Centroid "Acorn" Step and Direction CNC Controller kit
This is a legacy page, to view up-to-date information and pricing please visit the Acorn Page on ShopCentroidCNC.com
Acorn CNC control kits are both a CNC Hardware and CNC Software DIY system designed to work together for easy CNC setup and operation with minimal fuss
Centroid "Acorn" Step and Direction CNC Controller kit: a
4 axis CNC control with built-in motion control CPU.
A reliable, high performance, industrial quality CNC control at a do-it-yourself price. Acorn utilizes an integrated 1Ghz ARM Cortex A8 Motion Control CPU and communicates with CNCPC via a fast and reliable Ethernet connection.
The Acorn CNC control board controls a wide variety of axis motors and drives
with industry standard step and direction command signal. Perfect for many types of machine tools such as: CNC milling machines, a wide variety of CNC Routers, CNC lathes to CNC Lasers, and other specialty applications. Compatible with small to large axis motors of all types and can be used with most any AC brushless servo motor drive packages such as: DMM, Delta, Estun, Teco, Teknic, Yaskawa and others. Any drive that accepts step and direction commands. Most all stepper motor drives are compatible with the Acorn board such as the popular Gecko and Leadshine stepper drives. Acorn runs on Centroid's proven industrial quality CNC control software.
The Acorn CNC system has been engineered, built, and tested at our Centroid facility in the USA. All units ship ready to run after thorough testing and quality control.
Acorn CNC controller kit
Add to CartEmail and Phone orders are also accepted.
Email diysales@centroidcnc.com or call 814-353-9256 ext 122
M-F 9-5 EST to place your orders.
Centroid Acorn CNC controller kit (part # 14455) includes:
- Acorn CNC control board
- Acorn Plug and Play Relay Relay Module
- Dual power 5 VDC and 24 VDC logic power supply
(50/60 Hz 100-120 VAC and 208-240 VAC input power)
- Logic power supply hookup leads
- 110 VAC power cord
- 15’ Shielded Ethernet cable
- Centroid CNC12 "Free" CNC Mill and Lathe software download
- Touch Screen Responsive Operator Controls
- DIY self service CNC support thru Centroid Community CNC Forum which is Centroid Technician monitored and maintained.
- Optional Factory Direct Technical Support is avalible
(Note: A 1920x1080 wide screen LCD Display is required and a Touch Screen is recommended.)
Bonus! Acorn Relay Module included with all Acorn CNC controller kit orders
Plug and Play Relay Outputs with the Acorn CNC Relay Board! Direct connection to the Acorn board with the supplied ribbon cable makes connecting and getting a relay board up and running a 5 second operation. The Plug and Play relay module allows CNC controlled connections to various CNC devices such as VFD’s, solenoids, lights, fans, pumps, motors, other larger relays and contactors in a compact format. The 8 relay module contains eight SPDT (Single Pole Double Throw) high current relays (10 AMPS at 250 VAC,and 10 amps at 30 VDC) which can directly control any device rated at or below the maximum rating of the relays. If higher current devices are required these relays can then in turn control larger relays or contactors to control the higher current device! Relay module has on board LED indicator lights for each relay.
Centroid Mill CNC Software License Upgrades
Acorn Mill "Pro" CNC Software license (#14457)
Add to CartUpgrade to Centroid Acorn Mill "Pro" CNC12 from the Free version that is included with each Acorn kit.
- Unlimited G-code file size
- 4th axis motor pairing with any other axis
- 4th axis G-code moves
-
Full version of Intercon conversational programming
- 4th axis conversational programming
-
Rigid Tapping
- Six WCS locations (G54 thru 59)
- Tool Library with 200 tools
- Unlimited Auto Tool Measure
- Full set of menu driven Probing cycles (Bore, Single Edge, Web, Slot, Inside corner, outside corner)
- BCD Tool Changer Output
- WMPG-6 support
- All features of the CNC12 Free are included
After purchase, the License will be sent via E-mail delivery. M-F 8-5 EST USA
Each Acorn Software License is specific to a single Acorn board.
If you are purchasing a license for a previously ordered Acorn kit please email a report.zip file to diysales@centroidcnc.com to expedite delivery.
Acorn Ultimate (Digitizing) CNC software license (#14458),
or Upgrade from Pro Mill or Router Pro
Full feature set of Digitizing and Probing capabilities for your Mill or Router
- 2D and 3D Digitizing, Grid, Radial, Contour.
