I begin my CNC, the hardware is part of assembly 27"x26"x20"
But I don’t have software to convet step/stl to gcode, I would like suggestion for software, free or low budget
I would like to use march 3 to controls
Thank you
Great work
Wow. That looks heavy duty. Plus lots of wd40. Be interested on people’s suggestions on software
Hi, i use sketchup to create my 2d cad drawings and then output then as .svg files using a free plugging and then generate gcode for cutting using http://makercam.com. These are all free to use. The is a way better cam software you can use, named Meshcam, that will take 3d cad drawings help you generate amazing gcode but it’s about $250. Also, there is a way better free alternative to mach3 which will run perfectly on any computer, it is named linuxcnc. It operates almost the the same as windows cam software but is is free and way more robus, expandable, flexible, more reliable than mach3, is used in real industrial cnc systems, and runs flawless on any computer, new or old.
Also, if you do a Google search for “free cam softeare” you’ll find allot of options that will help you generate gcode from your cad design, i just choose sketchup and http://makercam.com because their free and simple.
One last thing, freecad can open both stl and step files, but you will still need a cam software to generate your gcode.
What controller are you using? That might give a line to which apps work best.
@Roger_Araiza I check on google, but I have a lot, and I don’t know witch is better, I ask this because some person on the group have experience with different software
And Is not a software to make STEP / STL, I check only for the cam software to generate Gcode
@Mike_Thornbury I use this controler with mach3, I on Windows
http://www.ebay.com/itm/251288178581 and for jog
http://www.ebay.com/itm/151314430159
Check out http://www.estlcam.de. It’s a simple cam for 2.5d jobs. unlimited trial version is free and license is just 35 euro.
@Denis_Seguin in addition to the $158 for the controller, you will need stepper drivers - for 125 Euro you could have bought one of these: http://synthetos.myshopify.com/products/tinyg
It has the drivers built in, can directly decode g-code and doesn’t need a dedicated PC, but can run with a Pi or Beagleboard computer. The CAM software is free and very functional.
I know it’s a little late in the day, you have already bought, but for others looking to get a controller.
@Mike_Thornbury , I check the controller but it don’t have enough of power, the step motor I instal is 880oz-in, and need 5.5amp,
The card I use, is direcly decode G-code, and don’t have the stepper controller inside, I install 4 gecko drives.
I see - that’s some huge steppers you have, Denis. But the advanced controllers like Smoothieboard and TinyG can take external drivers - they have the control pins broken out, you just need to wire them up.
Good luck!
+Mike Thornbury I use this controler with mach3, I on Windows
http://www.ebay.com/itm/251288178581 and for jog
http://www.ebay.com/itm/151314430159
That’s an interesting “smooth stepper” board, are you running that with individual gecko drives or a g540?
Been considering a warp9 smooth stepper to ditch the parallel port, and my junky old xp running mach3
I use a TinyG on its own, just using the built-in DRV8825 drivers.
I don’t have ‘high-power’ needs - I am cutting MDF and ply nearly exclusively.