SIMPLY CNC

ABOUT US
Simply CNC came about after spending years working with CNC in the home workshop and after many mistakes and a never ending
effort of sourcing parts around the world, we decided that it would be good if everyone could have the advantages of power feeds
on all axis, digital readout (DRO) and total repeat precision, not to mention being able to machine impossible items with a perfect
finish every time, so we set off to see if we could reduce the cost enough to make it a reality in every workshop.

We would need to offer a turnkey system and also parts for everyone who wants to build their own systems at a reasonable cost. We
are basically an internet company but with the difference of telephone support for our products.

Hardware
We are the sole UK and European distributors for Xylotex motion control systems. Xylotex is a young American company which is
headed by Jeff Pollard . His go get it attitude is the main thing that attracted us to his products of which there are many in
development and we are proud to be part of this very interesting, exciting future.

For people that may not want to buy an off the shelf system we have every component in stock that would be required to build your
own.

Software
We are also very fortunate to have had the chance of significant input to the development of the fastest Windows CNC software in the
world for which we are also the UK distributor. The software called Artsoft Mach1 is the brainchild of Art Fennerty from Nova
Scotia, his tireless effort over 3 years has increased pulse speeds from 5000 pulses per second in Windows 98 to a staggering 45000
pulses per second in Windows 2000/XP. This makes for turbine smooth motion when connected to a Xylotex stepper driver board.

The future
Our vision for the future involves making our own hardware mounting kits, for all the more popular machines and our own brand of
stepper motors. We also intend to eliminate the ball screw cost problem and of course the excessive cost of servo motor systems.
Along with many other innovations which are in the pipeline but require vast amounts of time and money. We are dedicated to
making low cost CNC available to everyone and not just the hobby market either. We have big plans for the future and feel with the
thoroughly decent people at the helm of our suppliers, it fits in well with our ethos of a high standard of personal service, which costs
money but is in our experience priceless and is disappearing alarmingly quickly as time goes on.

WHATS SO GREAT ABOUT CNC ANYWAY ?

CNC is a vast subject and means different things to different people, depending on what they are making and whether or not they are
mass producing an item.

In its simplest form while being used in a hobby setting, its main advantages are:

Large digital readout, which really makes a difference when your eyesight starts to lose its edge.

With our software you can make the digital readouts as large as you like and move from inch to
metric easily.

Next has to be never having to manually wind an axis again, especially those of us who have longer than average x axis.

Infinitely variable power feeds on all axis (this will give you the best finish you have ever seen)

Accurate resolution to 0.0005thou 0.025mm or better.

Very rapid precision positioning ( great for repeat movements )

Manual data input ( which is a kind of manual CNC)

Engraving letters and photographs.

Finally under full software control - cutting circles, curves and any shape you can draw.

OK SO WHAT MAKES UP A CNC SET UP ?

13 amp plug

A computer with
CNC software

Stepper driver electronics

and power supply

stepper motors

NOTE: AT THIS TIME, SIMPLY CNC DO NOT SUPPLY MOUNTING HARDWARE TO

FIT STEPPER MOTORS TO ANY PARTICULAR MACHINE TOOL. IT IS LEFT TO THE
CUSTOMER TO OBTAIN AND FIT MOUNTING BRACKETS, TIMING PULLEYS AND
TIMING BELTS. WE WILL HOWEVER ASSIST WITH PART NUMBERS, SUPPLIERS
DETAILS AND ANY ADVICE REQUIRED. WE WILL BUILD A STOCK OF
HARDWARE PARTS AS THE BUSINESS PROGRESSES.

CONVERTING YOUR MACHINE TOOL TO CNC

There are three different ways to convert any machine to CNC with Simply CNC

Buy the ready made off the shelf system

Buy the components and build it yourself

Buy the stepper driver board and source the rest of the parts yourself

BUYING THE READY MADE SYSTEM

This is by far the safest and quickest way to get up and running. Because all the parts have been tested to destruction, we know
exactly what goes and what doesnt . We have made all the mistakes for you, so you simply plug in the 13amp plug switch on the
computer, press a keyboard button and watch the corresponding stepper motor whizz in to life.

This is the best route for people who are not electronically minded or need to get their system up and running quickly.

You will have to make your own mounting brackets and supply your own timing gear and belts, but we will tell you what size of
pulleys you need and where to get them.

