I’ve been looking at getting a CNC mill for my house to learn on. Just something to knock out the Titan projects and get familiar with everything. The part I’m getting stuck on is all the software.
Is it really as simple as it looks? Just get the CAM from Fusion 360 and bring it over to PathPilot or does it require other hidden things like SprutCAM 11? I was looking at just getting a Tormach 440 just to play around with so my son and I could figure things out without going broke.
I was looking at converting a mill since I already have a manual mill but don’t want to spend the next year trying to get the bugs out of it.
I’ve spent the past few months going in circles watching youtube videos and reading about everything but I’m a little stuck. I just don’t want to make a $10,000 mistake.
What would you suggest getting for a bare minimum startup hobby CNC mill?
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So when your done with creating the toolpaths in CAM, you will then need to use a post processor(usually built into the CAM software, or you can use an external post, but to keep it simple, use the one in your CAM), which creates the instructions(G & M codes, as well as others) that will be saved in a program file that you will load into your CNC controller. Since Fusion 360 has CAM, you do not need another CAM program.
Whether you do a CNC conversion on your manual mill or go with a Tormach, or another hobby grade manufacture, do understand that these are not the same beast as an full industrial CNC machine. Still fully capable, but in a different class. I do think for your purposes, a Tormach is a good choice. are you familiar with John Saunders, aka NYC CNC? If not look him up on YouTube under NYC CNC. Watch his videos, and they will give you a good idea of what the Tormach machines are capable of. That being said, no reason why you can’t get the Tormach, and then once you have started getting so skills with it, using it to make the parts for a CNC conversion for your manual. Just an idea!
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to add to Shawns reply, your CAM’s post processor (software) has to compatible with both your CAM software and the mills control software and physical capabilites.
For example, a friend has a CAM program with a post processor that outputs A and B axis G-code values ( in his case always zero) but his mill’s control software errors when it reads this because his mill is not a 5-axis, and the contol doesn’t know what to do with those values. He needs to correct the post processor, but currently he edits every program, deleting the A B references. I’ve also seen posts in Mach 3 Mill out put a G95 (inches per rev) instead of G94 in a canned drill cycle, even tho Mach 3 asked for inches per minute. Instant broken drill 
Again, the post is wrong. My advice for a rookie is to buy your CAM, Post, and Machine from the same vendor, with a clear contractual provision every thing is compatible, with no surprises. If trouble arises you don’t want one vendor blaming the other - instead you’ll want one vendor to be responsible for help. Tormach is a good choice for this.
My other advice is take a hard look at buying a Tormach PCNC 1100 starter package before spending money on the lessor 440 and start up tooling. You already have a manual mill, so you can relate to how it would be to move back to a mini-hobby manual. Think of the 1100 as the CNC world’s equivalent to a manual 9 X 42 Bridgeport. Its a big hobby mill, or a small production mill. Many commercial shops use them for 2nd ops, and or to replace their manual Bridgeport (usually shuffling the BP off to a corner for the occasional odd quickie job). The deal is, you will most likely get a handle on CNC milling rather quickly, and as soon as you do, you’ll be surprised at how often you’ll want a bigger work envelope, or more spindle, or even an automatic tool changers, and 4th axis. You will out-grow the 440 faster than a youngster grows thru shoe sizes. The 440 start pkg runs about $7k vs about $8400 for the 1100 starter pkg. fro the difference, do yourself a big favor and buy the bigger, heavier, more rigid Tormach PCNC 1100. Another factor to consider : you may find that with the 1100, you can sell your manual.
If you haven’t already found this site: CNCCookbook.com, visit and sign on to the blog - it’s a great source for CNC milling info for rookies and master machinists. The site’s owner is also very familiar with Tormach… I’ve never owned a Tormach, but have helped many hobbyist and knife-makers who have 1100’s get them set up and making chips. RFor the $'s they’re one of the best CNC buys around - a lot of bang for your bucks.
Tom - AMS
www.amsmotomachine.com
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