Anyone use a Desktop CNC to make parts ? What software? which control box ?

Hi

I was thinking of getting a Chinese Ebay desktop CNC machine to make some parts , 

mostly small things or patterns to cast some parts , 

needs to cut plastic , wood and maybe some aluminum ,

There are some YouTube videos if you search 3020 3040 CNC,

Just wondering what the best simple software to try and learn , 

and what is a good control box that has USB so I can hook it up to my laptop , 

If I can figure out a small desktop machine then I would look for a "real" machine, but this is cheap enough to play with :)

Thanks for your help

AutoDesk Fusion 360 is free for low volume producers and hobbyists and will output directly to commonly used g-code CNC language often used on CNC and 3D printers.

https://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/overview

https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/fusion-360/troubleshooting/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/Autodesk-Fusion-360-Changes-to-Benefits-November-2016.html

Basically you sign up with a free account on their site and you can contact sales to get approval for the startup license for Fusion 360.

I like to get back the space that these are taking up.  Offers?

I have all required cables, keyboards (GE Fanuc & PC) and PC towers__no monitors, unfortunately they expired, toes up__dedicated pc boards, and all documentation, manuals and "window sticker" (>$56,000.00!).

https://www.cnczone.com/forums/benchtop-machines/39868-cnc-machinist-software-2.html#post1899790

Wow $56.000........

reading the link it seemed like the software was always the problem , 

Did you ever get yours working ?

I am hoping for a control box and software  that is a lot easier to learn , but the basic mechanical part is just a X Y and Z axis.

I second the recommendation on Fusion 360.  It's pretty easy to learn how to model in it and the analytical software isn't too bad either. Haven't used it for g-code yet, however.

I'm watching with interest. There's a room for a CNC in my life in a few years.

I've got a CNC Taig mill - lot's of information on the net about these, get the one with ball screws, well worth the upgrade - using Mach3 to control it through a gecko board

Randy_Forbes said:

I like to get back the space that these are taking up.  Offers?

I have all required cables, keyboards (GE Fanuc & PC) and PC towers__no monitors, unfortunately they expired, toes up__dedicated pc boards, and all documentation, manuals and "window sticker" (>$56,000.00!).

https://www.cnczone.com/forums/benchtop-machines/39868-cnc-machinist-software-2.html#post1899790

I'd essentially give these away, if someone would come get them.  Be nice if you offered me something useful in trade; go kart parts, anything, but I want the space back.

Randy_Forbes said:

Randy_Forbes said:

I like to get back the space that these are taking up.  Offers?

I have all required cables, keyboards (GE Fanuc & PC) and PC towers__no monitors, unfortunately they expired, toes up__dedicated pc boards, and all documentation, manuals and "window sticker" (>$56,000.00!).

https://www.cnczone.com/forums/benchtop-machines/39868-cnc-machinist-software-2.html#post1899790

I'd essentially give these away, if someone would come get them.  Be nice if you offered me something useful in trade; go kart parts, anything, but I want the space back.

 

 I may regret asking this, but where are you?

In reply to JG Pasterjak :

Enabling here Look at his profile, he's closer than you think.