- Digitizing cycles is easy push button menu driven operation. (no macros needed!)
- Export Data to Cad/Cam
- Auto G code generation
- Unlimited Auto Tool Height Measurement
- Full set of menu driven Probing cycles (Bore, Single Edge, Web, Slot, Inside corner, outside corner)
- Eighteen WCS locations (G54 thru 59 plus 12 more)
- Menu driven Auto Coordinate System Rotation with Probe
- Works with Centroid KP-3 Touch Probe or any other contact probe.
- All features of the CNC12 Free and Pro are included
- All future features added to Ultimate
After purchase, the License will be sent via E-mail delivery. M-F 8-5 EST USA
Each Acorn Software License is specific to a single Acorn board.
If you are purchasing a license for a previously ordered Acorn kit please email a report.zip file to diysales@centroidcnc.com to expedite delivery.
Centroid "Pro" Lathe CNC software license
Acorn Lathe "Pro" CNC software license (#14571)
Upgrade to Centroid Acorn Lathe "Pro" CNC12 from the Free version that is included with each Acorn kit.
- Threading (requires spindle encoder)
- Rigid Tapping (requires spindle encoder)
- Feed per revolution (requires spindle encoder)
- Constant Surface Speed
- BCD Tool Changer Output
- 99 Tools
- Full version of Centroid Lathe Intercon Conversational Programming software:. Auto profile cleanout, grooving, cutoff, chamfer, turning, end face turning, threading and more.
- Unlimited G code file size
- WMPG-4 or WMPG-6 support
- All features of the CNC12 Free are included
After purchase, the License will be sent via E-mail delivery. M-F 8-5 EST USA
Each Acorn Software License is specific to a single Acorn board.
If you are purchasing a license for a previously ordered Acorn kit please email a report.zip file to diysales@centroidcnc.com to expedite delivery.
Acorn Router Pro CNC software license (for use with CNC12 v4.64+)
All the CNC features of Mill Pro but with a Router specific Virtual Operator Control Panel and the corresponding Router specific macros.
Acorn CNC control kit un boxing video
Acorn CNC controller shop tour with MechtecMike
Video of Acorn CNC Single point threading, rigid tapping, profiling, encoder feedback, conversational programming on our in-house CNC Lathe test mule
Acorn "Start Here" Web Page with requirements and How-to Videos.
Acorn CNC controller Hookup Schematics (type in Acorn in the search bar on this page to see all Acorn hookup schematics)
Centroid Free CNC Mill and Lathe Software Download (a powered up Acorn is required to run the CNC software)
All Acorn Documentation (a list of All Acorn related documentation)
Centroid CNC control board Solid Models
CNC Community Support Forum (Free Tech Support!)
Acorn CNC controller buyers FAQ
Centroid Acorn CNC Mill, Router and Lathe Software Levels
Features | Acorn Free v5.0+ | Acorn Pro v5.0+ | Acorn Ultimate v5.0+ |
---|---|---|---|
Mill and Lathe Intercon Conversational programming | Limited to 20 blocks of conversational | Unlimited | Unlimited |
Wireless MPG Pendant WMPG-4 or WMPG-6 support | Not included | Included | Included |
G-code program size | Limited to 50Kb G-code file size | Unlimited G-code file size | Unlimited G-code file size |
Work Coordinates Systems (WCS) | One (G54) | Eighteen (G54-G59 plus extended WCS) starting with v5.08 | Eighteen (G54-G59 plus extended WCS) |
Menu driven Probing cycles | Center of bore | Complete Set of menu driven probing cycles. Bore, Boss, Slot, Web, Inside Corner, Outside corner, Single edge find, find angle, auto probe for CSR | Complete Set of menu driven probing cycles. Bore, Boss, Slot, Web, Inside Corner, Outside corner, Single edge find, find angle, auto probe for CSR |
Menu driven Digitizing cycles | Grid, Radial, Contour, Wall following, limited to 2500 points | Grid, Radial, Contour, Wall following, limited to 2500 points | Unlimited point Grid, Radial, Contour, Wall following |
Auto Tool Height Measurement | Unlimited auto measure on: Reference Too l & Tools 1,2,3 |
Unlimited auto measure on all tools. |
Unlimited auto measure on all tools. |
Coordinate System Rotation | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Auto find CSR with Probe | No | Yes | Yes |
Manual find CSR with Probe or Wiggler | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Manual enter angle for CSR | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Tool Library | 10 Tools | 200 Tools, (99 Tools Lathe) | 200 Tools Mill, (99 Tools Lathe) |
Sub Programs and Macros (M98 & G65) Write your own custom macros, many uses |
Included | Included | Included |
Cutter Compensation G41/G42 | Included | Included | Included |
Backlash Compensation | Included | Included | Included |
Screw compensation (laser or manual!) | Included | Included | Included |
