HELP!!

[Jarrettbailey]

Hi-

I'm new to the forum here and I am about to start building my first CNC router. I have been a machinist for nearly 10 years now (manual only) and so building the actual machine is not a big issue. I am also starting with (what I think) a very basic design found on Solsylva's plans: the 25 x 25 router. Good work area size and I think will be a fairly easy build. But, since I have only done manual machine work, I am unfamiliar with all the components I may need. I know the basic machine, the steppers, the controller. If I'm not mistaken that takes care of the electronics for the machine? Then, the confusion comes for me. I have a registered copy of Alibre's CAD software (from 2007) so I have that much. What else do I need? Do I need CAM software in addition to Mach 3? Or is Mach 3 CAM software? This is my problem, not knowing what software I need to get my machine cutting. Please remember that, with me, the easier/cheaper, the better. But I will want to cut in full 3D, so let me know what you think. I know that all of this information is here on the forum, but it's very overwhelming to search through it all, so I decided it best to just ask the forum and hope you all have mercy on the newbie!

Thanks!

[floodx]

Mach3 will not produce the G-code, but LazyCAM will. LazyCAM is a free CAM program that ArtSoft bundles with Mach3 if you do not have your own CAM program.

EDIT: I do not have actual experience using either of these. This advice is given based on previous research into Mach3.

[knau]

You need 3 different software programs so to speak: CAD, CAM and controller.

You design in CAD, then create toolpaths in CAM and let controller feed the code (generated in CAM) to the CNC.

You have the CAD, Mach3 would be the controller, so at this point you would still be missing the CAM.

I hope this gives you the basic idea.

[hub]

Mach 3 CAN produce G-code! In mach there are a few "wizards" that you can use to produce G-Code, text engraving, rect. & circular pockets etc etc..
To get started you don't need a CAM software. It can do simple stuff.
But if/when you want more advanced machining, you need to get a CAM software.

Hub

[Jarrettbailey]

So what is a good cam program that I could get at a reasonable price? The LazyCAM program- is it any good? very VERY noose on knowing what software to invest in.

[hub]

So what is a good cam program that I could get at a reasonable price? The LazyCAM program- is it any good? very VERY noose on knowing what software to invest in.

It depends on what you want to make.. You said 3D. Is that full 3D or 2.5D? (2.5D is cutting a 2D profile with a depth, hope it makes sense..).
For 3D, maybe take a look at artcam for example.

[hub]

Or Cut3d, maybe. It looks simple to use. I haven't tried it and don't know if it's expensive.

[knau]

Easy way to start is also Google SketchUp + Phlatscript (CAD + CAM), and then as you go along try out and find the right software for your needs.

[PaulRowntree]

D2NC is a simple and small program that can take dxf files from a CAD program and work them into G code. It can also be scripted.

D2nc Software

Cheers!

[ger21]

For 3D, maybe take a look at artcam for example.

ArtCAM is $7500


If you want to do 3D, then what you would do is export a model from Alibre as an .stl file, and use a program like MeshCAM or Cut3D to create g-code.

There's a free option, Freemill, but it's very limited.

Can you post a picture of what you consider "full 3D"? That would give us a better idea of what you really need.

Feel free to try the free version of LazyCAM, but I don't recommend buying the Pro version. You'd be much better off spending twice as much on something else.

[louieatienza]

ArtCAM is $7500


If you want to do 3D, then what you would do is export a model from Alibre as an .stl file, and use a program like MeshCAM or Cut3D to create g-code.

There's a free option, Freemill, but it's very limited.

Can you post a picture of what you consider "full 3D"? That would give us a better idea of what you really need.

Feel free to try the free version of LazyCAM, but I don't recommend buying the Pro version. You'd be much better off spending twice as much on something else.

Holy Crap! I never knew it was that much; has anyone used the express version for $149?

[Jarrettbailey]

THanks so much for the replies. I don't have any pictures of my actual work, but a main reason for wanting the 3D capability is to carve guitar tops. So it would be something like an archtop guitar or a les paul. Something that has pocket routes, but also contour to the top.