CNC Machine Control Using Mach3 - A Beginners Introduction #1

Controlling a CNC machine will require good, reliable software to operate. This software is responsible for communicating directly to the controller board that has all of the motors, switches and spindle attached. We use a program in our shop to manage our CNC wood and plastic cutting routers called Mach3. This software is manufactured by Newfangled Solutions to perform these housekeeping duties. This video is devoted to how and why we use this program. This is a quick starting guide to get you going, the real learning will come with using it.

All Materials Found Here (c) The Guru Brew Tech Web Show

[tomkay]

Steve, sorry, I just found the "Offline" button and pressed it. This allowed me to press the RESET button, cause it to stop flashing, then execute Cycle Start. It worked. Thanks Steve ! You are a Master ! Cheers, Tom.

[chuckpar]

Hello Steve. I want to thank you for your videos. I've recently purchased a milling machine which I am in the process of converting to CNC. This is a new hobby for me as I build a CNC solution ground up (CNC4PC and Automation Tech); laptop, C10 BOB, drivers, stepper motors, power supplies, Mach3. Your videos have made this hobby a lot of fun as since I've been successful along the way. I highly recommend to anyone with an interest in CNC to subscribe.

[kiotipass]

Machine I purchased, some time ago, came with a mach3 license. A senior c newbee beginner without the foggiest idea of how to set up & run the machine. Must say that your video with a step by step hands on approach is what I've been looking for. Feel more at ease & comfortable now from you video, when I actually get around to setting it up. Got a ways to go yet. Setup is with a PC using XP. Thanks for taking the time to share your expertise and knowledge of mach3 with a grassroots beginner. Like you approach. Will check out your other videos. Very nicely done. KK

[leeloxleigh]

Hi, I've used cnc machines before, but not Mach 3. Having just purchased a machine running Mach 3 I found your video to be a great introduction. I have now subscribed to your channel. 🇬🇧

[GarageAndFarm]

Older video, but this content is still point on !! I'm new to running Mach3. And your video has given me a great start.

[arbelelectronics]

First class video. I have a 4 axis machine arriving this week. Feel a bit more confident now about setting it up

[redtagcow]

I have just ordered my 6040 machine and this tutorial is great.  Thanks

[richardshearer]

Very calm and very precise in the way you deliver the subject information. Easy to understand! Very thorough in details. Good Teacher! Keep up the good work!

[stephenjones]

Mach3 doesn't require much to run. One issue people may experience involves on-board/integrated video graphics. I had random issues with certain things not operating effectively when the computer was operating with default 32mb on-board graphics setting. Increasing the graphics in bios settings to 128mb fixed the random issues. Random issues consisted of not running utilities from the wizard menu. Integrated graphics share RAM with other functions in the computer to include Mach3 when it is running. Of course certain Windows updates may cause things to change so I do not recommend updating the operating system unless it is absolutely necessary. Computer should be dedicated to CNC and should not be accessing internet frequently to justify patching it. Other considerations are shutdown and uninstall everything (clean install) that is not necessary for function of CNC, performance should improve and antivirus/firewalls may interfere with CNC processes/efficiency.

[hankus]

Thanks Steve for the Mach3 intro and also putting me back on the fence between CNC router or 3D printer.  No room for both, but weighing the possible uses of each in my current projects.

[brucewatkins]

Great intro for a rank beginner like me. built my own machine, still in process of finishing it. enjoyed the video.

[Kevin-xuhx]

The way you explained getting started let me understand some things that the Mac 3 videos were not clear on, Thank You!

[gonefishing]

I am new to the cnc thing doing research for a new hobby. I have manual mill and lathes I want to try to build my own cnc table. Thanks for your help great video going to watch some more.

[jh]

Thank you for the video, who ever suggested speeding up the video, your absolutely right.  My a.d.d. worked perfect for that

[joserizzi]

hi, I saw your video first time a few minutes ago. I started constructing my own cnc machine a week ago and I was looking for a video just to learn how to configurate the Mach3 turn and mill when I found yours. It´s really interesting and I could learn a lot with it. Congrats for your disposition to teach many people around the world how to handle this marvelous software. I´m using USB to comunicate to the board and I didn´t have any success using it.

[waltonr]

Pretty darn good tutorial to get one started on Mach3. I am hooked.

[garthnewman]

Too much alright, found this to be easy to follow and to understand the Mac3, thanks

[leotedbeaver]

Hi Steve, you have such a cool calm approach well done, I am Building a complete wood/acrylic routing machine 1200x800mm, For our new Makerspace Ashfield UK, I have built an extruded aluminium frame with MDF worktop till I can upgrade to Aluminium, I have yet to make the control box as I am interested in building mosty by ourselves, IE bending up a box - fitting BOBs and drivers 2.2 kw woater cooled motor--- We got an XP computer, A Mach3 licence and decent leadscrews and runners. wish us luck in early 2025- Leo

[cwgoforth]

Super introduction to Mach3! Thank you!

[tivideosAZ]

Very well explained. You got me interested - Now I gotta check out Mach3!