Just wondering what the recomendations for CAD/CAM software to use with Thanks
Dave

Depends on what you want to make, and how much you want to spend.

VCarve-Pro, Mach3, and any free cadd program.

Joe

Dolphin CAD is free. We also have a CAM solution. No need to talk to any sales guys. Download it free and take a look for yourself.

I'm good with Autocad and good with computers in general but after that the view gets kinda fuzzy:confused:

Just so I have this clear in my mind
1. Use a CAD (ie Autocad) to draw the Part as you want it.
2. Import the part drawing into a CAM Program (ie Vcarve) to determine tool paths and depths, etc.
3. Take output (gcode?) from CAM program and import this into machine control program (Mach3?)
4. Output from Mach 3 goes to breakout board.
5. Output from breakout board goes to controller board.
6. Controller board output goes to stepper motors.
7. Stepper motors move tool and cut part as drawn in step1.

Is there a place in the forums to get this in an orderly fashon. :drowning:
Or is there a book that anyone can recomend?

Thanks for tolerating all my questions, but ya gotta start somewhere!
Dave

Just so I have this clear in my mind
1. Use a CAD (ie Autocad) to draw the Part as you want it.
2. Import the part drawing into a CAM Program (ie Vcarve) to determine tool paths and depths, etc.
3. Take output (gcode?) from CAM program and import this into machine control program (Mach3?)
4. Output from Mach 3 goes to breakout board.
5. Output from breakout board goes to controller board.
6. Controller board output goes to stepper motors.
7. Stepper motors move tool and cut part as drawn in step1.


Correct.

Mach3 comes with a free basic CAM program, called LazyCAM. Also, Mach3 is free to download and use for up to 1000 lines of g-code, so feel free to download it and start playing with it.

http://www.polaris.com.gr/gsimple/home.html
http://gcam.js.cx/index.php/Main_Page

both are freeware which are in developement stages, they are simple but seem to be able to get the job done , can t beat the price

I was going to ask the same question as I am new to all this but it is gradually all falling in to place with the copious amounts of reading I am doing on this forum. This thread has filled in the blanks.

One more question though, what do you have to do to layout a sheet of mdf for multiple part cutouts. Do you just create a CAD file with all the parts layed out how you want them cut or does the CAM software have a function for this.

Thanks

Claudio

Hello all,

Was wondering about this as well. What CAM programs will accept Step or sat files? And, will these programs write code for solid models with complicated contours?

with free software you get what you ve paid for ,
they are simple 2d cad cam programs that work but with no frills , you can draw a 2d part and create a toolpath which most times is good enough for the home hobby guy who isn't running 4 or 5 axis machines
for the most part i would suggest you check the links and they should answer your questions

thanks for the reply.

I've got to say, I've been lurking here for a while and this is a killer site.