BUYING THE COMPONENTS AND BUILD IT YOURSELF

It is possible to buy all the electronic parts from us and assemble them yourself . This will save you the cost and time searching
around for all the parts and you will be sure that all the parts will work correctly if you are careful during wiring and building. Some
parts come partially assembled so this saves you time and the possibility of making mistakes while assembling.

This is a good route if you have a basic electronic understanding and are not in a hurry. The problem with this approach is that it can
turn into a project on its own and if a part is accidentally damaged, you will have to buy it again as no refund on components can be
given.

BUYING THE STEPPER DRIVER BOARD ONLY

As we are the sole UK distributor for Xylotex stepper boards, we hold the products in stock and we are quite happy to supply boards
only for those of you who wish to build a system from scratch. We will supply you with any information that is required to get the
board up and running.

This is the riskiest method of CNC, because if for any reason you smoke the board, you have lost the board and the money.

This would be the best route if you are as interested in electronics than you are in putting CNC on your machine.

Only you can decide which method suits your ability, your pocket and time scale. No matter which you decide on, we are here to help.

WHAT ABOUT THE COMPUTER?

Whether we supply the computer or you use your own there are certain criteria that must be met for Simply CNC software to work,
the specifications are as follows:

Processor

Pentium PII 233 or better (Duron 1300 recommended)

Ram

64mb (128mb recommended)

Hard drive

4gb

Screen

colour svga

Printer port

parallel

Keyboard

standard

Mouse

standard

Operating system: You must have Windows 2000 or Windows XP for our advanced software to run, but there is a basic system for
those of you who want to use Windows 98.

Note: Most laptops and machines with dual processors are not suitable for our software, please contact us if you require any further
information.

Computers need not be new and can be picked up at reasonable cost in the local press or in second hand computer shops. We intend to
keep a stock of second hand as well as refurbished new computers for your convenience, but this will be subject to availability at the
time.

Due to shipping problems Simply CNC are unable to supply any computer screens, whether new or used.

CNC SOFTWARE
There are many CNC software packages which will generate the pulses that are sent from the computer to the stepper driver. The
software that we at Simply CNC have chosen is called Mach 1. It has been developed over the past 4 years by a firm in Canada, and
is without a doubt the most advanced windows software in the world. Over the development period we had a significant input into the
design of the interface and along with a few hundred other enthusiasts spent many hours testing software updates and regularly
sending information back and forth as changes and further testing were carried out, sometimes solving major problems in one night
alone. What made this even easier is the fact that Canada and the United States seem to come alive when we in the UK are just going
to sleep and this led to much burning of the midnight oil, but meant that we were there in the thick of it, which led to a great
relationship with the author, not to mention a deep understanding of the problems that had to be beaten to get the job done.

There are four versions of the software:

MASTER 5 CNC

MACH 1 CNC

MACH 2 CNC

SIMSOFT CNC

MASTER 5 CNC

A basic level but very capable software package, which was the forerunner to the later Mach1+2 and runs under the Windows 98
operating system. It is no longer supported or updated and has a max pulse frequency of 5000 pulses per second. It will do anything
you want, but is slower than the later versions.

Only use this software if you are limited to Windows 98.

MACH 1 CNC

Mach 1 CNC is first in the series to use the new software engine which uses all sorts of cunning trickery to make Windows do as its
told when its told. Its format is similar to Master 5 in that all features are displayed on one page, but is a far more capable package
and boasts a pulse frequency of 8000 pulses per second, which makes for a very smooth and fast pulse train. This is a good all round
package.

Use this software if you have Windows 2000 or XP operating system.

MACH 2 CNC

This is the latest version which is actively being developed at the moment. Not only have the pulse rates been hiked up beyond belief
to 45000, but the format is different in that there are multiple pages with different functions on each page. It is also capable of driving
plasma cutters with special additions to raise and lower the torch head and has a lathe module which is 85% finished, which will be
capable of very clever control.

This is aimed at the very serious hobbyist/commercial market.

Use this software if you want serious speed and multiple screens, it requires Windows 2000 or XP.

SIMSOFT CNC
Simsoft CNC uses the latest Mach 2 software engine, but is fronted by our own screen interface
which has been designed to simplify the use of the software for the first time user and experienced user alike. It basically uses only
the screen components that would be used on a milling machine and does away with a large amount of superfluous information.

