Hi everyone. I’m sure this type of post has been submitted ad nauseam but I really don’t have any experience or knowledge about where to begin. The last time I used a Cnc machine was over 25 years ago and it was based off a .plt file from autocad. I’d really like to build a lr3 and am pretty handy (though have never wired anything so complex).
Am I fooling myself into thinking this is a good idea to jump into?
What design programs are most used ( I currently have access to rhino)?
I don’t have a 3d printer or access to one. Can I buy everything I need to build it and make it as beautiful as the pictures on the v1 site
Thesres a basics page on this site that should cover a lot of what you are asking but to start…
Yes you can buy the printed parts from the store here and all the parts except the tubes. You will probably end up wanting the printer along the journey but you can definitely start without it.
Assembly is very approachable and will take 6-12 hours not including a table if you buy everything from Ryan. If you buy unconfigured control boards elsewhere figure another 4 hours to figure it out the config parts.
Software you need 3 parts:
Design software (CAD) - what you want to cut. Fusion 360 is what I use but anything that can spit out dxf files will work.
CAM - how to cut it. This software figured out how to get YOUR machine to cut the dxf you provide. Most here use ESTLCAM. CAM software will export a gcode file.
Sender- sends code line by line to the machine. Most here use the one built into the display Ryan sells to start. You can also look into v1pi and others if you want to get fancy.
My very first venture in this was a LowRider — although the current version then was v2. I’ve since upgraded it to v3, and then built a second v3 that’s carrying a plasma torch!
On that second one the LowRider was the easy part of the build!
I came from zero CNC and 3D printing experience. I opted to invest in a printer to self print (Ender 3 Neo), and am glad I went that route as learning how to setup and use the printer made jumping in and operating the Lowrider more intuitive.
The wiring does look daunting on the surface, but isn’t all that complicated once you’re familiar with it. Just kind of like plugging in a bunch of mini extention cords.
I use Inkscape to design SVG files that I then pull into Estlcam to create the gcode, and have been pretty happy with the outcomes.
I would add that self printing the machine takes a long time. Not sure what the LR3 takes but I would expect 20-30 hours of print time. If you just want a CNC for the shop then buy the parts and get it done quickly. If you enjoy the journey then you may enjoy learning the ins and outs of the printer as you watch it print.
The printer and cnc do compliment each other in the shop and if you can get your head around the CAD side of things you will find a lot of uses around the house.
Go for it
Maybe think about getting a printer as well.
I didn’t know anything going into my first build too. There is some hurdles for sure but lots of great ppl here to help.
Ryan at v1 sells very nice built kits so there is no real need for a printer.
I’m on a Mac. Inkscape is available for Mac. For whatever reason, ESTLcam is only available for Windows. I choose to run an emulator program called Parallels Desktop that allows me to have any number of virtual machines (VM’s) installed. I have 3 VM’s currently: Windows XP Pro, Windows 10 Pro, and Linux. I run the ESTLcam software on the Win 10 Pro VM.
@Sc_manning , welcome! There are a few hurdles that you’ll have to get over but it’s a great learning experience and you’ll always get help on the forum.
I haven’t used Rhino in a really long time but that should be a good tool to create your CAD files especially if you want to get into 3D carvings.
Vectornator is another free 2D graphics creation tool for Mac. It’s a little more user friendly than Inkscape but you’ll still have to use a CAM tool like Kiri:Moto to generate the gcode.
FreeCAD is another option and that has both CAD & CAM functionality and a Mac option. I haven’t used it myself but there are a few users on the forum that do so you should be able to get some help if you run into an issue.
I started with the Primo and eventually I’d like to build a Lowrider 3. But you should have a look at the typical projects you think you want to do and base your machine choice and size on that. Be careful not to go too big, mainly if you go with the Primo, because larger size builds can be less stiff. But it also depends on the material you plan on cutting and the expected accuracy you want to chase.
I’ve tried to stay away from emulation as I don’t want the hassle (or expense) of running windows as well.
Currently Kiri:Moto meets all my simple needs and is in constant development with more to come,
Inkscape is broken for many functions on the mac as far as I can see - IF you have a learning curve to go through then as @Bigchepin says Vectornator is a really nice alternative.
I found Onshape (also free for hobby users) is equal to F360 and streets ahead of FreeCad in terms of user friendliness.
In total it’s roughly 120-220 hours depending on your printer.
