This group is intended for those just starting out in the wonderful world of Mach 3, those who feel the need for a less intimidating forum that is geared more to beginners and advanced hobbyists, and those who know Mach 3 and want to help.

Mach 3 is a CNC operating software program produced by ArtSoft Inc.. You can access it at: http://www.machsupport.com/ It is an affordable way to upgrade/update older CNC lathes and milling machines. You can buy a good, used, desktop computer with a P-4 chip, 20 gigabytes of hard drive, 512 MB RAM, Windows XP, a monitor and keyboard, install Mach 3 and be on your way for less than $400. When replacing/updating factory operating systems on some cnc lathes and milling machines can cost up to $10,000-$20,000 and more, one realizes very quickly that Mach 3 offers the hobbyist an affordable alternative and a great way to rescue and rehabilitate old iron.

Do-It-Yourselfers appreciate Mach 3 too for their CNC conversions. Bear in mind that converting a manual, benchtop, milling machine to CNC requires drivers, servo or stepper motors, a ball screw, fittings and fasteners, etc.. These parts can add up to $1,000 and and more very quickly, depending upon what you choose - it's the old Chevy vs. new Caddy story. I'd like to hear from anyone and everyone who has done this with an accurate accounting of their parts' costs. I believe that it would be a big help to those who are contemplating a CNC conversion for their lathe and/or milling machine. I can recall one thread elsewhere on which a writer claimed that his CNC hardware cost was approximately $600. He still had the expense of the computer and programming, but I can't recall where that was or whether it was a lathe or mill.

Mach 3 comes as the standard, operating, software system used by several CNC lathe and milling machine manufacturers.

In short, this forum is meant to be a user-friendly site for learners, lurkers, and the learned :-)