Newbie- Which software to engrave with CNC mill?

[3v0]

I need to engrave plaques using a small CNC mill. Black plastic over brass stock. I apologize if I am not using the correct terms.

Currently I am trying to find the right software. I read somewhere that some programs will raise a v bit to reduce line width. Some fonts need this. I have not seen any software to do it.

Currently I am playing with VisTool Engraving but there seems to be no support the program. The help files are missing. I have generated the gcode for a test that I will mill tomorrow. It is the sort of program I am looking for. Mostly I can take true type fonts and it will generate a pattern to cut out the interior.

I am still crawling on this but need to find my way soon.

Currently we have a diamond drag bit and a flat bottomed milling bit (D) .030 in. I like the idea of a rotating cutter more so then the scratch/drag.

What software do you recommend ?

[3v0]

Looking into Google Sketchup -> CamBam

I would like to hear how others do text engraving for plaques.

[benji2505]

does your cnc mill want G-Code or does hpml code work?

[3v0]

Originally Posted by benji2505 does your cnc mill want G-Code or does hpml code work?

I am using a MAX10 NC. It uses gcode.

I am getting closer. Using inkscape->DXF ->CAMBAM

Still a bit confused about the scaling. All the letters created with the 3D text tool seem to end up 1" tall in CAMBAM. I am looking for an easy way to scale the entire loaded file.

EDIT:
If one selects mm as the scale in inkscape the scaling is ok.
If one selects inches in inkscape cambam converts 1 mm to 1 inch.

[benji2505]

www.2linc.com

they have a decent software that translates everything into G01 commands, so it is highly compatible with most GCodes.

Other than that most CAM softwares have an engraving section.