Warco DNC18 Mill/Digital Dream controllers

[PippinParticipant @phillspowart84010]

I was very impressed by the new Warco CNC mill at MMEX this year, and am considering buying one. I’d like to read other peoples informed opinions before doing so.

It looks a good size for it’s price, it has a Digital Dream CNC control, which has been offered for years for home built machines. Obviously the control is going to be fairly basic, though they are now offering an upgraded “Expert” control. It’ll be a step down from the Prototrak machines at work, but if I’m doing programming on my laptop it shouldn’t be a problem.

What are peoples opinions on both Warco and DDCNC?

[Dave SParticipant @daves59043]

I’m quite happy with the DDCS expert in my CNC.

Just works and is quite intuitive to use

Dave

[PippinParticipant @phillspowart84010]

Am I right in thinking it has the option to control feedrate with the mpg handwheel for program proving/checking? (Called traking on XYZ Prototraks)

[Adrian R2Participant @adrianr2]

Looks like a good machine, I recall asking Warco about CNC at the Alexandra Palace exhibition some years ago and them saying “no call for it, our customers like turning handwheels”. Times have clearly changed.

If you do buy then please share your experiences.

[John HaineParticipant @johnhaine32865]

IIRC Sir John S. used a number of these controllers in upgrading old Denford mills in educational establishments and thought very highly of them.

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

Well I’m still happy with my Warco 280 after 18years of use in which time it has needed very little attention.

I see Warco have just added a few more photos showing what the new version will be like with the upgraded control and more of an enclosure. Seems the first batch sold out as it is now pre order so there must be a demand and it is not a bad price for the size of machine, less cost than my Sieg KX-3 and with more travel.

I don’t tend to test run any programs on the machine, I do it all in the simulation in Fusion 360 so would not need the facility to wind my way through a program with the  MPG.

Interesting that they have got the X&Y handwheels on it, I assume there may be an option to use it manually otherwise little point in having them.

As said keep us posted of how you get on if you buy.

[JasonB]

On JasonB Said:

 

I don’t tend to test run any programs on the machine, I do it all in the simulation in Fusion 360 so would not need the facility to wind my way through a program with the  MPG.

Does Fusion 360 CAM have a Post Processor for Digital Dream?  My preliminary research suggests not but does this matter?

I was impressed by the size of the Warco but it would take up quite a bit of workshop space.  I’ve been idly wondering about modifying one of the Amadeal ball screw mills to run Mach3 as I already have a license.

Amadeal VM28H

Rod

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

Warco site says you can use the Mach3 PP. DaveS who posted earlier in the thread uses F360 so should be able to confirm

[Dave SParticipant @daves59043]

Is use Linux CNC as a post, cant remember offhand of if I have to tweak it. (Currently building a touch probe in the Garage)

I only use the MPG to move to machine around for setup, but there is a “try cut” button.

I also simulate in Fusion, then “just send it” when I’m in the garage.

If your near Nottingham you are welcome to come see it in person

 

Dave

 

[PippinParticipant @phillspowart84010]

I’m in Derby, so yes I’d be interested. I’m a machinist by trade, currently using XYZ Prototraks, which I quite like for jobbing work. I absolutely hate running things without any kind of feed override/try cut, too many years of finding both my own and others programming errors!

I will keep you all posted, I think I’ll be giving them a call monday.

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

Probably depends on what you are doing with the machine. Some of my 3D paths can run for a couple of hours so even if I upped the feed rate it would be a lot of time watching it air cutting and I’d probably not see a small unusual move if it were running quickly anyway.

[PippinParticipant @phillspowart84010]

I like to prove the program in simulation, and use the override to watch the tool in to prove the tool and work offsets. Once it looks good I let it go, unless there’s any weird fixturing I’m nervous about. I’ve even been caught out on proven production programs, with tools I’ve already watched in and proven :O

[oilcanParticipant @oilcan]

Now that I am the owner of a nice shiny brand new DNC18 mill, I was wondering what software would be best to purchase. I’m reasonably proficient in QCAD and Alibre Design – well, I can manage to do what I want to do, but whether that’s proficient could be another matter! I was thinking along the lines of Alibre Workshop purely because I already have an Alibre product.
How intuitive/easy to use are the ones Warco recommend? Solidcam, Matercam, Lazycam, RhinoCam, Sharpcam, Fusion 360?
I must confess to not knowing anything about CAM, so any advice greatly received

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

I did have a trial of the MeshCAM which is what you get in the Alibre Workshop but felt it to be quite basic and more intended for the “maker” using a simple gantry router type machine with wood or plastics rather than a more mill based machine cutting metal.

I design in Alibre Professional but use the free Fusion360 for all my CAM without problems. Seems selecting the Mach3Mill post processor in F360 will work for Digital Dream

Although a bit dated as F360 has changed layout a bit the basics are still all the same as shown in this playlist, the first 5 videos about getting started with F360 CAM.

[oilcanParticipant @oilcan]

Thanks for the reply Jason. I shall give Fusion360 a go. the videos look interesting and just the thing I need.

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

They are what I learnt from, any questions just ask.

To get you started where he selects “CAM” top left, that is now called “Manufacturing”

To get one of your Alibre parts into fusion to practice on open the part in Alibre then go top left to “file” then “export” and select” STEP file” which is at the top of the list and save it to your PC. Then with F360 running go to File which is the second item in from the top left, select “open” and at the bottom of that screen is “open from my computer” click that and then find the STP. file you exported from Alibre.

[mikebrownParticipant @mikebrown]

I am considering getting a DNC18.  The alternative might be to import an old Maho MH400E from Germany and upgrading the controls, which would no doubt result in a much better machine but more cost and a lot more effort.  I wondered what Oilcan thinks of his mill now you’ve had it a few months?

[Derek cottissParticipant @derekcottiss41883]

Any reports on its accuracy available ?

[Author]

Posts