The advantage of this is that the software can be updated as the users expertise and confidence progresses, thus ending up with a
screen that suits your style of working and the components you make.

Simsoft CNC is available free, but is limited to a very respectable pulse rate of 25000 pulses per second. For a full speed version
(45000 pps) you will require a fully licensed version which is available at a very reasonable cost.

Note: Due to the nature of the way in which all our software takes control of Windows, it is strongly recommended that you do not
surf the internet while using your machine for CNC work. If you want to use one machine for both tasks, we recommend that you
partition your drive to give the system the reliability it needs.

STEPPER DRIVER CONTROLLER

Our systems are based on bipolar circuits. When comparing CNC components, do not confuse our high performance products with
unipolar products on the market .

The stepper controller hardware consists of one stepper drive board per axis which takes power from the power pack and feeds it to
the stepper motor in the form of pulses on demand from the computer.

For an off the shelf package there are three different sizes of controllers which roughly speaking break down as follows:

STANDARD ALLOY ENCLOSURE

SM 2500 which is suitable for a Sherline , Taig or Cobra size mills

595.00 + V.A.T.

SM 3000 which is suitable for the mill drill sized range of machines

please phone

SM 7000 which would be used for machines larger than a mill drill, up to Bridgeport size

1993.00 + V.A.T.

Each of the SM range can be housed in four different styles of housings depending on your needs.

The first is our standard fully enclosed desktop alloy enclosure , which is low profile and very neat. This is the enclosure that is
supplied unless otherwise specified. If you want to wall mount this enclosure, inform us at the time of order and we will build it
accordingly.

The second and simplest method is to fit the entire system into a fully working computer supplied by us with the software loaded and
ready to go.

That way you only have 1 box lying around the workshop - this is denoted by the letter C as a suffix to the model

number i.e. SM 2500C.

The third is to install the system in a new empty computer case without any computer inside. This allows the end user to transfer their
existing computer internals into a shiny hi tech case and again means you only have one box lying around the workshop.

The fourth is our top of the range alloy enclosure. This enclosure is brought in from Germany and is aimed at people who want the
best . Its advantage is that it has a lot of space for later updates and is very pleasing to the eye. We build this enclosure with
extremely high quality fittings. It is exclusive and thus will not be sold as a separate part.

Stepper motors
The subject of stepper motors is vast as is the range of quality that is available but can be broken down by size and application.
There are three basic sizes as apply to machine tools.

Size 23 steppers which come as single stack, double stack and triple stack( this size of stepper is suitable for the sherline / taig
size machines.

A single stack 23

A double stack 23

Size 34 which also come as single, or double stack which suit mill / drill size of machines.

Size 34 triple stack which is suitable for all machines above mill / drill, up to bridgeport size

A triple stack 34

We are happy to supply stepper motors but can only supply them in conjunction with the relevant driver boards

XLOTEX MOTION CONTROL

FOR PEOPLE WHO WANT TO BUILD THEIR OWN

We are the UK & European distributors for Xylotex motion control products, the range as it stands at present includes , a 3axis 2.5
amp bipolar board and single axis 2.5 amp bipolar board, there are many new products on the way, and customers will be kept
informed as new products emerge.

The XS-3525/8S-3 Stepper Driver Board

Three axis bipolar controller 2.5 Amp/Phase
PWM controlled
Drives up to 28.5 Volt (w/BEMF) FULL, HALF, QUARTER,
& EIGHTH step/Full Step 5 Volt Logic ( < 50mA typ.)
Synchronous Rectification Internal UVLO and
Thermal Shutdown circuitry
500 KHz Maximum Step Frequency
Easy connect for most popular Step/Directioncontrol software
Small Size: 4.275" X 2.84"

94 plus Vat & delivery

The XS-3525/8S-1 Stepper Driver Board

Single axis bipolar controller 2.5 Amp/Phase
PWM controlled
Drives up to 35 Volt (w/BEMF) FULL, HALF, QUARTER,
& EIGHTH step/Full Step 5 Volt Logic ( < 50mA typ.)
Synchronous Rectification Internal UVLO and
Thermal Shutdown circuitry
500 KHz Maximum Step Frequency
Easy connect for most popular Step/Direction control software
Small Size: 2.1" X 2.1"
28 plus vat & delivery
www.simplycnc.com

