I'm in the process of converting my sherline mill to CNC. I have purchased 250oz steppers and a 3-axis bipolar chopper driver, both from Acumotion. I plan on running TurboCNC on a dedicated pc. I have a few questions before I push forward. I appolgize in advance for the number of questions.

1. Any suggestions or comments on a CAD software that doesnt cost a forturne and is user friendly to someone who has never done CAD design?

2. Will I still need to load Windows on my dedicated pc for TurboCNC, even though it runs under dos?

3. Do I require additional g-code software?

4. Can I design on my xp machine and them import my dxf files to my Turbo dos pc by way of floppy disk or CD-RW?

Any imput would be greatly appreciated.

1) I like DesignCAD, although I no longer use it (Use AutoCAD now). http://www.imsisoft.com/faminfo.asp?fam=2 $90
You may also want to look at http://www.a9tech.com/ , it's free.

2)You don't have to install windows, but you can if you want to.

3) You need something to create g-code from your CAD program. You can try ACE from http://www.dakeng.com . It's free. Or SheetCAM from http://www.sheetcam.com. Not free, but much more powerful.

4) Yes. If you have a wireless (or wired) network, you might want to consider setting up a dual boot system on your machine control computer to send files over the network. Then just reboot into DOS to run the machine.

Thanks Ger. That helps me out alot.

1. Any suggestions or comments on a CAD software that doesnt cost a forturne and is user friendly to someone who has never done CAD design?

2. Will I still need to load Windows on my dedicated pc for TurboCNC, even though it runs under dos?

3. Do I require additional g-code software?

4. Can I design on my xp machine and them import my dxf files to my Turbo dos pc by way of floppy disk or CD-RW?

Any imput would be greatly appreciated.


Vector Cad has the ability to create tool offsets that represent the toolcenter path. If you use ACE converter, also available from DAK engineering web site where you get TurboCNC, you have all you need to do basic Cad to G-code programming.

You will need a cad-cam or cam program to create more complex 3D or 2D toolpaths. Cam programs have functions such as complex pocket clearing, engraving, and much more control over cut order and direction.

Fred Smith - IMService
http://www.cadcamcadcam.com/hobby

i have always liked TurboCAD from imsi. There is a standard and a pro version available, both being excellent at 2d and 3d. Funily enough, they also have an offset tool that will allow you to create toopaths ready to import into Ace converter. you can check out the demo at www.turbocad.com and they are always going cheap on ebay!

Following the advice here, I decided to check out turbocad. I downloaded TurboCad professional, and it seemed pretty reasonable. So I called to see if I could get the "competitive upgrade". Not only did the fact that I had Visio qualify me for the upgrade, the fact that I had downloaded the eval copy qualified me for an additional discount. $199.95 seems like a pretty good deal.

Ken