free cam software

[pietbez]

OK, i am like totaly new to this forum and CNC. i have just bought myself a new desktop cnc mill and using linux/emc2 to control the unit.

now my problem is generating G-code from a cad/3d file.

are there any good FREE cam software out there? any platform, win/mac/linux i dont care.

i have looked and searched everywhere. these programs all cost $600 up. i'm doing this as a hobby and dont have that sort of cash to fork out.

i have tried freemill, the only free cam i could find but at the very last step, generating the g-code i get an error

i have tried rhinocam demo. works a treat. but, $999 outch!

any trade secrets, any linux open source, any work arounds?

please, i just cant except the fact that i payed $1000 for a mill i cant use

anybody?

[Bob Pierre]

I think this is the wrong forum to ask about CAD/CAM but someone else just asked about Camsofts AS3000 Level-5. I seen the AS3000 packages on E-Bay for cheaper than what I paid.

Bob

[lovebugjunkie]

Have you looked at Cut2d? Not free but almost.

http://www.vectric.com/WebSite/Vectr.../c2d_index.htm

[svenakela]

http://www.mecsoft.com/Mec/Products/FreeMill.shtml
There are also a bunch of Linux/Ux apps for free.

[svenakela]

Here's another bunch:
http://www.salome-platform.org --not if you're the beginner though
http://juergen-riegel.net/FreeCAD/Do...title=Download --veeeery neat, got a Win-installer too (even though I use it inside the better world ).

[davesnd]

If you are only milling in 2d you could always learn a bit of G-code and do it the old school way.

[johyn]

Have a look at CamBam. I tried it and was not so impressed... but after a second try I ilike it and it has a good support forum too. They offer a free cam pakage and a very resonably priced one too. much like The Mach3 approach.

http://www.cambam.co.uk/

[WA Toolman]

There is/was a program called "CNCSimulator.com" out there that seemed to work pretty good, was free with the only catch being you had to get a "Petrol refill" every 3 months or so. I think they are still in operation, I haven't been able to reach their website since I got my new machine (Vista)

Google is your friend, Vista sux.