MACH 3 CNC Router Training Tutorial after install setup

[@outerealm2439]

Within the first 5 minutes - I had a dozen or more answers to questions I've been looking all over the net for - direct, concise and to the point. Well done ;)

[@fordtrucklover90280]

My machine stopped working out of the blue, after watching your video I changed the printer port settings and it worked!! thank you!!

[@mthemaniac]

Exactly the kind of video I was searching for! I wasn't fully up to speed on my machine almost six years ago when it went into storage and now that I'm bringing it back up I really need videos like this to refresh my memory.

[@fijabo]

Thank you Paul! It is very refreshing to listen to your tutorials. Big Fan!

[@toddspeck9415]

Been having a lot of fun learning all about cnc. Your vid's are amazing...Thank you for making these really detailed videos..You explain things really well.

[@rosswaring2835]

Excellent and helpful Tutorial. I have been struggling to get my system to function and this set me up straight away. Thanks!

[@77231710]

Thanks for the vid first time mach 3 user great help

[@manipulators2007]

On the motor outputs (@6:10), how you gonna set up Y-axis that uses 2 motors?

[@frankvillani8701]

This was great. I wish I had seen this before getting started a few years ago. Thank you.

[@LeckieInstallsLondon]

Irregardless is a word commonly used in place of regardless or irrespective, which has caused controversy since the early twentieth century, though the word appeared in print as early as 1795. Most dictionaries list it as nonstandard or incorrect usage and recommend that "regardless" should be used instead

[@micle1998]

Hi Paul Im wanting to set Up Mach3 onto my HP Envy Laptop but i am having great problems setting up the software primarily i am trying to follow your videos and im not having much success.... My Set Up is as follows:Hardware:Proxxon MF70 CNC Ready Milling Machine Serial DB25 Stepper Motor Driver Controller 4X MicroStep DriverUSB to DB9 Serial ConnectorDB9 to DB25 Serial LeadFemale to Female DB25 AdaptorThe Wiring Of These are as follows: Each Stepper Motor For the MF70 Uses a DB9 Connector as Standard. For This Reason I have Wired Each Axis' Home Switch, Limit Switch and Motor Cables into a Socket To Match the MF70 Wiring. I have Also Fitted the Driver Control Card into a 'Project Box' and Instaled an On-Off Latching Switch to the Box Lid (Acting as the E-Stop) From the Driver Control Card Each of The MicroStep Drivers are Connected as Follows: 4 Axis Labled X Y Z and A so to test i have another Stepper Motor Which i have Connected to 'A' Pins like this: AN AD AS AE for each Motor Output, This is then Wired to the MicroStep Controller as: AS-ENA(ENA),DIR(DIR),PUL(PUL). AD-DIR(+5V). AS-PUL(+5V). AE-ENA(+5V) from here it is connected to a 4 wire stepper motor using the 2 coils A+ and A- along with B+ and B- . Extra Info That May be of Relevance? The Driver Control Card came with MACH3 and LazyCam and is suitable for 4 Axis. This is Connected using a USB to MicroUSB Power Cable and a DB25 Serial Lead The MF70 Features 3 Stepper Motors, and Main Spindle Controlled seperately to Stepper Motors. Limit Switches and Home Switches but no E-stop)My Main Problem at Current is I am Using Windows 8.1 as my computers operating system and I cannot find the I/O Range of my USB to Serial Adaptor in order to set up the ports in Mach3 What Am I Missing?

[@makeCNCTV]

Mach3 will run on any Windows OS from Windows 2000 through Windows 8. The parallel port driver included with Mach3 will only work with 32-bit DESKTOP computers with versions of Windows 2000 through Windows 7, but will not work with any 64-bit version of Windows or with Windows 8. Windows 8 and 64 bit versions of windows require an external motion device

[@aceseights1739]

Hi from Australia. Great youtube. Quick question, have this installed and setup but I have usb connected so is there something I should do different as nothing. When powed up cant turn the stepper motors so it looks like program isnt talking to machine. Can you please help me. Thankyou regards Merv

[@punjabilog]

Thanks for uploading such a good video for new users.

