Centroid Community CNC Support Forum

Hi,for years I have been running my cnc router using mach3. That was until my pc died and the only license I can download for a new install of mach3 is corrupted and artsoft are not interested in sorting out the problem even though it’s a genuine copy of the software.
Now at the moment I am running my cnc lathe using C12 and closed loop stepper drivers and motors.. I did run my old milling machine on C12 until I sold that machine due to space issues.
My set up for the router was mach3 running to a CS-LABS CSIMO/M motion controller connected to the pc by a Lang cable.
I have a license copy of C12 mill. Only one acorn board, and with U.K. customs adding on almost 50% to the cost,I will not be buying a new board.
But my question is. Is there a way of using the same pc,the same acorn board to run both machines. I am not thinking at the same time, but when I want to use the router or if I have turning work to do. If so how? Thanks

Yes this is entirely possible.
The CNC12 software can be installed for free on as many computers as you want.
And you can even have CNC12 Router AND CNC12 Lathe installed on the same PC as well.
For this type of situation you will want to have a Router AND Lathe License.

Thank you. But it looks like I would need to purchase 3 new stepper motors for the router and disconnect or connect from which ever machine I am going to run.
I don’t understand why I would need router software, as I already have the mill licensed software, and a router uses three axis the same as a milling machine.

You can use mill software on a router.

If you like to run two machines on one board, you should build a cabinet with quick connection to the steppers an switches for both machines, and both should use the same type of steppers with the same settings.

If this is done well, maybe 10min to switch from lathe to router.

But hey nothing is better as two complete machines

Uwe