Recently I purchased a new CNC machine from Probotix. I decided the Asteroid was the biggest model I could fit into my cramped work space.  In fact, I had to build a frame that would straddle my router table double decker bus style. So far it has worked out OK.

 Not knowing anything about CNC's and the design software required to create the projects and generate the code necessary for the CNC to understand was quiet intimidating. In fact, I was just plain skeered. But thanks to my fellow Americans, I moved forward. I downloaded the trial version of V-Carve Pro and started watching their many tutorials on You Tube and the videos of a lot of other folks that use V-Carve. As the weeks went by, I became more and more comfortable with the design software.

 

Another factor was the Linux Operating system. I know nothing about it, but that is what comes with the Probotix machines. That turned out to be no problem. It appears to be a basic slimmed down version of Windows. That makes it easy to cut, paste, delete, make new folders, etc. I admit, I am still learning more about the Controller interface as to what all the buttons are for and their functions, but I have managed to home the machine, set the x,y,z to zero and run the files I need. So far, so good. 'Course there was the time I started the program, but forgot I had turned the router off it's switch. That was kinda ugly.

 

So, there I was with a bad fever and no machine. I was chomping at the bit. Then my wife mentioned our daughter/husband was going to New Orleans so Guy could attend a maintenance convention. And her female cousins' husband was also going (wife also). And another cousin was also going to the same convention. Some as vendors, Guy as a company maintenance manager. Wife wanted to go and hang out with the girls for a day or so. She asked if I wanted to go. I said yes...and when we leave, we can run over to Ft Walton Beach and pick up my new CNC!!! She said yes. Now, was that slick or what? ha ha ha.

 

We turned Mike & Pat's big adventure into a mini vacation traveling from Houston to new Orleans, then on to Ft Walton Beach, and Destin. Got to enjoy some great food...mostly Cajun seafood. I had called ahead to make sure they had a machine ready, but they didn't. Len gathered his guys in a huddle and they agreed they could have it ready when we got there...and it was. Is that great or what? They loaded it up and we pointed our wagon to the west (my pillow awaited me a mere 600 miles ahead)!

 

So this turned out great. On the way back, we stopped in Biloxi and ate at a restaurant on the waterfront, then hit the road again. The freight would have been $400+ so we spent that doing vacation things and still brought the machine home.

Edited June 30, 20179 yr by MT Stringer

Mike,

I am curious about your machine - what options did you get with it? What came standard with it? Did you have to get other software besides what came with it?

Thanks!

48 minutes ago, Chips N Dust said:

Mike,

I am curious about your machine - what options did you get with it? What came standard with it? Did you have to get other software besides what came with it?

Thanks!

 

The only option was to select which mount. I opted for the mount for the Bosch 1617/Dewalt router with the 3 1/2 inch diameter.

The machine comes with a PC configured with the Linux Operating System and the Linux control application. Also, the controller for the router is part of the package. All I had to do was connect the cables to the controller (all well labeled) and connect the USB cable from the PC to the Controller. A monitor for the PC is included. Literally plug and play.

 

Note that I didn't want a kit I had to assemble from a box of parts. I am not an instrument or electrical person. This machine fit my needs.

 

Other software? Yes, you need some sort of CAM software like the stuff available from Vectric (several options), or Fusion 360. There are other software but I am not aware of it.