CNC Newbi, What software do I need?

[Blacksunshine]

From start to finish what software do I need to operate my cnc?
or if I want to scan in a picture, what program do I need to convert it into a useable code or what ever?

[ger21]

Originally Posted by Blacksunshine From start to finish what software do I need to operate my cnc?

Depends what you want to do. You need machine control software, such as Mach3. You can write g-code by hand, or get a CAD and CAM program to create it for you.

Originally Posted by Blacksunshine or if I want to scan in a picture, what program do I need to convert it into a useable code or what ever?

There are several programs available to convert images to g-code.
http://www.imagetogcode.com/
http://www.vectric.com/WebSite/Vectr.../pvc_index.htm

Mach3 can load pictures directly and create code, but it's not as simple as the dedicated packages.

[srmaietta]

You need three things.
CAD- this is where parts are designed.
CAM- this is what takes the CAD files and turns them into toolpaths and G-code.
Control Software- this is what turns Gcode into the pulses that run your motors. outputs this data through the parallel (printer) port of your PC.

Some programs are 2 in one. Mach three can fill all roles. (Limited though) There are smaller programs to do interesting things (raster to vector, greyscale to depth conversion, etc.) all sorts of things out there. Get creative!

CAD can range from simple and free free 2-d, up to very expensive 3-d surface modeling pro rendering level stuff (solidworks, Rhino, Pro-E, etc)

CAM. there are freebies out there, and there are expensive ones that run seamlessly inside the higher end CAD programs.

Control. Most people here (I'm assuming) use Mach3. its free, or a $195 fee to register it. Stick with this.

Figure out what you want to make, and then find software that fits this idea. The software is half the equation of CNC!! You're going to have to do your research and get over software costing money. (That is tough for some people!)

Im eagerly awaiting my machine's arrival this week, so I've been trying to download demos and check features to match what I want to do with my budget.

good luck!
~Steve