3 axis simultaneous | Included | Included | Included |
4 th Axis linear or rotary conversational programming. | limited to 20 blocks of Intercon | Unlimited | Unlimited |
Operate as a 2 axis CNC with Manual Quill | Included | Included | Included |
Operate as a 2 or 1 axis CNC control | Included | Included | Included |
Any axis can be Linear or Rotary | Included | Included | Included |
Supported Axes Labels | X,Y,Z,U,V,W,A,B,C Mill/Router/Plasma |
X,Y,Z,U,V,W,A,B,C Mill/Router/Plasma X,Y,Z,C,A,B Lathe |
X,Y,Z,U,V,W,A,B,C Mill/Router/Plasma X,Y,Z,C,A,B Lathe |
Spindle Encoder feedback,w/ RPM display |
Included | Included | Included |
Mill Rigid Tapping | Not Included | Included | Included |
Lathe Threading | Not included | Included | Included |
Lathe Automatic CSS | Not Included | Included | Included |
Lathe Rigid Tapping | Not included | Included | Included |
Lathe Automatic Tool Measurement | Unlimited auto measure on: Tools 1,2,3 |
Unlimited auto measure on all tools. | Unlimited auto measure on all tools. |
G81 drilling cycles | Included | Included | Included |
Compression Tapping Gcode Cycles | Included | Included | Included |
Mill G-code scaling and mirroring | Included | Included | Included |
True G-code backplot graphics | Included | Included | Included |
Run Time Program Graphics | Included | Included | Included |
Smart Search (stop and restart at any point) | Included | Included | Included |
User Configurable Touch Screen Virtual Control Panel | Included | Included | Included |
Backlash compensation | Included | Included | Included |
CNC Configuration Wizard | Included | Included | Included |
Menu driven Part and Tool setup menus | Included | Included | Included |
Intercon Teach Mode | Limited to 20 blocks of Intercon | Unlimited | Unlimited |
Intercon Drilling cycles: Drilling, Deep Hole, Chip Breaking | Limited to 20 blocks of Intercon | Unlimited | Unlimited |
Intercon Pocketing: Circular,Rectangular, Irregular | Limited to 20 blocks of Intercon | Unlimited | Unlimited |
Intercon Contouring | Limited to 20 blocks of Intercon | Unlimited | Unlimited |
Intercon Threadmilling | Limited to 20 blocks of Intercon | Unlimited | Unlimited |
Intercon Conversational Compression Tapping | Limited to 20 blocks of Intercon | Unlimited | Unlimited |
Intercon Auto Connect Radius | Limited to 20 blocks of Intercon | Unlimited | Unlimited |
Intercon Lathe Cycles. Auto profile cleanout, grooving, cutoff, chamfer, turning, end face turning, | Limited to 20 blocks of Intercon | Unlimited | Unlimited |
Intercon Math/Geometry Help | Limited to 20 blocks of Intercon | Unlimited | Unlimited |
Intercon DXF Import for Mill and Router. | Yes, Limited to 20 blocks of Intercon | Yes, MILL, Router, Plasma only | Yes, Mill, Router, Plasma only. |
Operate in Millimeter or Inches | Yes | Yes | Yes |
XY Diagonal Jogging | Yes | Yes | Yes |
4th axis Jogging | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Software Axis Pairing (pair 4th axis any other axis in software) |
No | Yes | Yes |
Auto Squaring of Software Paired axis with auto homing | No | Yes | Yes |
Hardware Axis Pairing | Yes | Yes | Yes |
4th axis G-code moves: 4&1,4&2,4&3,4&1&2,4&2&3,4&1&3&4, 4&1&2&3 |
No, "Free" is limited to 3 axis simultaneous moves with single axis 4th axis moves. (aka (3+1) |
Yes, 4 axis simultaneous movement with full interpolation. (move any axis in combination with any others) |
Yes, 4 axis simultaneous movement with full interpolation. (move any axis in combination with any others) |
BCD Tool Changer output | No | Included | Included |
ATC Programs for Rack Mount | Yes | Yes | Yes |
ATC Programs for Lathe Turret | Yes | Yes | Yes |
CNC Setup Wizard with auto PLC program generation |
Included | Included | Included |
PLC Detective Software | Included | Included | Included |
Use one input for all axis Homing | Included | Included | Included |
Contour ShuttleXpress Support | Included | Included | Included |
Xkeys, Xbox and other USB keyboard emulator support | Included | Included | Included |
Laser Engraving | Yes | Yes | Yes |
PWM output for Laser power | Yes | Yes | Yes |
PWM output for Spindle speed control | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Laser power Velocity modulation | Yes | Yes | Yes |
0-5 VDC or 0-10 VDC analog output | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Support for "Probe App" by swissi | No | Yes | Yes |
Use your own PC OR purchase a Centroid CNCPC
All-in-one Touch Screen CNCPC
- Preloaded with Windows 10 and pre-configured for CNC PC duty
- Preloaded Centroid CNC software with G code Editor,
Intercon, Stock PLC programs, Acorn Install Wizard, Touch Screen
Operator Control panel.
