[dbprojects]

OK - So now I'm lost...

You might have seen from other threads, that I've started building a JGRO router.
From the months of reading the CncZone forums, I had pretty much decided to start out using
"some" CAD/graphic program (probably Visio to start with), AceConverter, and TurboCNC.

But as I've been reading, it seems that many many users are very satisfied with the additional capabilities that Mach3 provides.
I thought that I've read that Mach3 supports probing - to obtain a point cloud that can be used to generate a 3D model. If it does, I would have thought that Mach3 could then create the 3D gcode..
So lately I've been looking at using TurboCAD (because of price), and Mach3. But if Mach3 can't import the TurboCAD 3D design,
I've got to keep looking.

Besides all of the 2.5D routing, there are 2 things that I'd like to use the CNC machine for:
1) Start with a 2D line pattern, and use a CAD program to "raise" the Z axis to produce a 3D pattern
to route. Think of what the raised surfaces of an ornamental cast iron fence look like. Or what the
cast iron floor heating registers look like - 3D scrollwork.
2) Start with a 3D model (from probing, or a CAD model), and machine it out of wood.
This would eventaully mean that I'd have to add a 4th axis - I'd probably start with a simple
manually indexed fixture so that I can "flip" the wood blank over to finish the machining.
This would be true 3D routing - the Z axis depths would be constantly changing - not set to
a static Z depth like you would have in lettered sign engraving.

I've also read one of your responses that although Mach3 can control the 3 or 4 axis machine, the
problem is finding SW (in a hobby CNC'ers price range) to create the gcode.

So...
Can TurboCad be used with AceConverter, and then Mach 3 to do what I want above?
If not, what combinations will?

Because the learning curve seems to be a steep one with this SW, I'd like to start out and invest my
time in the applications that I'd end up using. Your advice on which applications I should look into
would be very welcome.


Thanks,
Don