Real, real newbie!!!

[aggie_67]

Just started learning about DIY CNC routers and wanted to get guidance on which software was appropriate for my application. Didn't want to load up my computer with too many trial programs trying to find the right one.

I want a 2 1/2D program to use this CNC router to cut 1/4" plywood model ship parts. Drawings are available as JPEG images, dwg, dxf, and pdf. The application and the fact I am retired calls for a free or very low cost software.

aggie_67
judy_pearce@hotmail.com

[Karl_T]

Mach 3, by far.

[KaptainKarst]

Mach 3 and Sheetcam are top notch.
http://www.artofcnc.com
http://www.sheetcam.com

[ger21]

Just to clarify a little. Mach3 will control the machine. SheetCAM will create g-code from your .dxf files.

[aggie_67]

Appreciate then feedback, but need to start from the beginning.

I have a pdf drawing of a model ship outline that I want to copy, these dwgs show outlines, cross sections, etc. How do I get a dxf dwg of the part I want to copy? Is there an image program, etc that will let me chose a cross section, line, etc to make a dxf dwg. Ran across "Shade 7 Designer LE" by Curious Labs, will this work?

After I have a dxf file, need a program to clean up part, scale it to size. Real simple stuff, don't want to draw my own parts. Will any of the CAD program do this; TurboCAD, Design CAD, A9CAD, etc. Want something that is free or cheap, Those listed are going for about $10 on ebay. Many people have spoken highly of Rhino CAD but can't afford $250 programs for my application.

Then need to convert to g-code, once again Sheet CAM is highly recommended but doesn't fit into my price range. Will something like K CAM at kellyware or ACE convertor at dakeng.com handle my application?

On actually running the 2 1/2 D router, will Turbo CNC work? Know Mach3 is recommended but again the price is not in my range. Do I have to get a program for a 2 1/2 D or will a 3 D program work?

[ger21]

One way to get a .dxf from a .pdf is to use Ghostscript. Do a google search. It can be tricky to use, but hopefully you can figure it out. You may also need something called pstoedit, again, google.

The .dxf's you get may not be good enough to use. Usually, it's faster to redraw than to clean it up. A9CAD should work fine, and it's free.

ACE will also work fine for you, and free again.

As for Mach3, it's free but limited to 1000 lines of code. Unlimited if you pay. 1000 lines of code should be fine for you. You will need a decent PC to run Mach3, though.

TurboCNC, is $60, not as powerful, but will work on older PC's. DOS only, though.

If you have a PC that will run it (750Mhz or better minimum), go with Mach3.

[aggie_67]

Gerry,

Appreciate your help here.

Question, does ACE and Mach 3 do the same thing (create g-code.)

[ger21]

Almost forgot. ACE creates G-code. Mach3 controls the machine.

But, Mach3 can also create g-code from .dxf's. The author (Art) is currently adding features to Mach3's .dxf conversion too. So you can probably just use Mach3 and forget about ACE.

[aggie_67]

Downloaded A9CAD and Mach3. Now the next question; Are there tutorials or instructions available??

[ger21]

I gave a few tips in this thread for A9CAD. Beginners CAD for Routing

As for Mach3, go to www.machsupport.com and download and watch the video tutorials.

[aggie_67]

Working on learning the software. Question, had started with A9CAD since it was free, but once into it starting to wonder if AUTOCAD 9.2 or 10.2 would be a better choice (selling for about $10 on ebay.) Seems like AutoCAD would be better documented, help books readily available, could even take cources at Jr College.

[ger21]

The commands in A9CAD are virtually identical to AutoCAD 2002. Once you learn the basics, most 2D CAD programs are very similar. I'd stay away from the $10 Ebay buy. It's most likely, technically illegal, as Autodesk doesn't allow license transfers. Even if it's an unused new copy, it's 10 year old software, and older versions of AutoCAD are not as user friendly as A9CAD.

If you want to know how to do something, just ask. There's plenty of help here.