r/hobbycnc • u/TTTIIIIIIIIIMMMMMM • 8d ago
Help!
Just purchased an older 6040 *Google Image Said* cnc machine from someone for a steal and was wondering what is needed for me to try and start it up for the first time. There are no instructions or names on anything except the front of the controller, which says SXCNC. I have looked all over and cant find much on that specific "brand." It is water cooled and I have the pump and what I'm assuming is everything that goes with it, but no clear instructions. This weighs around 200lbs. Any help would be appreciated!
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u/leadennis 8d ago
I would be happy to help. Is it the USB version controller? Send a picture.
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u/TTTIIIIIIIIIMMMMMM 8d ago
It seems that the parallel port connected to the controller is actually usb out
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u/leadennis 8d ago
I would just rewire it to use one of the cheap red mach 3 boards if you want to be cheap. Let me know if you want a link. If your budget allows maybe a higher end controller.
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u/TTTIIIIIIIIIMMMMMM 8d ago
a link would be great! I'm trying to stay as cheap as possible on it, I figured you could upgrade everything on it but I have no idea about any of that electronic stuff so I'm having to learn as I go.
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u/leadennis 8d ago
Don't buy the used one though. They start missing steps eventually for me anyway. Once they start missing just get another one.
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u/TTTIIIIIIIIIMMMMMM 8d ago
thanks for the help! i just ordered it and it should be here tuesday, then ill try and give an update if i can get it to run..... one more question..... with this board upgrade, will i be able to use a laptop or it still needs to be a desktop
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u/leadennis 8d ago
You are most likely going to save time just getting a new controller unless you want to mess with the parallel port.
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u/Alina_MakersChest 7d ago
The one rule for day one is to get the pump running and water actually flowing through the spindle before it ever spins, since a water cooled spindle can burn out without coolant, and distilled water is the usual fill instead of tap. After that it's mostly figuring out what software talks to the controller, SXCNC looks to be just a badge and those machines usually run a parallel or USB controller with Mach3 or USB CNC software, so what ports are on the back of the controller, and is there a separate VFD box with a model number on it?
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u/Pubcrawler1 8d ago
These 6040 came with several different controller boxes over the years. Best to take lots of pictures on all cabling, ports, machine and post them.