[@Nanoschool]

Hi Paul, hey in the video we could not see how you locate or connect to the CNC machine via the Mach3? it is just connected. Is there a drop down list of machines that the software sees or a background service running?

[@makeCNCTV]

thank you for watching the video Please refer to the MACH support forum at the artsoft website for support questions

[@lynnanderson1322]

I am trying to make a small cnc. i have had it running with the u gcode sender. i now want to use the mach3. the breakout board is arduino uno. the system says my arduino is plugged into usb (com4)..........do i use this info in the pins and ports config? my windows xp says that the lpt1 is 378.

[@AH7202]

Thank you my friend for professional note, you all the acclaim and respect and I have a couple of questions - One you can adjust the dimensions of career xyz arm through the program to know the maximum area of operation And second how to adjust the speed of progress with high accuracy when digging pcb Thanks again

[@controledinsanity]

Hi there. Sorry for maybe a dumb question, is this the software that sits between design software like fusion 360 and the router. I think its called CAM ware

[@peterwang3052]

Hi Paul, on my homemade CNC i have set soft limits for x to 400mm and y to 250mm. I would like to add the function that when i ref all home (after ref all) the x axis go to 200mm and y go to the 125mm position in order for me to have the the plane position in the middle. How to do that ? thanks in advance Peter

[@DrJerryrigger]

Thanks for the vid, it helped me a lot! The one thing I'm having problems with is the spindle relay. I've got a switch circuit for my laser on pin 8, so I want a simple on or off signal on that pin with m03/m05.

[@southpark5555]

Fantastic video. At the very beginning of the video, we see the red square in the tool display window. In my Mach 3 window, I don't see that red square. I only see the extreme outer white rectangle outline. What's the red square for, and how do you get it to appear? Thanks!! UPDATE: I think the answer to my question is : later versions of Mach 3 won't have that red square box.

[@hrtizz]

Hi, Paul. Great video. I have a problem and I was wondering if you could help me. Basically, I have done all the setting changes from the manual that arrived with the machine but my motors won't budge. If I go to manual setting by pressing tab, I can see the numbers changing if I'm pressing arrows but motors won't move. Do you have any idea why is that? Please advise. I know there is power because spindle is spinning if I do so. Port seems to be connected correctly. Numbers are correct. Maybe cable wrong? Or any other suggestions?

[@tiferetWolfe1]

Why is my step pin for X Axis changing with out a machine connected and software not moving anything? I'm have Vista and running compatibility for xp. This dose happen when running router also but then some times they will all change. I have reinstalled it and even deleted it with regedit and still happens. Ihave ran the test program and ti looks good. And the computer only is for my router it only has Mach3 on it. Thanks

[@tna2me197]

Hello Paul, I'm putting together a plasma torch. I think I have it all wired up correctly. I am using a Panasonic Toughbook (CF30) running Windows XP. I purchased a license because I use Mach3 on my router. I wanted to use this laptop so that I could take it home and run everything off of it around the shop (I have a couple other machines that I run like a laser cutter and a sound system. My problem right now is that I have no printer port. All I have is USB ports. I have an adapter that seems to be working and is recognized by the computer. But I can't seem to get Mach3 to move the motors. I've tried setting up an Estop just to see if there is any communication with the BOB. Doesn't SEEM to be, however when I unplug the USB plug from the computer the motors (or just one motor is hooked up right now), makes a noise like it has received some kind of signal. Any thoughts on how to route the USB com port to run the BOB?

[@donshackelford9678]

do you happen to have these videos on dvd ..if so are they for sale...

[@rogerfroud300]

So what do your do with your servo enable signals?

