Successfully completed DIY Mach3 plasma CNC retrofit.

My setup:

- Mach3

- PoKeys57CNC motion controller

- PoKeys THC module

- DIY floating Z head

- Dual Y-axis configuration

- X, Y, and Z axis

The machine is running successfully and everything is working together: motion control, floating head probing, and torch height control.

I built the floating Z head myself and integrated it into the system for reliable initial Z zeroing before cutting. The THC handles height control during the cut.

If anyone is working on a similar retrofit, PoKeys57CNC + Mach3 setup, THC integration, dual Y-axis configuration, or a DIY floating head, feel free to ask. I’m happy to share my experience and help where I can.

Hey everyone,

I’m a software developer who loves to build things and, above all, find ways to simplify processes. Early this year, I finally took the plunge and bought my first CNC kit (OpenBuilds LEAD CNC).

To be honest. I was immediately overwhelmed.

The learning curve felt incredibly steep. Trying to navigate bloated CAD/CAM software packages, understanding feeds and speeds, figuring out clearance heights. I spent more time wrestling with tools and files than actually carving.

I wanted the process of going from a vector design to a finished carve to be fast, simple, and actually enjoyable. So, I decided to build my own solution: RouterCut.

And yes, yes AI was heavily used but who doesn't use AI these days?

About RouterCut. It’s an interactive, high-performance CNC toolpath planning and G-code generation dashboard. I built the UI using Flutter for a modern, clean look and wrote the heavy math/path planning in Rust so it runs fast directly in your browser. If you know Flutter framework. That means I can build it for all major platforms MacOS, Windows, Linux, iOS and Android.

Here is what I've built into it so far:

• Fast SVG Parsing: Just import your SVG vectors.
• Advanced Carving Operations: Supports profile cuts, concentric pocket clearing, high-speed Adaptive Trochoidal pocketing (continuous spirals to prevent tool slotting), V-carving, and Prism carving.
• Real-time 3D Simulation: A fully interactive viewport that simulates the physical material removal (carving) in real time so you can inspect your toolpaths before running them.
• Machining Stats: Live feed of estimated cutting times, rapid travels, and retraction count.
• Multi-Dialect Post-Processors: Easily export G-code formatted for GRBL, Marlin, LinuxCNC/Mach3, or Haas/Fanuc.

You can try the web app version directly here:  https://routercut.kasem.dev

Since I'm actively developing this to make it the easiest way to generate toolpaths, I'd love to hear your feedback, feature requests, or what bugs you run into with your specific CNC setups.

If you want to follow along with the project or need help generating code for a specific file, I also set up a subreddit at r/RouterCut where we can discuss setup issues, share G-code configs, and post cool projects you've made with it!

Let me know what you think, and if there are any specific post-processors or carving operations you'd like me to add!

Next in my ToDo list:
- Add gcode sender feature.
- Publish to other platforms i.e. MacOS, iOS, Android, Windows or Linux.

Hi there,

I've been a CNC Machinist (75% Milling - 25% Turning for oil&gas, aerospace, job shops) for the past 8 years and have always dreamed of opening my own shop.

Rather than directly competing with local shops from the start, I want to first build a financial cushion by buying a used CNC mill and machining simple work-holding kits (123 blocks, serrated clamps, step blocks, flange nuts, T-slot nuts etc...) and selling them under a brand name to fund more machines, and more advanced work-holding solutions (fixture plates, toe clamps, drop-in T-slot nuts, vise stops, soft jaws etc..). The idea is to start small, building a Canadian manufacturing brand that makes and sells commodity items every machine shop needs, then move towards premium work-holding products, and finally grow to the point where I have enough machines to run the work-holding business + bid and take on more specialized custom machining work (preferably aerospace)...

Assuming I already have my first machine, and the space + tools + power for it, my questions to you are:
- What do you think of this specific progressive business model idea ?
- What would be your advice for success for me?
- What do you foresee going right/wrong?
- Would you recommend a different starting point than commodity milling work-holding? - Can you think of any other high demand and simple to machine products to start with?
- How would you go about starting a CNC shop in 2026? - Alberta or Ontario for the best execution ?

PS: Not to be rude, but please refrain from commenting if you don't actually know what you're talking about. I'm looking for constructive input specifically on the business model from Veterans of the trade, with a good understanding of the Canadian Machining landscape as a whole.

Thanks ALL!!!

Open source G-code generator for CNC door milling

Open source G-code generator for CNC door milling

I retrofitted an old door milling machine's dead control to LinuxCNC, and I made this app to generate the G-code for it.
you write your G-code once with placeholder variables, and the app fills them in, so switching to different diameters of hinges/locks/barrel or adjusting their position and count for different door is easy and doesn't require hand-editing files every time.
I made it open source (GPLv3), and decided to share for people with similar use case.
Github repository : https://github.com/maro7tigre/cnc_doors_milling

also, this started as a similar app I made for frame milling on a different control, also open source (GPLv3) incase you are interested: https://github.com/maro7tigre/cnc_frames_milling

I was planning to merge the two into one generic version, that is configurable for any similar milling use case (your own sets, parameters, previews....) but am not sure if and when I may proceed with that idea..

6.35mm to 8mm and 25mm long. Anyone got any recommendations for a better one and where to buy? I do plastics and aluminimum.

Hi, i'm building myself a 1010 cnc without any plans. After alot of wiring, soldering and building i've finally started programming my controller (MKS DLC32 MAX) but since i have dual steopers on the Y-axis i want auto squaring and run both motor on different outputs.

I've tried to setup the A-axis as Y2 and Y-axis as Y1 but i can't get it to work. After 1 week of googling, talked with ChatGPT, asked around on forums, Facebook and scrolled done GitHub i'm giving up.

My question is that if anyone have made this work, or do i need a new controller?

What kind of controller would you recommend? Budget is under $200-$250. And i really want it plug and play since i'm tired of reading through bad documentation to understand how i can connect "a limit switch". I really want a controller where i plug in "Y1 and Y2" they just work after some step adjustments.

P.s: The frame is not 100% done so if you see anything i can improve please let me know. The z-axis will eventually run with 4 blocks on the HGR20-rails with a 10 mm thick aluminium front plate. At first i will just run a Makita palm router but i hope i've built it to carry a 2kw+ water cooled spindle at a later time.

Ps2: I'm completely new to cnc and have never tried it before but i run a laser engraving business so i'm familiar with gantry machines.

I am trying to do 5-axis milling as a hobby. And I work with Mach3 and Powermill 2026.

I cobbled together a Postprocessor myself, which I'm not entirely sure is actually right?

And I'm actually looking for people who understand Powermill well? And whom I might be able to ask a question to every now and then.

Are there any such people here?

https://www.arjan-swets.com/hardware/cnc/cnc2/cnc2_5axis/cnc2_5axis_software.html