The cobra cnc

CNC MADE EVEN SIMPLER

SPECIFICATION OVER LEAF

AVAILABLE FOR DELIVERY SOON

FROM SIMPLY CNC 01292 311377

COBRA

45deg Tilting column

Dovetail column
Safety shut off switch
Adjustable depth stop
Fine feed head control
Geared drive
Metric or Imperial Machines Available
Adjustable dovetail ways on column

Drilling capacity

10mm

3/8In

End Mill capacity

10mm

3/8In

Face Mill capacity

20mm

In

Table working surface

145x240mm

5x9In

Longitudinal travel

180mm

6In

Cross travel

90mm

3In

Max. Distance spindle to column

145mm

5In

Max. Distance spindle to table

220mm

8In

Angle of column tilt

45 left or

right

Number of spindle speeds Variable

Spindle speed low range

100~1000rpm

Spindle speed high range

100~2000rpm

Spindle taper

MT2

Table T-slot size

8mm x3

Motor

150W, 240V

Dimensions (LxDxH)

425 x 350 x 690mm 17 x 14 x 30In

Weight

25Kgs

Standard Accessories:
1-10mm Drill chuck
MT2 Drill chuck arbor (M10 Thread)
Milling drawbar (M10 Thread)
Variable speed
Spanners
Allen keys
Manual & Parts list

PRICE LIST
PRODUCTS
2.5AMP

XYLOTEX

single

AXIS BOARD ONLY

28

2.5AMP

XYLOTEX

3 AXIS BOARD ONLY

SM2501

2.5AMP SINGLE AXIS inc stepper and software etc

230

SM2503

2.5AMP 3 AXIS KIT inc steppers and software etc

(WALL OR DESK MOUNT)

595

COBRA TK2500

Cobra 3 axis CNC mill comes fully assembled. ready to use

94

Using our 3 axis electronic unit and hardware ( pulleys and belts etc)

995

MST 5

MASTER 5 CNC SOFTWARE

56

MC1

MACH 1

CNC

83

MC2

MACH 2

CNC

83

SOFTWARE

COMPUTERS.

SM2503C

DURON 1300 WITH COMPLETE 3AXIS SYSTEM (SM2503 )

STEPPER MOTORS

(ONLY SOLD WITH BOARDS)

845

SIZE 23 DOUBLE STACK

116 OZ IN

32

SIZE 23 TRIPLE STACK

230 OZ IN

42

SIZE 34 DOUBLE STACK

320 OZ IN

P.O.A

SIZE 34 TRIPLE STACK

1170 OZ IN

P.O.A

Any other components please ring

Please add VAT @17.5% to all prices

About Safety
YES This is the small print but please read
This is without a doubt the single most important subject in any brochure or on any website to do with CNC.
I hear you say hear we go bla bla bla, I too am sick of watching British Industry drowning under a sea of pathetic paper
exercises and risk assessments to keep some people happy that have never made anything in there lives, but thats not
what this is about, Its about that sickening feeling you get in the pit of you stomach when in a fraction of a second your
brain is hit with the realisation that youve either lost part of your body, or the reason you cant feel your hand is some
other strange phenomenon that you have just experienced for the first time, and then you look down at the blood dripping
and a million images pass through your head of everything you cant do if the damage is irreparable , Then you turn
extremely white every ounce of strength drains from your body and down you go, hopefully buy this time somebody has
hit the emergency stop, and you dont fall into your Colchester master which is spinning the chuck at 2500revs still
happily continuing to do exactly what cnc is telling it to do. And we havent even got to the bit about the pain yet.

Do You get the message ?

Cnc in itself is not unsafe, but you must understand in any setting there are many distractions even with the
spindle stopped that can cause a momentary lapse of attention leading to for example a go right input
resulting in a ballistic shoot to the left, if your new 26 super dooper end mill breaks thats very bad but if you
had your hand on the vice and your thumb got caught, its goodbye ten pin bowling as the torque of your little
stepper motor multiplied by your lead screw is way more powerful than the anti crush specification of the
standard issue thumb.

Do You get the message?

Always isolate everything before you go near any part of your machine, its cnc, its different so lets avoid
ever getting into the situation in the story above.

Do You get the message?

FREE DEMO CNC SOFTWARE