[@kennethbodkin3423]

Have followed your instructions to the letter, but have a problem on X axis Motors run on x&y axis no problem. X axis does not move the coordinate numbers on x axis on mach3 screen show movement .,. have tried the motor on other axis works fine. I have tried all ways. could it be pin outputs at fault i have 3 seperate BoB t13130 model number cannot find any info on line for these boards. any thoughts would be appreciated. thanks

[@mmcooljmomma]

hi paul I have a k2cnc 50x50 older unit I hooked up mach3 and the units only moves in 1 directions it doesn't matter what x+ or x- I hit . can you please help me? thanks

[@makeCNCTV]

email sent Joe

[@bubbamielke5905]

I bought a Lightning CNC 5X5 plasma table with a wood router setup on it,I get no support from the people I bought it from,I have no previous experience with a plasma table,are there videos that I can purchase or somewhere that I can go to experience to work this machine,any help would be greatly appreciated,I'm pretty desperate for help.

[@gfgcito]

Bubba, when you get a chance contact me my e-mail is [e-mail] I am thinking to persue legal action against Lightning CNC. I have tons of issues and no support. Thanks and good luck!

[@brucemoxon7383]

Hi , thanks for a very good tutorial, however I notice that you set the step and direction in/ outputs active high , but the artsoft manual says that they should be set active low as high would cause shorter pulses . Now i,m confused

[@SandeepSingh-43]

I have a parallel port to usb. My port number is completely different . Any suggestions?

[@maxsmith2320]

hi Paul, I have a question. iam about to move a big router CNC machine from one shop to a different shop and i will need to disconnect all the wires , will it be a problem to set it up when i will assemble it back in a second shop. or just plug and play . other words will i have to program machine after disconnecting all the wires from control box . Thank you

[@milek021]

Hello Paul. I'm preparing for my CNC but for now just by looking MACH3 options an I have noticed one weird (?) thing about Kernel speed. My CPU is Pentium 4 running at 3GHz and yes, there is lot of SW installed but OS (WinXP) is very stable. When I set Kernel speed to 25K under diagnostic window PulseFreq. is changing A LOT but it's below 25K mostly, it drops on 20K+ but changes randomlly with big steps! When I set Kernel speed at 35K and restart Mach3 pulse Freq. goes from below 35k to way over 35K, even to 44K, it also makes big step when changing the value of pulse freq! I saw in your tutorial (i think it's .) #2 that your pulse freq, is locked and doesn't change at all? I'm able to get that by clicking on those numbers and they get locked but for 25K kernel it' will be below 25k and for 35K well, what I catch that's gonna be, either 34K or maybe even 44K? What I'm trying to understand is if my kernel speed is set to lets say: 25K is it bad for stepper drivers if value change like that and is there some minimum pulse freq. so drivers will stop working normaly?! Is it ok idea to run mach3 on P4 working at 3GHz? is slower pc better solution? Any comment about this and I would be grateful and sorry for my English :)

[@danieldurston5680]

Hi, no matter what i do i cannot get my motors running -i have changed the settings under ports in accordance with the instructions, but nothing. is there anyway i can test my parallel port? Or do i need some sort of driver for the parallel stepper motor device, thank you !

[@clemtony2]

thanks for the instruction. my question is that the motors seem overheated

[@makeCNCTV]

if its stepper motors they do tend to run quite hot as normal but without knowing your electronics setup it would be very difficult to make a judgement call

[@alanmcdowell977]

Questions on my CNC Machine 1] on software, will it work on a size 2'x2' or a 4'x4' or 4'x8' table size 2]what software will I need [and can i get my software free to learn to use ] 3]hardware 4]cnc control board 5]nema [what size stepper motor to use ] [what is the def on the motor /what motor to use ] 6]power supply mean well sp-320-48] [ can i use a computer power supply] [and how to make a computer power supply work] [do i need more than one power supply or just use one ] 7]stepper motor drivers power step PSD8079-2P 8]limit switches 9]wiring diagram how to wiring my CNC 10] and if I upgrade my CNC [can i use some of the same software and hardware ] 11] [ trouble shooting the motors ]

[@robertfoedisch]

Hi Paul, I am setting up my Chinese 6040 CNC router using MACH 3 I managed to get my ports and pins set up and am setting up Motor Inputs. In your Video, you mentioned using the arrow keys on my keyboard. How do I set these up? Thanks Tons :) Bob Foedusch

[@makeCNCTV]

+Robert Foedisch Hi hit the Tab key and it will pull up the manual Jog control then you can use the arrow keys to move the various Axis if your motor tuning etc is correctly setup

[@randombrandon1940]

I've thought about getting a 3040. Did yours come with a good manual? do you still like it today? Thanks in advance for any help or advice!!

