I got it assembled and hooked up, my Motors travel to “home” properly.
I have not set the height of the Z yet. But It sounds like it does it itself after you place it mid height?
I understand what a G Code is, How do I aquire them arent they already made and I have to down load them?
I am not sure - Should I take a class at my Communtiy College?
How, where do I learn to create a G Code?
How do I load the G code?
@GDiaz welcome to the forum.
Start by reading through this. If you have specific questions after going through the Langmuir tutorials, come back and ask. Lots of good folks on here willing to help.
5 Likes
Welcome to the forum GDiaz.
No…not ‘rocket science’ but in the beginning, there might be lots of things coming at you all at once that might make you think it is.
The link that Eric shared is great. When I first looked at it, it did not make much sense to me. Now it makes perfect sense. (I do have the habit of reading every third word…but that’s my problem.)
You will need to learn three software systems: Design, Manufacturing and CNC cutting.
- Keep in mind that “design/drawings” can come from all sorts of software; basically anything that can create a DXF or SVG file.
- “Manufacturing/CAM” or making the g-code is limited to two sources: SheetCAM or Fusion 360.
- Cutting at the table (as you put it “loading the gcode,” is limited to one source: FireControl.
As for Fusion 360, it is the only software that will do two of those functions, design and manufacturing, in a one stop package. It can be overwhelming at first, since you only need to learn about 1% of that massive program (I don’t really know the actual percentage…it might even be less).
This is a good link to get a quick idea of Fusion 360 but most of them are with older software so the interface has changed. Listen to the words they are saying as those same words continue to be used and are the important things to grasp.
https://www.langmuirsystems.com/software/fusion
Once you get the table set up, try to limit your urge to create a “masterpiece” before you get your table dialed in. You should make sure that the torch is cutting at the correct height, use the right consumables (OEM designed specifically for your model - based on your cutter) and using the settings that limit bevel and dross.
Know that “cut ready” files may not work on your system so it could be a red herring. Many folks will say, “I downloaded a ‘cut ready’ file and it is not working.” I have had my table up and running for nearly 3 years. I have yet to try a ‘cut ready’ gcode file…it actually scares me to think of wasting metal like might happen.
Lots of good people here to help you along the way but learn the workflow, terminology (as best you can) and when you need help supply as much information as you can. Treat it like a research project: then you will get the best, most efficient help.
8 Likes
Welcome to the forum. I don’t reply a lot on here, but I read a ton of the content and have learned so much just on this forum. The guys on here are amazingly helpful, and supportive.
It is like everything in life. You can make it as simple or as complex as you want. It’s not rocket science, but it does require learning. I have had my CF PRO for over a year and love the thing. No formal training in CNC. I use Fusion 360 ( maybe 1% of it ) which is an amazing program/tool. I am YouTube-taught. Night classes. Just takes time and patience. Oh and to share some knowledge I have learned over the years. Cut yourself some slack. Don’t expect to figure it out overnight; realize you are going to make mistakes…sometimes even repeat them.
If you can take classes I would suggest that. I had an old friend, he was in his 60s when I was in my 20s, who would always say to me. “Education isn’t cheap, but the price of stupidity is much higher”. It was usually after I “learned the hard way”.
9 Likes
Well said! I had a similar experience in that someone told me “Education costs ‘something’, it’s not free. Either in tuition, time, cut off fingers, etc.”
5 Likes