Newbie- CNC Software

[solodotcom]

Looking for some software recommendations. I need to design the cuts/parts and convert them to gcode for the control software? I'm a computer programmer and network engineer with lots of experience with the windows environment. Also have lots of experince with Corel Designer for 2D drawings and it can export to dxf format. My desire is to strictly woodworking. I build furniture and cabinets as a hobby for now. I would like the possibility to do so relief carving an sign making. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated

[wcarrothers1]

Anything vectric makes.. You would probalby like their Vcarve pro for what you are discribing...

Check them out as it's the best thing for what you are discribing. Easy to use. powerfull and reasoniably priced.

Download the demo and check it out.

b./

[Dennis Bohlke]

You might also want to consider the USB CamPod and SuperCamXp.

SuperCamXp is compatible with Windows Xp and Vista. It works particularly well with CorelDraw HPGL and AutoCad DXF files.

The really cool thing about it is that you do not have to covert DXF files to G & M code files to use them. You can run the machine directly from them.

SuperCamXp has seventeen(17) built in fonts. With it you can draw Text to Fit, Text Centered and Text Right.

SuperCamXp is CAD to machine interface so it shows you graphically on the screen what it’s doing on the machine.

It replaces the Mach3 program and is far easier to use. You don’t have to learn how to use G & M code files; you can draw and cut. The learning curve is very short.

The USB CamPod plugs into the USB port on the computer and the parallel cable that had been plugged into the printer port on the computer is then plugged into the CamPod. I can wire a CamPod to be plug and play compatible with just about any step and direction motor driver.

SuperCamXp is compatible with laptops, desktops and today I found out it works with the ASUS Eee PC.

Multiple machines can be run from the same computer simultaneously.

SuperCamXp is compatible with the G & M code files created by most CAM programs. There is a built in text editor that simultaneously displays graphically 2D or 3D the tool path generated by the g-code file.

Dennis
www.super-tech.com

P.S. I am the author of SuperCamXp and the designer of the USB CamPod. So, I am tooting my own horn.

[solodotcom]

I appreciate the input. I will look into those packages.
Thanks

[wcarrothers1]

The super tech stuff looks interesting although first I've heard of it..

Looks like some interesting off the shelf power/controllers they are making. Nice touch adding relay power outputs ect.

Web site needs to be given a less overly busey look for my eyes though (just a suggestion if there were a way to make it more clear.)

Anywho.

b.