[@TheMajesticYETI]

This is a stupid question, but if i'm using 1/4-20" threaded rod, how would I set up my motors to move 1 inch?

[@Thinkflite]

whats stopping my motors from slamming into the ends of each axis? All very daunting

[@misslaracom1]

can you help with my problem, the z axis will only move down, tried changing in ports and pins but no change, it has worked fine on some occasions, appears to go wrong when I input gcode from the samples in mach3. any idea why this should happen.

[@bushyfromoz8834]

Do you have, or is there a tutorial for setting up a 4th axis for indexing in Mach3?

[@tepansenteolt2980]

there are surfacing tutorials? I am trying to make molds. I still using Roland Modela 15. actually the software it's very easy. but takes forever in aluminum.

[@bobtrageser5]

Buy Romaxx and you won't have setup problems. They send the Mach3 program already configured for their CNC. Love my WD-1

[@pbajuniorniramepsiuq2023]

con que sistema operativo de windows está utilizando el mach 3... help me pls... i have the windows 10

[@customfabcnc1795]

I have a CNC router that I use Mach3 on and it works great. I'm converting my metal 9x20 lathe to CNC now. I have wired everything up now using the DB25-1205 BOB. I have it all wired and all green lights. My X axis works fine. But my Z is only turning in one direction regardless of which arrow button I choose. Any idea? it's probably a port and pin issue somewhere. I have the Z on the port 1 pin 4 and 5.

[@makeCNCTV]

Hi drop me an email [e-mail] i will see if i can help ..no promises

[@joekosnik5411]

hey

[@umargul5644]

Greater job sir

[@ffibamarih3277]

Thank you for the tutorial! Your voice sounds like Jeff Goldbloom

[@jeffbeck6501]

Incredibly in-depth tutorial. Mach3 is so overkill for my hobby CNC needs. btw, there is no word irregardless. Regardless already has the "ir" part built in to the definition of word regardless. But I am sure you already know that. Thanks for great tutorial. I look forward to watching more of them, although I don't think I will shell out the $200 for Mach3.

[@greaper512]

My spindle stop light is on regardless of pc or manual. Cant start my spindle. Please help! Cnc 6090

[@sk3ffingtonai]

What is the port number used for USB connections? Thank you.

[@cirilovac]

You have to know your spindle pitch (for example 5mm), then you have you know your step motor step angle (for example 1.8 deg, 200 steps per revolution). At the end you have to know mode your driver is in (full step, half step etc). For full step mode, number of steps per mm is 40 (200 is for 5mm, then 40 is for 1mm), if your driver is in half step mode number of steps per mm is 80 etc....

[@cougartracker72]

Hello. Does anyone know a Mach # forum that can help me with an issue I am having. I am getting "twang" vibration when the router is transitioning from the X axis to tthe Y axis. Meaning when it is traveling down the X axis and it turns to go head down the Y axis I get about an inch of vibration that causes the bit to wafer into the material back and forth causing a rough edge..I believe it is something to do with the ramping speeds or a setting that will slow it down before it hitsd the corner. It also does it on opposite corners or on opposite areas on a circle.. any help would be greatly appreciated.

[@oemeranilkandemir2917]

I Have a Problem with the Connecting of the Maschine. I thinnk. The Software shows me a Movement but the Hardware don´t move. I work with win7. Can you help me ?

[@massadi2210]

Hello, Recently I have problem with jogging the axis, for example if I press left key to jog x axis it work fine, but if I press left key with page up key to jog x and z axis it will only move one axis !! I can't jog more than one axis at the same time. When I run g-code the machine work with no problems. What could be the problem ?! Is it hardware or software issue ?! Are you familiar with that ?! Appreciate your help.