- Touch Screen
- Wifi, Ethernet, webcam with mic, card reader, usb ports
- Powercord, Keyboard, Mouse
- Centroid tested and pre qualified to work with Centroid CNC controllers
- Compatible with Acorn, Oak, and Allin1DC
- Model, Specifications and COLOR may vary.
Note: There are NO VESA mounting holes on this unit.
Planning to build or use your own PC as a CNCPC? Be sure the PC meets the Centroid CNCPC minimum requirements found here. The Centroid CNC software runs on any Windows 10 PC that meets the requirements.
- If you plan to build your own CNCPC follow the recommendations here.
- If you plan to buy your own PC we recommend the Intel NUC (be sure to purchase a NUC that meets the Centroid minimum pc requirements) and a 1920x1080 16:9 aspect Touch Screen monitor
- Centroid also offers for purchase CNCPC's with preloaded and pre configured software
Centroid NUC CNCPC
- Allows use of any size and type LCD Touch screen. (1920x1080 recommended) or regular LCD monitor.
- Preloaded with a licensed copy of Windows 10 and Windows is pre-configured for CNC PC duty
- Preloaded Centroid CNC12 software Mill and Lathe, Free version
- Pre configured Notepad ++ G code Editor
- Intercon Conversational
- Centroid CNC setup Wizard
- Touch Screen Operator Control compatible
- Intel processor and SSD (solid state drive)
- Display port, HDMI, Ethernet, USB
- Centroid tested and pre qualified to work with all Centroid CNC controllers
Ether1616 i/o expansion kit for the Acorn CNC controller (#14850)
Add to CartThe Ether1616 is an input and output expansion board designed to be used with the Acorn CNC controller. Each Ether1616 board adds an additional 16 optically isolated inputs and 16 relay isolated outputs to the Acorn CNC system, up to three Ether1616 boards can be added to an Acorn system for a total of 56 inputs and 56 outputs. Three different input voltages can be used: 5 volts, 12 volts and 24 volt. Input voltages are mix and match capable and are selectable via bank of four of inputs at a time with the provided plug-in SIP (Single In-line Pack) resistors. The default input voltage is 24 VDC.
Both the Ether1616 and Relay 8 modules provide both Din Rail mounting holes and Standoff mounting holes to allow the DIY installer a wide variety of mounting possibilities, The provided dedicated power supply is sized properly to provide enough power to drive the 16 relays.
There are indicator LED’s on Ether1616 Inputs and on the Relay 8 Modules that indicate the state of the Inputs and Outputs.
The Ether1616 as the name implies communicates with the Centroid CNC12 software via Ethernet connection to the CNC PC. Ether1616 documentation is here.
Kit includes:
1.) Ether1616 Board
2.) Qty 2 Relay 8 Modules
3.) Qty 2 Keyed Ribbon Cables
4.) 24 volt DC power supply
5.) Ethernet Switch
6.) Qty. 2 Shielded Ethernet cables
7.) Qty 4 220 Ohm SIP resistors for 5 volt input
8.) Qty. 4 1k Ohm SIP resistors for 12 volt input
E-Stop Button with 2 contact closures #14534
Add to Cart
- Industrial quality reliable Emergency Stop Button with two switches.
- Two contact closures for two estop circuits
- Use just one contact closure or use both
- For use with the Acorn CNC control board.
CENTROID Wireless MPG CNC control pendant
Model: WMPG-6 for Acorn CNC equipped Mills, Lathes & Routers, PDF download
WMPG-6
Add to CartInternational shipping is calculated during checkout.
