DIY CNC Controller Choices?

[@ScottTurnerformeindustrious]

Just converted my GRBL AIO over to the MASSO. Oh what a difference, it's genius! Support is also another very important consideration. MASSO are there to help. Thanks for the review.

[@CNC4XR7]

Yeah Cant beat the Customer service and It's the owner that often is the one Helping you!

[@henmich]

I have issues with GRBL... No drilling cycles... Is that common? I have a Shapeoko. From what I have read. Drilling is not currently supported in grbl.

[@raulirimias4810]

Well done, MASSO is a great controller and the support is great too. I have it on my router with ClearPath servos and it works perfectly. Thank you for sharing your experience with the rest of the world. Good luck with the new MASSO project.

[@CNC4XR7]

Raul Irimias Thank you, I'm happy to hear it works well for you.

[@craigsmachineshop2040]

Can't wait to see the build start Sam!

[@CNC4XR7]

Thanks Craig!

[@sblack48]

Does the masso control servos directly or does it just output step and direction and you need servo drivers? Looks like a cool system

[@CNC4XR7]

yes step and direction

[@christianbigara6346]

Hi,thanks for sharing your great videos,I bought your ATC a while back and have been very happy with the results

[@CNC4XR7]

Glad you like them!

[@makex_se]

Thank you so much for this video, i was going crazy over all the options and was even concidering using Duet 3 for my cnc since we use this for all our additive cnc machines but it kinda lacks the support needed for cnc pendants and such. Just noticed that Masso now has a All in one integrade cnc controller with touchscreen and it really looks like im going for that. 6 minute video just saved me weeks of work, THANK YOU MAN!

[@CNC4XR7]

Your very welcome!

[@edmundzadurian8908]

Does Masso controller support Cutter Comp for tool compassion

[@CNC4XR7]

Check the website! this is a older video and they update frequently

[@vidznstuff1]

Hey Sam - is the Masso able to do five axis PLUS toolchanger or are you robbing one of the axes for it? Will it run optical encoders and a real brushless DC servo, optical encoders and a stepper, and the Clearpath kinds of servos? Did you look into a Smoothie board or a Duet? What are your thoughts on running LinuxCNC on a Raspberry Pi? It'll be interesting to see you configure the Masso and watch the commissioning. Thanks for sharing the thought process and some of the alternatives that are out there

[@CNC4XR7]

Depends on how your driving the ATC, Yes, No, Linux cnc good choice, Your welcome.

[@ipadize]

if you have a low requirement then the Raspberry is probably okay, for anything more get dedicated hardware (best Mesa hardware)

[@benrasmussen9878]

Thanks for your input , the thoughts are well thought out. Did yoou come up with a method of adapting Masso to servo drivers and test that yet? Or maybe you are in contact with someone that has linked servo drivers to a Masso already?

[@CNC4XR7]

Not yet did you contact Masso

[@TheRainHarvester]

Im still using $3 Arduino and grbl. I keep wondering if others would make my steppers more quiet. I have a few videos with the sound.

[@henrikwintherjensen4607]

Thank you for a pretty good presentation of a really difficult subject. I have had the same considerations and have arrived at linux cnc + mesa controllers. Linux cnc being linux based is not a problem, linux and linux cnc comes as a package, you just install everything in one go and you are ready. A lot of people has grown accustomed to Windows, but Linux is undeniable higher quality in this context. Each to his own, I guess. Mesa hardware has a pretty steep learning curve, but the flexibility is unbeatable, besides the price is not much higher than what you mention. I am planning with DROs on all axes, and that would not be possible with most other options. Also my motors will be servos with integrated controllers, which will make wiring a lot simpler.

[@CNC4XR7]

Yes I agree Linux is a great platform

[@fischermann5279]

What are your thoughts of the Eding cnc boards? I am torn between that and masso. I am upgrading an older Levil 4 axis mill with colombo atc spindle and using clearpath servos on all axis. I am looking for fast, accurate true 4 axis machining. Thoughts? Thank u!

[@CNC4XR7]

Unfortunately I really have no opinion on Eding cnc I've never heard of them. The masso may be a good choice. I would email them and make sure it can handle your needs.

[@loydnornes]

Hi. Thank you for a great video. I have a high quality cnc machine built in Italy. The machine works fine, but the control system is just old and hard to use. I am thinking of upgrading it. Do you think keeping the old servos would be a bad idea? Would they even work on a new controller?