[@makeCNCTV]

HI just a note we are not the support company for MACH 3 you would need to go to Art soft for support for an in depth answer to your question. but i will tell you what i can to help if i am able. the most important thing you said in your question was that you had a ,lot of software on the control PC this is not advisable for MACH 3 under windows of any type . because of this your windows will have what are called TSR's (terminate and stay resident programs) running in the back ground carrying out tasks... you cant see them but they are there...you should. have a dedicated control computer that has only mach 3 on it for running your CNC Machine. i should also note that...not all older computers are equal even if they say the same specs ... i have found several that will not run with MACH correctly because of the issues you mention even if they have a clean install of win XP. so sad to say its a game of hit and miss with older computers...the best solution i have found is to find a computer running windows 7 and purchase a UC100 USB MACH 3 interface from ebay this works perfect 99% of the time....with older computers you will have to take your chances with kernel speeds etc if you go that route make sure you get what was considered a good quality computer in its day this will more than likely have a more stable speed and Motherboard.. i have used some nice old Dells i found on eBay for $50 each with XP installed

[@psclip3309]

Paul Campbell my CNC machine working with wrong size... The result..small size.. I try to calibrate the Axis... After calibrate...motor tuning change...and my motor...move very slow.. I use mm native unit... Why...my machine work with wrong size

[@S53OO]

hi when i have postep25-32 motror driver conected to the the woltage is 0,7volts and when i disconected the voltage is 5 volts any coments on that??

[@abdoalghareeb6052]

what is version of mach 3 you use in this video

[@hoggytoonze]

hi paul my name is john and I have a 3040t cnc machine with mach3 software installed. I have followed your videos and set up my cnc in mach3 , when I use jog or my keyboard the axis work perfectly but when I try to cut roadrunner the spindle only moves in minute sections as though it is cutting a very small roadrunner image can you help with this thanks ..john..

[@sploolth]

I have the same issue. Did you solve it?

[@makeCNCTV]

the settings for motor tuning that the sellers of your machine gave you sound wrong its a chinese machine right so the screws are metric..i would suggest going to CNCzone forum and asking as i am sure many others have had this issue and solved it...its not a MACH thing its a know your machine thing chinese are horrible at this type of thing and should employ a western person to set up the user guide and manual for these machines i have offered to do it but they just want me to purchase a bunch of machines so until they send me a few machines there it sits

[@sploolth]

Paul Campbell Thanks.

[@garyg1254]

You seem to be quite knowledgeable when using this program. Do you know if this program can be used to run a New Hermes Vanguard 7000 engraving machine. Thanks in advance.

[@makeCNCTV]

if your control board can handle step and direction signals from a parallel port on a PC or USB through a UC100 adaptor then it should work fine if the software is configured correctly for the board and stepper motors

[@daviddike7456]

Sir, could you kindly help cause Mach3 dont permit motor turning value input (Erro found art code 9991)

[@mendimano]

Nice tutorial thank you for sharing, Mine port is COM3 usb to serial so under properties there is no resources for adress, any sugestions? And what if i build my own CNC ? how to configure your pin outs?

[@agustinfregossi7932]

Have you solve it? I have same problem

[@youngmasterpete]

great tutorial, many thanks. Is there a way to define your print area?

[@vladroitman1234]

I've got 6040 machine. Cannot get spindle working and rotating. XYZ is working, Can not start rotating. Can you help me with advice?

[@VladOnEarth]

research the ports. I have that machine. All working, except actual drilling LOL. Still trying to figure all settings on my own. Very embarrassing that is.

[@shivermetimber872]

I had same problem with my 6090... came from China with a 110v plug... spliced it to 220v and spindle started working along with readings on operator display on power inverter cabinet

[@siliquaesid703]

Irregardless?!? NO SUCH WORD (unless you re a Canuck which I'm guessing you are as you use mm and used THAT non-word) ;-). GREAT VID thanks.

[@BlackZoneSL]

So how do we calculate the number of steps per (MM or Inch)? You said it was easy. I hope for an easy answer.

