CNC Shark Forum

The controller software won't load unless it can connect to the controller. I think that is a really dumb artificial limitation. There have been times when I have wanted to evaluate a new version of the software before installing it on my production machine and potentially disrupting my ability to ...

Here is what I have found works for me. I use an up-spiral 2 flute .250 dia carbide bit. Straight flute bits tend to chatter with these hard materials. (and don't clear chips well either) Depth of cut per pass is .02 - .03 inches ( yes, thats a LOT of passes) travel speed is 20 ipm and plunge speed...

And what is your saw blade good for after a foot or so of that 3/4" plate? Hammer and chisel will work too, but a band saw with a metal cutting blade or a plasma cutter are much better choices. I'm not sure why people insist on giving opinions on topics they clearly know nothing about. Very few ban...

Thanks. I was more interested in responses from those who do, rather than the naysayers. I've owned a CNC mill for the past 17 years, but it isn't conveniently located. Aluminum is just another material to be machined. It may also shock you to know I saw aluminum on my table saw. 3/4" thick plate dr...

For those who dare to machine aluminum on your Shark- I've done a little machining of aluminum on the Shark. The results were mixed - encouraging, but not good. And sometimes frightening. Light cuts, in the .015-.025" range, tend to be the rule to the non-rigid nature of the machine. Sticking with s...

Drillman1 on ebay. Great prices and bits.

I checked the USB cable, it is perfectly fine.

Would the Emergency Stop button in software have behaved any differently from the Pause button?

That is a grea tip, thank you.

With some of my projects it does not matter. But sometimes I am trying to cut slots in plastic that are only .010" - .030" wide, and sometimes those slots are circular. Oh, the humanity!

Thanks, Milo. That helps!

I think it really needs a help screen. I'd hope space bar might be E-stop, but it isn't something I'd like to experiment with.

What do the keyboard keys do? I was unable to find any online help in Shark control, including the new 1.5K version.

Thanks.