[@CNC4XR7]

I cannot say for sure , However the new controller puts out a step and direction signal. if your servos use this to move I see no reason why they would not work.

[@TheRainHarvester]

How do you specify the arm lengths or configuration of a 5 axis machine? Is there a standard configuration?

[@Patriotdesigns]

so like if you buy a small a small cnc can you take it apart us the spindle steper motors and buy some new lead screws long ones and linear rails and 3d print the rest so basically making a small into a large but use all the hardware from the little one

[@CNC4XR7]

Kinda like my linear rail build? kzbin.info/www/bejne/bn-ciWWAnNyJeJY

[@BillyBob-si2db]

Good video, thank you... I would like to know what your thoughts are now, a year later as I don't see any followup regarding Masso, yet I see videos about Mach3. What are your thoughts? Thinking about Masso, but maybe not!

[@CNC4XR7]

Yes Sorry about that My thoughts have not really changed the masso is just sitting in a box waiting on me. I think the concept is awesome and they are always improving. G3 is available now. updates are frequent which is great to see with any product. My plans have change and I picked up a new mill that i'm converting to rails so it's quite possible the Masso will go on that machine.

[@xpawel10]

Masso is pretty good few bugs but the Support is very good and will always help you with anything!! Good choice.

[@CNC4XR7]

Pawel Machine works We're going to find out still need to get the ACT integrated and some decent probing routines but im confident Jatinder can get it done.

[@steveu235]

This video is 3 years old I'm converting a 3,800 lb Tos Kurim FNK 25 milling machine into CNC milling would you recommend Masso for this type of conversion today?

[@CNC4XR7]

I'm not familiar with that machine so I'm not sure exactly what you need in terms of tool change macros etc. Masso has updated there controller since this posted and also the price. I think a look into all options is a good Idea including Acorn.

[@angelvaca9232]

and in this time.. what is better ?

[@CNC4XR7]

I think all of the opinions are the same today . However Mach3 now has a new life with Ethernet smooth steppers. and I currently still run Mach3.

[@Catalysis1144]

Is there any new controllers / better ones specifically .. need an updated list plz. Thanks

[@CNC4XR7]

the acorn system has been updated as well as the Masso. However the Linux CNC is always a good choice.

[@Catalysis1144]

@@CNC4XR7 Thank you

[@stevecarlisle3323]

At the start he talks about cnc software, mach and linuxcnc, then he gets into Masso, well thats hardware, and the board looks promising. Its the software that really makes the machine, as you are using it all the tims. Combine good software and good hardware, then yougot it. Maybe he will make a good video on that.

[@CNC4XR7]

I agree

[@tomhutchins1046]

hum you went with masso then changed you mind later for linux ? for what reason?

[@CNC4XR7]

I haven't really Changed my Mind I just decided to give both a good look I have a Masso and I will be loading linux CNC as well. I want to make this the last control box I build so i'm keeping my options open.

[@sharphedgehog]

If you use closed loop steppers you can actualy use any board of software and it will work as servos

[@CNC4XR7]

Yes but they are Not servos's

[@sharphedgehog]

@@CNC4XR7 that is the point. It has all advantages of servos and cost just a little higher than stepper. And in most cases they are called stepper servos.

[@CNC4XR7]

@@sharphedgehog They do offer a better choice over Steppers and are a Alternative to servo's . However they are not servos.

[@sharphedgehog]

@@CNC4XR7 You are wrong. Typically this term was used for special class of motors but it is not what term means. Here is WiKi that prove that any motor that has a closed-loop is technically servo motor. Also manufacturers of closed=loop stepper calls it Hybrid Servo A servomotor is a rotary actuator or linear actuator that allows for precise control of angular or linear position, velocity and acceleration.[1] It consists of a suitable motor coupled to a sensor for position feedback. It also requires a relatively sophisticated controller, often a dedicated module designed specifically for use with servomotors. Servomotors are not a specific class of motor, although the term servomotor is often used to refer to a motor suitable for use in a closed-loop control system. Servomotors are used in applications such as robotics, CNC machinery or automated manufacturing.

[@CNC4XR7]

@@sharphedgehog I'm Wrong? I agreed with you and you said I'm wrong?They do offer a better choice over Steppers and are a Alternative to servo's . However they are not TRUE servos. If they were Servos then they would just call them Servos Not Hybrid-Servos Not closed loop steppers Just Servos. At any rate buy what you wish and be happy.