Take the control to where the work is! A game changing tool, the Centroid Wireless MPG handwheel CNC Control pendant allows the operator to conveniently and precisely set up jobs and tools remotely. No software or drivers to install. Plug and Play with Centroid CNC12 Pro CNC software, just plug in the included USB transmitter/receiver and start using it! Perfect for all types of Mills, Lathes, Routers and other specialty CNC machines. click here for more info.
KP-3 CNC touch probe
KP-3 kit for use with Acorn (part #14946)
Part, Vise and Fixture Probing: Automatically Set Zero points fast and accurate.
Use the KP-3 probe to quickly and accurately find zero points on a vise, fixture or part. Eliminate operator error when setting zero points, finding edges, or center locations of bosses or bores, slots and webs. Eliminates the need for a centerfinder or an edgefinder. You'll never have to spend 30 minutes using a center finder to locate the center of a bore again. The probe will find and set the center of a bore in just seconds. In addition the probe can be used to verify part dimensions and locations and many other applications. The KP-3 mounts in any 1/2" tool holder and has concentric adjustment screws. Patented and Made in USA. click here for more info and video on the KP-3
KP-3 Acorn kit part# 14946
- KP-3 probe
- 2.5 mm x 40mm carbide stem, ruby tipped stylus
- Stylus wrench
- KP-3 to Acorn cable
- KP-3 Users Manual
- KP-3 to Acorn schematic
Mill, Lathe or Router use. Quickly and accurately setup tool heights in the tool library with a push of a button. The CENTROID TT-4 automatic tool height offset touch probe is plug and play with all Centroid CNC controls. Eliminates gauge blocks, paper, and repeated measurements. Save time and increase accuracy. Fully integrated into the CNC control tool library menu, just select the tool and press auto measure to set the tool height automatically. Makes measuring all types of tools faster and more accurate. Find the longest insert in a multiple insert tool quickly. Once you start using the TT-4 you'll wonder why you waited to purchase this time saving tool. Measure just one tool or a whole group of tools at once. Can also be used in the middle of a job to measure a replacement tool. Integrated with an Automatic tool changer for batch tool measurement. The TT-4 is based on KP-3 touch probe technology and is a robust kinematic design and works with all spindles even ones that with non conductive bearings (ceramic) or tooling that doesn't conduct (diamond).
TT-4 Acorn kit part# 15135
- TT-4 Tool touch probe
- Carbide Touch surface
- TT-4 to Acorn cable
- TT-4 to Acorn schematic
Conductive TT-1 CNC Tool Height Measurement Device
- Set Tool Lengths automatically
- Ultra accurate conductive design
- Save time, increase accuracy
- Magnetic base or hard mounts (T-nut or Shank)
- Works w/ CENTROID & most other CNC’s
- Easy to achieve high precision measurements
- Designed for milling and lathe applications: Kneemills, Bed mills, Machining centers and Routers,
Lathes and Turning centers
- In process tool reset for worn out or broken tools
- Requires conductive tools
- Serviceable unit
- Auto cable detection
Offline version of INTERCON Mill, Lathe and Plasma (in beta) conversational programming, for use with Windows desktop PC*
Add to Cart
- For those that do not want to use or learn a CAD/CAM system to make CNC parts.
-
Program parts in the comfort of your office.
- Program while the machine is running a job.
- Easy part program transfer from your PC to the control via LAN or USB.
- True G-code backplot graphics, see exactly what the machine toolpath will be.
- Use on the same PC as your CAD system.
- A USB Keylock allows user to install software on as many computers as they want.
- Offline programming USB keylock is shipped the next business day.
- Works with Windows 7/8/10/11*
- Manual with tutorial examples see Mill Chapter 10, Lathe Chapter 8
- Download offline conversational programming software here, Scroll down to Oak and Allin1DC section.
The offline programming software runs without USB keylock but limited to 20 lines of Intercon. Plug in the USB keylock for unlimited conversational programming operation. Installation instructions here.. and a video showing installation of offline Intercon.
Replacement Parts
REPLACEMENT Acorn Relay Board and Ribbon cable
If you are purchasing a new Acorn kit, you do not need to purchase this item.
Legacy Acorn Relay Adapter Kit part # 14734 for Acorn Rev_2 and Rev_3 boards
Add to CartIf you are purchasing a new Acorn kit, you do not need to purchase this item.
This Adapter kit is for early Acorn Boards sold in 2017 and 2018.
