Centroid Acorn CNC Basics - Video Series

[martyscncgarage]

I took it upon myself to create a very basic video series on Acorn.
Hopefully it will help those new to the DIY CNC Hobby and Acorn and even those who have basic CNC control experience but might be getting started with Acorn. I rigged up a linear slide I had with a stepper motor with a 12 tooth timing pulley, a ballscrew with a 24 tooth timing pulley, and a home/limit switch. I will go over as much as I can from the very start to finish.

If there is something you would like to see or an explanation on, I will certainly try to add to the video series if I have the resources to do it.

I'm doing this to the best of my personal ability. Double check things, research, ask questions, YMMV (Your Mileage May Vary)
Your machine and your safety are up to you.

Marty

[martyscncgarage]

Centroid Acorn CNC Basics - Intro, Configuring WIndows 10 for CNC12 Software, Installing the Acorn CNC12 Software, wiring to the power supply, and power up.

https://youtu.be/6qvD5GuJUxI

[martyscncgarage]

2 Centroid Acorn CNC Basics - Win 10 PC Setup and benchtest
https://youtu.be/7ExYAjItzC0

[martyscncgarage]

3 Centroid Acorn Basics - N.O. vs. N.C. Switches & E-stop Contacts
https://youtu.be/j3VPnozuuug

[ScotY]

Hi Marty,

Nice job on the videos! What I'd like to see is something that explains tool offsets for CNC12 lathe. I am new to all this and so far have only limited experience with Mach3 on my little lathe. The tool offsets on that just gave me the biggest headache even after scouring YouTube for help. I understand the theory of tool offsets but trying to figure out Mach's weird and cryptic menus was no fun. I haven't looked at the CNC12 lathe manual yet but am hopeful that things will be better. A video explaining how to set up a lathe in the software would be really nice.

Anyway, my second Acorn should be here any day and I plan to rid the lathe of the Smoothstepper and Mach3.

[martyscncgarage]

Thanks Scot.
I followed the lathe manual for setting a couple of lathe tool offsets and it wasn't too bad. At least I was able to run the pawn and cut it off.
I am about to tear off the steppers and G540 from the Emcoturn 120 lathe and fit it with DMM Technology servos. I can try and do something after its back up.

Have you done the Acorn lathe conversion on your lathe yet or you are about to? The best thing you will like is....that CNC12 lathe WORKS! With a REAL encoder input. I trust you saw Centroid's demo on their benchtop Techo Isel lathe...running steppers and a G540!
Marty

[Reedfirst]

Great Videos Marty!

You seem like a natural making tech videos. I should be able to get a few CEU's (continuing education units) just by watching your videos

Ever think about doing a "shop tour" of martyscncgarage ?

[martyscncgarage]

Great Videos Marty!

You seem like a natural making tech videos. I should be able to get a few CEU's (continuing education units) just by watching your videos

Ever think about doing a "shop tour" of martyscncgarage ?

Thanks....?
A tour...and spoil the videos of all the projects laying around!

[ScotY]

Thanks Scot.
I followed the lathe manual for setting a couple of lathe tool offsets and it wasn't too bad. At least I was able to run the pawn and cut it off.
I am about to tear off the steppers and G540 from the Emcoturn 120 lathe and fit it with DMM Technology servos. I can try and do something after its back up.

Have you done the Acorn lathe conversion on your lathe yet or you are about to? The best thing you will like is....that CNC12 lathe WORKS! With a REAL encoder input. I trust you saw Centroid's demo on their benchtop Techo Isel lathe...running steppers and a G540!
Marty

Hi Marty,

I haven't started on the move over to Acorn on the lathe yet...it's been shipped out but don't have it yet. I have just been doing some bench testing on the little mill with my first Acorn. Yes, I've seen the Centroid video...very cool!

I'd also love to see videos of the DMM servos and setup. I have Clearpath servos for the mill. Nice, but expensive. You're almost forced to buy their cabling which is also very expensive. I don't really care for the cables as they seem very stiff...nice, but not very flexible, which seems odd for something that moves around a lot.

Last video request (at least for now ) would be for something on upgrade spindle motors and controllers. Bigger/better motors...what's out there for a reasonable price, etc. Also, some integration tips would be great as well. Like how to utilize and wire up the 0-10v for speed control, how to calibrate the 0-10v signal to actual rpm, etc.

Thanks again for all your hard work!

[Reedfirst]

For sure! The videos are great.

I can barely snap a clear photo.