[@karanjaiswal6172]

Nice video Sam, I would like to know your thoughts regarding esa S630 and step automation RK 12+ motion 4.

[@CNC4XR7]

I'm sorry I'm not familiar with that system

[@elsunshine9976]

Do all these softwares support backlash compensation?

[@CNC4XR7]

Not all but check with the software your intrested in using.

[@Ale_Lab]

What about if you have ethernet smooth stepper between breakout board (parallel port) and PC running mach3. Would the servo still be limited?

[@CNC4XR7]

Im not sure what you mean by limited?

[@Ale_Lab]

@@CNC4XR7 in the video you said parallel port board are not fast enough for servo motors. I was wondering if paring it with smooth stepper in between would help in that context. I have my CNC (BF20L) running with mach3 and I thought I could just update to the servo without change the breakout board.

[@paulanthony873]

Can you use the MASSO with Centroids software that allows you to use a probe to reverse engineer items

[@CNC4XR7]

No both have dedicated systems

[@andylarkin100]

Any updated reviews on your Masso system? Also, would you guess this a good choice for a CNC router w ATC? Thanks.

[@CNC4XR7]

Masso is constantly improving and updating the latest was a probing update. I suggest you email him about the ATC function for a CNC router.

[@andylarkin100]

@@CNC4XR7 Thanks!

[@Patriotdesigns]

I was gonna go spend big money on American made cnc but I’m not I’m gonna build my own and this is very helpful

[@CNC4XR7]

Your welcome!

[@Patriotdesigns]

Hey I wanted to ask you could you buy one of the small cnc to build into a big one

[@CNC4XR7]

@@Patriotdesigns I'm not sure what your asking?

[@JAMESHOPKINSIBXCNC]

Nice video as usual Sam, cant wait to see the mill dance!!!

[@CNC4XR7]

James Hopkins At this point I would just like to see it crawl

[@robinvater3067]

How do you like the Masso with servo, is that what are you using now.. I love this stuff.. thanks

[@CNC4XR7]

I have yet to use the masso everything got postponed with the rail build going.

[@frijoli9579]

I hope Masso's controller and interface is better than their website. lol Great video series man!

[@CNC4XR7]

We will find out I have be in contact with them and support has been great and being in Australia they keep long hours to communicate with US consumers it seens.

[@mattivirta]

NOT have, masso has big sjhit i used before test

[@nicholasfranks2616]

Nice let us know how it goes , i went with PathPilot on my CNC conversion. Pretty happy so far .

[@CNC4XR7]

Nicholas Franks No doubt Linux cnc is a proven robust system. I really like the no pc aspect of masso so I want to give it a fair shake first.

[@nicholasfranks2616]

Agreed, I will be following , that option was not available a while back. Keep up the great Vids

[@CNC4XR7]

will do.

[@bltventure]

Great video. I really like your tool changer screens for Mach 3. I can’t wait to see how you will manage a tool changer with the Masso. I’m ready to build an ATC for my machine but haven’t had the bucks for ATC spindle yet.

[@CNC4XR7]

Thanks yeah still a ways off now with the rail conversion underway

[@redshiftcnc]

Thanks for this video. I have been researching which controller to use when i do my mill conversion. I hadnt considered masso. Ill look into them. Been using mach 3 on my router table but want to try something new for the mill when i get it going.

[@CNC4XR7]

Hi Redshift , Yes the options are ever changing . Masso is always improving but I still run Mach3 as well for the new build I will make my final decision at the last minute.

[@Tokamak_9]

You forgot to mention the PlanetCNC controller and the Camotics/Buildbotics one.

[@CNC4XR7]

There are several other controllers out on the market. these are only a few common ones I know about.

[@morraderi]

great video!!! thank you for sharing your knowledge

[@CNC4XR7]

Your welcome

[@smallcnclathes]

Interested in Masso myself, look forward to future videos

[@CNC4XR7]

Great stay tuned I will keep you updated.

[@smallcnclathes]

CNC4XR7 Are you going to run a servo spindle or just servo axes? Will Masso handle ATC on a mill? I have heard it will not. Lathe yes, but not mill.

[@kathypender6715]

Great info: I have been looking at the controls myself. Im doing a cnc Biesse 23 with about 94 i/o on it. Centroid is coming out with here RED OAK control and we can add a slave i/o to it. I might spend a bit more to do this retro but lot less wiring in my case.

