DIY - software

[wages]

I can see that the software is going to be my biggest expense.
Can anyone tell me what the best package for me would be?

I plan on building a Rockcliff style stepper router to do small wood relief carving.
I have no CNC programing experience, but lots of CAD 2D and 3D design experience.

What I'd like to do is take my 3D model and output the g-code based off of the model. Then run the g-code. Will I need two programs, one for createing the g-code and one to run it?

How much am I looking at for price?
Thanks for any help.

[holbieone]

control software

it's free

http://www.linuxcnc.org/

you will need some flavor of cam software for the g-code

i suggest doing a lot of reading on the subject

[Torchhead]

Do what thousands (yes thousands) of us have done and use MACH3 through a conventional parallel port from a PC. For 3D stuff you have to look at the VCrave Pro and 3d Cut packages. None of this is going to require a bank loan to buy or run.

[ger21]

Also look at www.meshcam.com