Microrouter Pro (2600) - How to get started?

[illenium]

Hi Guys,

we've been reading up quite a bite over the weekend on our just recently acquired Microrouter Pro (2600).

We got it at an auction, unknown condition. We took it home, cleaned it up, vacuumed, checked for loose connections etc.. all seems to check out.

Turned it on, light and fan come on.

We ordered a Serial to USB cable online thats said to be compatible.

What is our next step to get this thing going, which software of the ones offered by Denford would we
have to download to see it come to live?

We are basically complete newbs who used pantographs in the past and now upgraded to (what is hopefully) a (working) CNC machine

Any helps is much appreciated.

PS: Yes we read the manual, even more confused now

[TDIPower]

I believe to 'drive' the machine you want VR Milling V5.xx (xx being what ever current version is on the site).

That will give you the power move the machine about using G code. You can also import DXF drawing files and convert them in to the G code to move it about. So that is for 2D or 2.5D machining (2D single depth, 2.5D paths may have different depths).

If you are wanting to machine full 3D profiles you will need QuickCAM Pro, this will allow you to import 3D drawing files (stl format) normally exported from your CAD program, set the material properties, cutters and milling paths you want to follow then create the G code files that you an open in VR5

I would contact denford sales and have to hand the info off the machine plate (serial number etc) and they will be able to confirm the above.

Once you have the program to control the machine it is quite straight forward to get simple things done, you then start to learn more and play more with methods to get the job done.

Pete