[@CNC4XR7]

Thank you! Are you talking about a Rover 23ft? Wow thats a huge undertaking converting the control system on a machine like that.

[@cbaesemanai]

I have used Mach III for years, linux cnc, looked and am still looking at the masso for one of my machines. I own a path pilot driven tormach and it is light years beyond these options. I have two machines still driven by mach III they may end up with a masso on them sooner or later.

[@CNC4XR7]

Hi Cliff, are you saying you prefer Path pilot over both? why not add path pilot on all?

[@CNC4XR7]

I like the Masso the whole concept and the screens are simple and easy to use. it does lack some features I want but I think these are in the works and it is continuing to be upgraded. I really like the thought of Linux CNC/ Path Pilot so I may build the enclosure so that I can go either way. Thank you for your input be Safe Sam

[@cbaesemanai]

Path Pilot is a proprietary Tormach product tailored for their devices. I am a linux expert and could manage to do it but it requires a bit of hackery and of course time to do it.

[@CNC4XR7]

Yes but it is Linux CNC which is open source correct?

[@CNC4XR7]

Shoot me a Email cnc4xr7@ gmail

[@AnwarAlfaqeehAlhusseini]

hi when you are staring the 4 axis ?

[@CNC4XR7]

It will be sometime in the future

[@bluehandsvideo]

Great comparison. Thanks!

[@jangibka1296]

Try csmio ip a with closed loop Control in mach 3 or simcnc with closed loop and s curve motion planner

[@CNC4XR7]

Yes there are several out there Some more popular than others. I have never tried those.

[@shelby50411]

Linuxcnc is free and in my opinion the best option if it can do what you need. Free options are always preferred

[@CNC4XR7]

I agree but Linux CNC is not the most user friendly.

[@mattivirta]

yes best what have market today, only idiot pay controller if can make FREE all. masso have big shit, if one axis go broken need buy ALL new. waste only money lot alltime masso controller.

[@Przedzik]

Halo and wat about cs-lab csmio controller ? Did you consider this option ?

[@CNC4XR7]

The Cs-labs controller is a option however not something I considered, as BOB are needed for connections, and unlike the Masso there are nor FRU if a axis has issues your down.

[@lenarthcochon9622]

Is masso work on low rider 3

[@CNC4XR7]

not sure what low rider 3 is?

[@johnhoyle6390]

Masso Controller introduced as a CNC modification solution.

[@CNC4XR7]

Yes

[@CNC4XR7]

@@johnhoyle5915 Masso Has continually improved and updated there CNC controller over the last few years. My intended purpose for the Masso was to upgrade my mill when I swapped over to the Dmm servo's. well a lot has changed and it turned into The PM727MXL Linear rail build which I am still working on. Since then I have also Upgraded the original machine. I still have the Masso and i'm not sure at the moment if it will go into the rail build or not. Still looking at Linux as well.

[@Threadexpress]

Nice summary Sam - Cheers Cliff

[@CNC4XR7]

Threadexpress Thanks Cliff

[@wasimakram837]

hii there would it be good for a new learner of diy CNC to go for masso or should i start with Mach 3. I want to make long term investment and want to do high precision kind of work in furniture pls rply. thanks

[@CNC4XR7]

What Type of CNC will you be running? A Wood router?

[@wasimakram837]

CNC4XR7 yes wood router mainly for making wooden furniture

[@CNC4XR7]

I think the Masso would be perfect for that application.

[@skirkdouglas]

I'm looking forward to this. I actually bought an Acorn board and am setting it up. I'm struggling w/ the limited inputs/outputs

[@CNC4XR7]

Kirk Douglas Yes that was one big tging holding me back and since they offer higher priced boards I didn't see where tgey had room to improve on the acorn without cutting into the other

[@ninjaabcde]

Please make more videos now in the 2020s😊

[@CNC4XR7]

LOL I working on it. Sorry

[@ninjaabcde]

@@CNC4XR7 which country are you in? Canada?

