what to use/choose

[mocnc]

I hope I haven't done a something wrong by posting in here. It's that I feel I'll get more help with ppl that have the same kind of thinking in this forum rather then the other forums. I mean that this is a DIY section for routers. My question is this......what programs do you all recommend. I am sure this has been asked a few times and I am hoping it doesn't become annoying to you. I am leading towards turbo cnc, not sure on which cad program. So any help with program suggestions that I should be looking at would be great. Cost is always a factor...hence turbocnc. So if I can get input on programs that you are currently using or reconmend that would be a great help. Even programs that convert pics(jpg/jpeg, giff to dxf). One last thought.....I am worried that my old lap top will die soon, and the new ones don't have a parrell port on them....what can I do or use with the new ones to possibly convert a usb to the parrell port. I know already that the cables that do that....will not work for our application.

[Pplug]

I think you might be a good candidate for a smooth stepper board. It interfaces to usb! Try demos of Vectric products like vcarve and aspire.

[ger21]

If you want to use USB and the Smoothstepper, you'll want to go with Mach3, as that's all it works with. But if you're on a budget, TurboCNC or CNC Pro will be your best options. Also, EMC is free, but runs on Linux. Not sure if it'll run on your laptop, though.

As was mentioned, Vectrics products are the easiest to use CAM programs you'll find. www.vectric.com

[mocnc]

already have a 4th axis drive board......from www.easy-cnc.com and steppers and switchs...need a power supply and all the programs......like always cheap or free is the starting goal for me.

[mocnc]

maybe I didn't make myself too clear....I need help in choosing my initial programs to get started with my cnc. Programs like.........

AutoCad ------------> what is out there that is ok and free or cheap for start up

Cam ----------------> any programs for this? (I have a 4axis easycnc board)

Program to genterate g-codes

Program to convert pictures (jpg/jpeg, giff, bitmap etc.) to gcodes.

Any help would be great....being somewhat a newbie its sometimes hard to determind what is what is the best way to go. But with help from others who have gone thru the growing pains will make it easier to start. I know I can't be the only one with this question....there has to be more out there that have the same thoughts....maybe not on all programs but on one or two of them. Once again thanks in advance!

[TOTALLYRC]

Originally Posted by mocnc maybe I didn't make myself too clear....I need help in choosing my initial programs to get started with my cnc. Programs like......... AutoCad ------------> what is out there that is ok and free or cheap for start up Cam ----------------> any programs for this? (I have a 4axis easycnc board) Program to genterate g-codes Program to convert pictures (jpg/jpeg, giff, bitmap etc.) to gcodes. Any help would be great....being somewhat a newbie its sometimes hard to determind what is what is the best way to go. But with help from others who have gone thru the growing pains will make it easier to start. I know I can't be the only one with this question....there has to be more out there that have the same thoughts....maybe not on all programs but on one or two of them. Once again thanks in advance!

Cad program. Viacad is $69 for the 2d and $99 for the 3d.

Cam programs generate the G-code. A good all around program that I use for my cam needs is Deskcnc.
It will also run your machine if you buy the interface board. I liked it for my router because one program will run the machine and write the G-code.
It imports dxf's and outputs G-code. It will also import stl files for 3d work. On top of that it accepts several image formats for engraving and converting to G-code.
You can download a working trial from www.Deskcnc.com

Mike

[ger21]

There are lots of free CAD programs. A9CAD, DoubleCAD, SolidEdge 2D, ProgeCAD Smart.

There are free CAM programs as well. As Mike said, CAM creates your g-code. G Simple, ACE converter, CamBam all have free versions. If you're willing to spend a little, Vectric's Cut2D is probably the easiest to use that you'll find.

Acme Profiler is $20 and can convert pictures. The demo is free.
http://www.pcworld.com/downloads/fil...0/reviews.html

Image to g-code is free for 30 days.
http://www.imagetogcode.com/