Controller versus CAM

[tracebender]

I've been trying to digest all the information I can about converting an X2 to CNC. I'm thinking about just purchasing the kit from cncfusion and I've already downloaded the Mach3 demo version. I already have some stepper motors and drivers I had got from Circuit Specialists a while back through I may upgrade to something like Gecko.

From all the reading I've done it seems that controller software for the hobby DIY crowd is either Mach3 or EMC2 if you're into Linux. This seems to be where simple choices end and life gets more complicated. How do you choose a CAM program in the same price range as Mach3 that will provide suitable capabilities. How do you know if you need 2D, 2.5D or 3D. Since I work for a university I was able to purchase the Academic license for SolidWorks and I'm learning that but what's an equivalent affordable path for generating G-Code from the files I'll draw up in Solidworks that can be run by Mach3?

I haven't read many positive things about Lazycam that's packaged with Mach 3, most people giving up on it before ever getting it to work. I've also read many negative posts about BobCad so I'm hesitant to go there. Many people seem to like DolphinCad but I think this would cost as much as my machine. Of course there are all the big boys like Surfcam, FeatureCam, etc that will cause me to have to mortgage my house; I don't think I'm ready for those quite yet. The products from Vectric (Cut 2D, Cut 3D, etc) look reasonably priced but most of the web site seems dedicated to more art related engraving than metal machining.

To get started with 2D machining using any cad program that will generate dxf files is there some defacto standard, like Mach 3, that people use for the CAM side of things when trying to get started?

I'd love any feedback on a mainstream, capable, cost effective CAM package to get started with in the DIY world of CNC machining once I've done the conversion.

[tracebender]

I'm really stuck here and was hoping for some wisdom from guys (or gals) who had already been down this road. Can anyone recommend CAM software for my first CNC retrofit that works well and won't cost more than the machine? Should I skip the CAM and just go with Gcode under Mach3 to start. Advice anyone?

[jemmyell]

Originally Posted by tracebender I'm really stuck here and was hoping for some wisdom from guys (or gals) who had already been down this road. Can anyone recommend CAM software for my first CNC retrofit that works well and won't cost more than the machine? Should I skip the CAM and just go with Gcode under Mach3 to start. Advice anyone?

Hi SheetCAM is low cost and very capable. CamBam has a free version. Dowload the NCPlot free version for a free verification program and you should geta start.

IMHO there is no 2D CNC. You need a Z depth to achieve anything. 2.5D is the easy start. Both of the named programs do that. SW is like killing a fly with a nuclear explosion for a new guy IMHO. But is you can get a simple 2D DXF out of it then both of these CAM programs will let you define contours and pockets, adding the Z depth spec to get to the 2.5D you need for you first stuff.

If you are building a new machine and don't know CAD or CAM start VERY simple. Cut a circle. Make sure it is round and the correct size. Cut a square then a rectangle.

Good luck.

[ger21]

Vectrics V-Carve Pro is a very capable 2.5D CAM package. Download the demo and try it out. You should also try Cut2D, as it may be all you need for a lot less money.