[@CNC4XR7]

@@ninjaabcde usa

[@rhudithomas7582]

Every industrial CNC that I have worked on are all PC based machines. Usually Windows. With today's technology, most have moved to a networked interface, which controls all I/O and motion. This is out of my price range for my DIY CNC. I believe that LinuxCNC is the best "bang for the buck" system, but does have a heavy learning curve. Mesa seems to be what most people choose for the interface, but that too is out of my price range, so I have decided to go with an old PLC that I have lying around. I think that using stepper motors instead of AC servos to drive any axis on a CNC, is like entering a garden tractor in an F1 race. Many people seem to think servo and stepper are the same. I am referring to this type of machine in my above statement. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ioOTk5KOh7iKhc0 Thank you for taking the time to put your opinion out for us DIY types to use as info while building.

[@CNC4XR7]

your welcome

[@hughesservices2475]

Most CNC I work on have a PC HMI interface. The actual motion control is processed in the NC unit. I have seen the HMI on machines fail while the machine continued to run since the program is actually transferred to the NC prior to operation. Siemens, Fanuc and Mitsubishi CNC controls operate in this manner. I am looking to convert a Multicam router that the NC went out on with a different control. Looking for something that can use the existing drives and motors.

[@laserfalcon]

How is support for Masso?

[@CNC4XR7]

I dont know first hand. Updates do come out on a regular basis.

[@laserfalcon]

@@CNC4XR7 I was about ready to use centroid on a cnc rebuild and only recently found masso, still debating

[@CNC4XR7]

@laserfalcon I can't speak for Centroid. But both Are not easily edited for custom stuff. Which is why I have stayed with Mach3

[@laserfalcon]

@@CNC4XR7 will masso work with galvos?

[@CNC4XR7]

@@laserfalcon galvos?

[@thepurposeofmyexistence2511]

Nice explaination

[@CNC4XR7]

Thanks for liking

[@EZ_shop]

I never heard of it before. Gotta check it out.

[@CNC4XR7]

Good to hear from You!

[@EZ_shop]

You too Sam. I'm still here, just spending a lot of hours in the hangar upgrading aircraft systems lately. I'll get back to making videos soon. Ciao.

[@DieselRamcharger]

its junk. this is shill advertising. paid product placement.

[@karlheinz10]

Hello CNC4XR7 excellent video, very illustrative and explicit, focuses on another vision for people like me, who are new to this cnc world, I have a project in mind and I have been researching something about it and I would love to know your opinion about the warp controller. 9 ESS in conjunction with mach 4 to be used in servos, thank you, I would appreciate your opinion.

[@CNC4XR7]

Mach4 does not have a huge following as for Warp 9 I cant comment as I have not used it.

[@bltventure]

karlheinz10 I have a warp 9 ESS and use it with Mach3 and love it. I’ve run Windows XP and windows 7 with it so far. I used a pmdx BOB and mounted directly to it. I use easy servos. Like steppers with feedback. So far no problems. But the no PC is the future I think

[@buildmotion1426]

As fate would have it, a friend of mine wants me to convert his 2001 Laser Master machine to a router. It’s daunting trying to find a simple solution plug/play (ish) Do you know if the Masso can handle a laser and router? Great video and perfect timing. 😊

[@CNC4XR7]

Well no doubt the Masso can Handle a Router , There is a masso for Plasma cutting I'm not sure what you need for a Laser However I'm sure the Masso can be configured for a Laser. I'm sure Jatinder ( Hind tech CEO ) can chime in and answer that.

[@MassoCNCAustralia]

Controlling lasers shouldn't be a problem and we can even use the PWM outputs from MASSO to control the laser power. Please email us on [e-mail] and we can have a look.

[@watahyahknow]

been close to a year , and i havent seen a second video on the build , i allready bought an acorn setup for my bf20 mill (no atc only cnc is the xyz axis and the drive ) with a computer touchscreen yadah yadah but im still interested to see wat you get for youre money with a masso and how well it works

[@CNC4XR7]

Has it really been that long? Yeah I guess your right! Man I apologize I have the Masso just sitting here Iv'e been so busy trying to get my mill converted to belt drive and a PDB. I finally got to that point and this new project fell into my lap. I can tell you I will get to it I cant tell you when. The best thing is Masso keeps updating the controller and making it more usable , WIFI, Touch Screen, so time has been a good thing.

[@watahyahknow]

i know how it is , i keep a log with dates wensites and expenditures for the stuff i collect for my cnc conversion , the payments for the mill and the lathe had taken about 1 year and the parts collecting all together been going for about 15 months now and i only collected stuff not started the build . the mill is still all original as i dont want to risk taking it a part and then need it to make sumting i need for the conversion (chicken and egg syndrome) allso life (medical/dentist)bills and taxes keep interfering getting pretty close now to assemble the controllbox though and have the different steppermotors ,vfr and 3 phase motor move in the open air using the controlls on the computer

[@CNC4XR7]

I completely understand the longer it takes the more you tend to 2nd guess besides technology changes rapidly

[@tushargajbhiye6487]

Hello sir, Please tell me about MK6-V cnc controller?