The Legacy Acorn Relay Board Kit Includes:
- Acorn “8 Relay Module”
- Ribbon Cable
- Acorn Relay Adapter Card with 5 vdc pig tail.
Centroid Acorn CNC controller reviews
"Looking to order boards and other parts from you this week. I've got to admit - SO NICE having a board and software made by the same company. No plug ins from other places and the headaches. Literally followed the video and the motors were turning by the time it was done.
- Revy
"After dealing with Mach 3 and LinuxCNC for years, I must say Centroid is Light years ahead. Up and running bench test in a matter of minutes instead of days as with those other products. There is much to learn about Centroid but I am confident it is a very solid product. I can't find the words to properly describe the difference."
- Makeron
"My son came to me and said that the students in his high school woodworking class could not finish their projects due to their CNC router is broken. Well I couldn't let this be and in less than an hour, I installed a acorn on their router and all the students were able to finish their projects. I donated the board to the school so they could continue to use the router and many students will be able to familiarize themselves and use the Centroid control. Thank you Centroid for making such an awesome easy to use and install product. Keep up the good work!"
- Extreme industrial
I have to say a big THANK YOU to Centroid for providing the best value in DIY CNC on the market today. I just completed the upgrade of my CNC router table to Acorn and couldn't be happier! Followed the schematics for the GeckoDrive 203V (only thing I kept from my old controller) and everything just worked without any issues. Watched a lot of video's that provided almost everything I needed to get my machine working. I saved so much money over upgrading to Mach4, Smooth Stepper and PMDX boards that I had planned for my initial upgrade that I bought a touch screen monitor, wireless pendant and upgraded to Mill Pro. The pendant is just amazing to use. I feel like I have a professions system now! Not sure how you can sell the entire acorn kit for the price you do, but thank you for providing this to the DIY community.
- cnc_jim
Yesterday, I received a model 4 Acorn and an extra relay board for my model 3 Acorn that I bought almost a year ago. Opening that package reminded me of the care and concern that Centroid has for its customers. The power supply was pre-wired for the Acorn. The instruction sheet is comprehensive. The backside of the instruction sheet that shows a connection schematic that should make initial connections fool-proof. I just noticed that even those schematics are printed in color. (My eyes have serious problems.) The new schematics that Keith notified us of have fixed all of the connection problems that I've experienced with ClearPath servos, Gecko G203 drives, and Leadshine (clone) drives. Those problems were not Centroid's fault. (The older schematics followed wiring diagrams from other manufacturers that were somewhat lacking. I've read Teknic's manual carefully about the fault signal. The older schematics followed the Teknic manual. Keith and Gary solved that problem months ago, but because I had a work-around, I didn't carefully read the revised schematic that Centroid published months ago.) I was able to work around those problems; but the new schematics make those work-arounds obsolete. It amazes me that Centroid is willing to spend money on so many do-it-yourself motors, drivers, spindles, VFDs and other non-Centroid products, test those products, draw up schematics to use those products and still sell the Acorn for $329 with the amazing Centroid software.
Next, the forum along with YouTube videos are great. Keith, Marty, Gary and Franco not only show how to use the Acorn, but teach general principles about CNC machining. Late last night when I couldn't sleep, I watched a video where Keith showed how to use a vertical mill. The video contained everything that anyone would need to see how to use Centroid products to make their equipment work. Clicking on "Acorn User Videos" from the Acorn page shows a list of videos that show how to use the Acorn. Going on YouTube and searching "Marty CNC" brings up Marty's channel with a comprehensive list of how-to videos. Searching "Gary Campbell CNC" brings up Gary's channel and his expertly produced videos. (Gary and I go back decades to my Shopbot days when I constantly used his advice to solve my problems.) Clicking on "Centroid CNCKeith" brings up Keith's videos. His knowledge and easy-going style should make anyone comfortable in trying an Acorn. One of his videos was with "MecTechMike". Mike's mill and lathe conversions should impress everyone. He surely impressed me and gave me ideas that will take at least a year to try. There are many, many others who have taken the time to post videos showing how they use the Acorn and other Centroid products.
The forum is invaluable. Questions are answered expertly (in most cases). Since I tend to be disruptive in some of my posts (unintentionally - I like to think outside the box and try things that might seem to be controversial), I expected harsh feedback or even censoring, but I've been treated with respect and courtesy. More, importantly, by reading what others are doing, I get ideas that would take a life-time to implement.
Thanks Centroid and thanks to all of you in the Acorn community for your help.