Software for engraving

Hi people,

I need a couple of basic words like "left" "right" etc engraved into some aluminum about 0.015" deep using a 1/8"dia d-bit 60deg cutter.

Does anyone know of some free or low-cost software I can get that will generate the toolpath or a dxf file? Once I have the words I need in gcode or dxf I will not need the software again.

I tried DeskEngrave, but it does it in a million little steps and it also has some overlapping lines when generating the text.

Thanks

[Rekd]

You could long hand it in about 2.34 minutes.

'Rekd

[gmfoster]

Desk Engrave is totally free and will generate the gcode for this with no problem. Just do a search it with Desk Nc and other software from the same guy.

[ger21]

http://www.5star-shareware.com/Graph...tline-art.html

[balsaman]

Just draw the letters in a cad program the hard way? That or use text in autocad and explode it with the express tools text explode tool.

Eric

[wjbzone]

If you have Autocad, do what balsaman said. Type the text, explode it. (use a shx font)

Then convert the exploded lines to polylines.

You can then export the gcode using ger21's gcode exporter or my gcodeout. (both free downloads in autocad forum here in cnczone)

Bill

[kong]

Is there a something similar that will create 3d toolpaths for varied-depth text?

[imserv]

Originally posted by kong Is there a something similar that will create 3d toolpaths for varied-depth text?

Vfontz, but you will need Vector-cam to process the toolpaths.

http://www.vectorcam.com/abcv1.jpg

Info Here:

http://www.vectorcam.com/vfontzt.html

Fred Smith - IMService

[dcarr]

Originally posted by kong Is there a something similar that will create 3d toolpaths for varied-depth text?

VS3D can do varied-depth text and general 3D relief surface sculpting (and can output the necessary tool paths in G-code and other formats). VS3D handles true-type fonts and can do raised lettering (cut away the background and leave the letters raised above it). VS3D's home page is at:
http://www.DesignsComputed.com/vs3d