Sign In Start Free Trial
Account

Add to playlist

Create a Playlist

Modal Close icon
You need to login to use this feature.
  • Book Overview & Buying A Tinkerer's Guide to CNC Basics
  • Table Of Contents Toc
  • Feedback & Rating feedback
A Tinkerer's Guide to CNC Basics

A Tinkerer's Guide to CNC Basics

By : Najia
4.7 (10)
close
close
A Tinkerer's Guide to CNC Basics

A Tinkerer's Guide to CNC Basics

4.7 (10)
By: Najia

Overview of this book

Until recently, Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines belonged to the realm of heavy industry, but as technology becomes cheaper and smaller, these machines now can be used in home workshops. It’s not easy to get started, though, but thanks to this guide, you’ll be ready to take on a variety of projects in no time. A Tinkerer’s Guide to CNC Basics contains everything you need to get set up at home with computer-controlled machining and fabrication. Sparing you the theory, this project-laden guide helps you learn by doing. Once you’ve got to grips with the principles of CNC and installed the 3018 Pro CNC machine, you’ll gradually move from simple projects such as basic engraving to more complex milling and machining techniques. You’ll even learn how to upgrade your machine to accomplish more sophisticated designs. The plethora of projects in this book will keep you busy and give you the practice you need to get started with your computerized workshop. By the end of the book, your computerized home workshop will be one step closer to realization, and your machining skills will be taken to the next level.
Table of Contents (15 chapters)
close
close
11
Chapter 11: Building a More Capable CNC Machine

Project: Adding a Laser to the 3018

In earlier chapters, we discussed the use of a laser toolhead on our 3018. However, a laser toolhead adds weight to our X-carriage. A heavier carriage means our speeds slow down and adds complexity. Earlier versions of CNC microcontrollers had to have the laser plugged into a Pulse-Width Modulation (PWM) header on the board. There have been instances where hobbyists have attached a laser to the part cooling fan header of a 3D printer microcontroller, but for our machines, there should be a header specifically for the laser. Some boards have Transistor-to-Transistor Logic (TTL) headers/plugs that you can also use. One of my older machines has something like this. One of my laser cutters uses an older two-axis controller with a TTL port, which has two pins. A PWM port/plug has three pins. In any case, the microcontrollers we have been using have a PWM port for the laser already in place alongside the spindle motor header.

We have also discussed...

Unlock full access

Continue reading for free

A Packt free trial gives you instant online access to our library of over 7000 practical eBooks and videos, constantly updated with the latest in tech
bookmark search playlist font-size

Change the font size

margin-width

Change margin width

day-mode

Change background colour

Close icon Search
Country selected

Close icon Your notes and bookmarks

Delete Bookmark

Modal Close icon
Are you sure you want to delete it?
Cancel
Yes, Delete

Confirmation

Modal Close icon
claim successful

Buy this book with your credits?

Modal Close icon
Are you sure you want to buy this book with one of your credits?
Close
YES, BUY