[@eliasmora715]

hello paul: question, what can be the problem wen my pieces come out 24% smaller in scale... i have to trick it... doing every thing124% bigger in scale.. to get a desent result.. :( I am using MACH3 & "VECTRIC cut 2d" i have a 3040 router ( generic chinese) thanks man , great videos

[@3334ist]

Hi paul, i would like to run mach3 on my laptop as just a simulator, how should the program be configured?

[@CoolDude-vc2fl]

You have Flood Ctrl F button but how would you control Mist, where is mist button?

[@kamimillward8483]

Paul, i got my machine off of ebay and all of the instructions came in chinese. Even the cd. i followed your instructions but none of my motors will turn on or move. the only motor that run is the spindal motor after i hit the on switch. what can I do?

[@davidtwigg2926]

Kami Millward me too, followed the Mach 3 setup all seems ok on comp. screen but no motor movement. Help.

[@shivermetimber872]

I had problem with no spindle power on my 6090. Came with 110v power plug to inverter cabinet. Sure as shit spindle needed 220v, ran 220v everything working fine now. I mentioned this to tech support (CHINA) to maybe atleast label the box or cord 220v , better yet supply the right goddamn power cable

[@donshackelford9678]

this is what i have been looking for...

[@DesignThenMake]

wonderful and useful

[@miguelalgaranaz2992]

hello I followed your directions just like you said but my x axis will not move. I have a Chinese cnc 3040

[@marconeymarconey]

Same here.

[@marconeymarconey]

Did you ever figure it out?

[@hobbymechanics5939]

My x axis pin set up was 16 and 17 worked first time.

[@victornutsakpui9236]

HI PLEASE I HAVE ISEL ICP 3020 I DOWNLOADED THE MACH 3 BUT ITS NOT CONECTING TO THE CNC MASCHINE HOW DO I DO THE CONECTION?

[@leosilva1036]

Hello I¨m building a CNC plama but I need the plugging controls to install the THC control ESS-v10t5d1d config

[@samterian7694]

in engine config, 25000Hz for inch and metric?

[@بهاءرجب-ن5م]

Paul I have windows 8 64 bit are mach3 compatible with my windows?

[@dave21031963]

Only works on 32bit

[@tepansenteolt2980]

How I can convert my stl files to g code. any sugestions?

[@IslamYahia2011]

thats a very very good tutorial

[@zhiwarwadi6598]

my stepper motor Issued banging is this normal

[@suriyabala5860]

Sir how to check if the port is connected to mach3 Sir I had mach3 interface board I tried but. Not working ,help me to run

[@carlosbenitez9882]

Hello everyone. I bought a chinese cnc and it has mach 3 and another program. The only thing I know how to do is to turn on the machine. Does anyone know who can teach me on a 1 to 1 basis. I will pay and live here in Phoenix. Thanks

[@DEFINITIVEPENCHANT]

What do you need help with exactly? Establishing machine zero, part zero, jogging?

[@makeCNCTV]

to use MACH 3 with USB you need to purchase a UC100 adaptor from ebay

[@DieselRamcharger]

Thanks, this is a huge help.

[@TheThemrdomi]

very informative video, thank you!

[@AwesomeAndrew]

I think it is designed to work on xp

[@julioalvarez9686]

Hello I need help plz

[@barry-qr5hi]

fantastic stuff thank you

[@boganindustries]

Awesome! Great tutorials!

[@petergoose8164]

Very useful.

[@makhdoomaekonainsa1197]

I want to download this software in my system. Anyone can the share link or reply me with an email through which I can install this Mach 03 controller???

[@claudiocornejo8601]

Exelente video

[@adrianfgaleano]

You never sayd HOW to calculate "steps per mm"

[@rod050858]

I am having trouble with windows 7

[@azizqassim9257]

Please help me

[@markodjordjevic7867]

Vielen Lieben Dank :)

[@chasinsunsets917]

iregerdless? lol knew word as well..

[@jeffersonluiscorrea]

Great!!!

[@phearithly57]

hi

[@F111BMATHIS]

Wow, Bla, Bla, Bla, and I'm still unable to simply jog my machine much less anything else. Does anyone do the basics without all the talk? I really thought we'd be jogging it at least!