[@CNC4XR7]

I'm sorry I am not familiar with this.

[@swatcat7928]

You forgot about Kmotion Kflop.

[@CNC4XR7]

well I did not technically forget I could not include everyone. unfortunately I was not considering that board

[@donaldhollingsworth3875]

A CNC controller should have the same number of outputs as inputs so it it easier to wire without using a ton of jumper wires.

[@CNC4XR7]

Most controllers are based on the PC parallel port and conform to that standard.

[@ipadize]

the reason i went with Linuxcnc is because i need 7 Fully Closed Loop Servos with encoders for a 5 axis cnc

[@CNC4XR7]

Yes Linux cnc is a very proven powerful system and a great choice.

[@mattivirta]

open loop uses hobby normal closed loop servos cost 100 x expensive than hobby user stepper motor machines cost, not have hobby user budget newer. idiot waste money if can build good machine lot lot cheapen.

[@TheJR914]

Who is your contact at Masso? I have sent emails to them for the past 6 months can not get a reply. Wanted additional information on their product.

[@CNC4XR7]

Try Jatinder [e-mail]

[@TheJR914]

Thanks! Do you know if they have post processors for fusion 360-mill,lathe-plasma?

[@CNC4XR7]

As far i I know Masso uses standard Fanuc post processors

[@hanzrudel6486]

El controlador chuno me parece mejor que masso, son de bucle cerrado, admiten ethercat, tiene funciones acanzadas, precisos rapidos, soportan encoder de valor absoluto, ti nen retroalimetacion de posicion, conexicion ditecta a encoder para spindle, entre otras cosas. Son relamente controlaodres profesionales de grado indutrial y lo mejor es que son baratos, hablando de LNC, Ky2000, HNC, Weihong, etc. Lo mejor es que cuestan lo mismo que un masso y son totalmente independientea...

[@CNC4XR7]

The only drawback is the setup. most DIY machinists lack the knowledge for the wiring and setup. This I found to be more difficult than the others.

[@JewelerAR]

Masso has a problem whit indexers ABC

[@CNC4XR7]

Thank you for the information.

[@user-ms2mr2mc3g]

Masso sounds great, but it's about $1100 USD at this time....

[@CNC4XR7]

Yes it has climbed in price since the making of this video.

[@mattivirta]

ower price and out of normal hobby users budget. no thanks newer.

[@cjtroutt8092]

Let us all know about the next update. Masso controller

[@CNC4XR7]

Will do so many things going on at the moment.

[@cjtroutt8092]

I should have my masso today for my plasma table build up grade. Thank you for the reply great videos.

[@CNC4XR7]

interesting I have never built a CNC plasma machine! let us know how it turns out

[@cjtroutt8092]

Will do. Have a safe and great 4th of july

[@dangubler8084]

🎶 Music 🎵?!!!!!!

[@CNC4XR7]

thanks

[@ruizvial]

There are more systems like CSMIO and HICON ...

[@CNC4XR7]

yes and many more

[@billyraibourn758]

Check out Neo7CNC video (Homemade DIY CNC - No PC Required).

[@CNC4XR7]

thanks Billy

[@stevelamperta865]

the masso is a $1,000 bucks now !

[@CNC4XR7]

I understand that time has past and prices have changed.

[@mattivirta]

this have ower 900$ out of hobby users budget, only idiot pay this.

[@uptechcncpvclt-1302]

i thought you love so much mach3?

[@CNC4XR7]

I do and continue to use it every day. Had not yet switched over to anything else

[@Z-add]

When it comes to controllers you should look for robust and proven technology instead of cutting edge technology.

[@CNC4XR7]

There is a lot of choices on the market. I am really happy with Mach3 and its hard to get away from what you know and love. but it would not be wise to disregard other controllers.

