter 1: The What and Why of CNC
	Branches of CNC machining
	Differing approaches to motion in CNC machines
	How CNC works and when to use it
	What is G-code?
	Safety considerations for CNC and lasers
	Summary
Chapter 2: Setting Up and Configuring the 3018 CNC Machine
	Technical requirements
	Anatomy of a CNC machine
	Making the build-versus-buy decision
	Buying a pre-built unit
	Building your own unit
	Configuring, calibrating, and testing your CNC machine
		Step calibration
		Firmware flashing software
		G-code sender software
		Running your first test cut
	Summary
Chapter 3: Understanding Material Properties before Making the First Cut
	Cutting hardwoods, plywood, and balsa
	Cutting foam and composites
	Cutting plastics and PVC
	Cutting aluminum and other soft metals
	Selecting the right end mill
	Summary
Chapter 4: Making the First Cut
	Securing the workpiece
	Selecting test patterns
	Configuration settings
		End-mill diameter
		RPM or spindle control and feed rate
		Cut depth and multiple passes
	Different settings for different operations
	Summary
Chapter 5: Full CNC Workflow with Different Materials
	Technical requirements
	Getting to G-Code from a drawing
	Cutting softwoods such as balsa and light plywood
	Cutting hardwood
	Cutting and engraving soft metals
	Working with foam
	Engraving your workpiece and setting depths
	Summary
Chapter 6: Upgrading Your CNC Machine
	Installing end-stops
	Emergency stop switch
	Installing a Z-probe
	Adding a rotary axis
	Plotters and drag knives
	Summary
Chapter 7: Enclosures
	Panels, cleaning, and access
	Removable and non-integral enclosures
	Integrated and permanent enclosures
	Build versus buy, materials, and designs
	Summary
Chapter 8: Project: Building a CNC Laser Cutter and a Plotter
	Laser cutter/engraver
	Endstops and electronics
	Plotter
	Summary
Chapter 9: Project: Building Your Own 4th Axis
	Design is the starting point
	Fabrication
	The final assembly
	Installation and settings
	Summary
Chapter 10: Project: Adding a Laser to the 3018
	Selecting a suitable laser toolhead
		Mounting adjacent to the spindle
		Mounting in place of the spindle
	Laser-cutting software
		Laser head installation examples
	Summary
Chapter 11: Building a More Capable CNC Machine
	Building a bigger 3018
		Standardizing and simplifying your structure
		Eliminating the moving table
		Use multiple motors
		An all-metal Z axis
		A more robust controller board
		Scaling up
	Summary
Chapter 12: Future Projects and Going Bigger and Better
	The ShapeOKO
	The OX
	Hot wire foam cutters
	CNC lathe
	A fifth axis
	Summary
Index
About Packt
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