How to get from CAD to CNC

[wood_Workur]

Exactly how do I get from a CAD drawing (Autocad) to THe point where I can machine the piece. I know I have to transform the drawing into G-code, and then open the G-code with CNC drivers, but:

what are some good FREE drivers?

When making 3-D parts, do I have to have the drawing in 3-D, or do I do that later

What else should I know?

Thanks,
Alex

[ger21]

If you use AutoCAD 2002 and newer, I wrote a macro that will export g code from within AutoCAD. http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8226

If not, save the drawing as a v12 .dxf and use ace converter to create g-code. http://www.dakeng.com/ace.html

You load the g-code into the control software. The control software actual controls the machine. The only free one I know of runs on Linux, EMC. http://linuxcnc.org/

TurboCNC is $60, www.dakeng.com
Mach3 is $159, www.artofcnc.ca

For 3D parts, you'd use something like MeshCAM, www.meshcam.com
MeshCAM reads .stl files, or .dxf files created with 3D faces only.

[lakeside]

[QUOTE=wood_When making 3-D parts, do I have to have the drawing in 3-D, or do I do that later/QUOTE]
yes you will need to draw surfaces for 3d part with 2 1/2 axis you use wireframe

[wood_Workur]

Thnaks for the replies- Gary that linux cnc controller will have to work. I just hope I can figure it out. (oh, btw, I have AutoCAD 2000... could that macro work, or not)

[ger21]

Originally Posted by wood_Workur (oh, btw, I have AutoCAD 2000... could that macro work, or not)

Not.