[@MrJTJINX]

Whats's the issue with controlling a machine using a PC, i think the brains behind many CNC machines will be a PC of some description. PLC's are used for auxiliary functionality of machines more than being used as the main controller an account as to how PLC's work. PLC's are cyclic and not multi-threading the PLC timers are not primarily designed for handling multi threaded application. This is not that some manufacturers dont run Machines purely from PLCs but guess what they are top end and bloody expensive. Dedicated processors are nothing more than a stripped down PC. If you consider computer architecture based around the motorolla 68000, Z80 and the 8086 ( the Original PC processors) are exactly the same architecture as the microchip PIC and Atmel processors. Your machine will need a display and some sort of interactive keyboard or mouse. So a PC or laptop then. Many machine manufacturers are moving towards PC controllers and away from dedicated control panels as they like the flexibility to upgrade and improve the machine. If you buy a 3 axis standalone controller and in three years time move on to wanting a 5 axis controller you will end up purchasing hardware all over again. If the Gcode command set gets improved (some smaller controllers don't support the full standard Gcode command set ie GRBL) or bugs get corrected in firmware then the dedicated controller is going to be limiting on your expectations as well as causing a major issue in upgrading the controllers firmware, if you purchase a Chinese controller on ebay then best of luck as you will be providing your own technical support. i must admit i do like the look and what appears to be reasonable functionality of these dedicated controllers and would probably still get one but i would certainly make damn sure i was fully aware of the pit falls before investing. if its lacking canned cycles and drill functionality for example. I have been unable to find support documentation for dedicated controllers which provides information regarding the full code set, this i consider to be important. I'm sure masso is the bees knees ad ticks all the boxes but once you purchase it that's it for life it wont adapt or change. As a point of reference and just to play devils advocate here, some people call PC's a Microsoft based computer or one based on IBM's Original concept, Linux is a different ball game, they would argue you are building a machine not a PC same ethos goes for Mac. So are you saying you don't want a heap of Microsoft torture or are you saying you don't want a terminal. There would be nothing wrong with using a panel PC like Allen Bradley or Siemens which is a touch screen and PC built into a machine panel - much like the dedicated masso controller. Funny but that's exactly what most of the big machine manufacturers use (or their own variant), Ulike the masso type of controllers they are PC's there is nothing stopping you wiping their hard drive installing a new Operating system and using it to store all your photos on and surf the web.

[@CNC4XR7]

Thank you for the comment. I agree with your entire statement! I have always used Computer controlled cnc controllers, Mach3 mainly I like Mach3. The stand alone controllers due offer some Pro's and CON's. It's all a matter of preference. After all as you said they are all driven by micro processors of some sort.

[@yelims20]

anyone other than me running a Hicon Integra?

[@CNC4XR7]

there are a few but not very popular

[@yelims20]

@@CNC4XR7 expensive for sure, but it works.

[@jarppax7690]

3:48 so why is cost that much. we allready have outof pc hardware controllers.starting ramps. you got picture lol.and and and. buy lathe or mill. i want both. i not want spend 2x masso. when its same only diff is firmware that cost..hmm nothing..and it waist earth reasources. dont it? i would consider if it cost 2x more but give both options lol, but nono 2 controllers? it can be done 1 controller both lathe and mill, why need buy another when its only free firmware

[@CNC4XR7]

I can see your view point However if you only have one controller to save money. you can only run 1 machine at a time. There are always trade offs

[@jackcapella2707]

Dude you’re always gonna need a pc to generate the project.

[@CNC4XR7]

This is true.

[@mattivirta]

masso have totally out of budget hobby user controller too expensive normal human user, linuxcnc and 10$ breakoutboard to old 10-40$ windows xp computer and paraller port have lot lot better and cheapen option. and if masso one axs have broken or burn need buy all new, but if use diy linuxcnc no need buy all new only broken axis driver and have cheap, 4-50$ / axis. mach3 have easy start but not can use good big problem have interrupt and "realtime" not newer working whitout lot problems. linuxcnc have sure realtime and safety than windows base cnc. i has build many hundred 200 ower cnc machine to hobby users and little factory, and dont newer use windows base or one to all base special board cnc machine come super expensive long time.

[@CNC4XR7]

yes the cost is definitely a factor

[@aliismael3869]

Not for the third world people, like me.

[@CNC4XR7]

Sorry about that.

[@facebooksupportteam3645]

Can i implemnt a parallel robot kinematics in MASSO?

[@CNC4XR7]

That would be a question for Masso.

[@davestake44]

Would this be over kill for a bench top engraver retro-fit CNC.

[@CNC4XR7]

Well Hard to say most likely you can just go with mach 3