Newbie- EMC2 vs. Mach 3

[ahab8783]

I've recently starting working on a DIY CNC mill just for fun and would like to know which software people prefer: EMC2 or Mach3. I'm a lot more familiar with windows than ubuntu, but I could put together a Linux build if i felt EMC2 was the better program. I don't plan on controlling more that 3 axis' and doubt i will ever utalize any advanced control.

[ger21]

There are a lot more Mach3 users, most likely because there are a lot more Windows users than Linux users.

Both are very capable.

[ahab8783]

OK, i still haven't messed with either a whole lot. Are either one of the programs able to populate G-code from a 3D model?

[ger21]

No, you'll need a CAM program for that.

[CarveOne]

Originally Posted by ahab8783 I've recently starting working on a DIY CNC mill just for fun and would like to know which software people prefer: EMC2 or Mach3. I'm a lot more familiar with windows than ubuntu, but I could put together a Linux build if i felt EMC2 was the better program. I don't plan on controlling more that 3 axis' and doubt i will ever utalize any advanced control.

I have used both, and though I like the EMC2/Ubuntu/free option (still have it and occasionally use it), I find that Mach3/WinXP Pro has some features that give it enough of an edge that I use it nearly all the time now.

Gcode that runs on Mach3 also runs on EMC2 with a few changes, like the file extension rules and some of the G and M codes may not be supported in both of them. Mach3 makes setting up slaved motors easier.

CarveOne

[saundby]

I'm using EMC2, I can't really compare it to Mach3 as I haven't used it.

EMC2 does a competant job of driving the CNC, there are some hiccups when getting started, before you even get to driving the machine, I found. When you hit them, search the EMC2 forums at linuxcnc.org for answers. The folks there get snippy when you post about these recurrent getting started problems, ignore the attitude and you'll find the answers.

I've used their LiveCD distros of Ubuntu for 8.04 and 10.04. They have the same problems when first starting to run after an install to hard disk (which didn't occur when booting off the CD). The first time I thought it was the distro disagreeing with my hardware--it was just EMC2 acting stupid about the config files.

Aside from that, it's worked well. It has an image-to-gcode converter built in that's OK, but has some surprises in it, like cutting off the edges of images if you don't select to extend the image border. It's also got its own way of thinking about how deep to make cuts, it doesn't really act like a real depth map--it's a bit too "intelligent" for its own good.

Over time, I'll probably change over to Windows and one of the popular programs there. But that takes either a $200 Win license or a new computer, plus the commercial Windows software itself, in my case. If you've already got an available Windows license for a system, then you're well along already. Overall I expect you'd find Mach3 to be less idiosyncratic.

But if all you're planning to do is feed it gcode from other programs and let it run the machine, EMC2 can do that job just fine.

[ahab8783]

Thanks for the replies guys. I've been working with Mach 3 for a couple of weeks now and I've liked it so far. We tried to run a solder-paste-applicator machine turned 5 axis router at the place i work with EMC2 and we kept running into problems with the real-time kernel. It appeared that there was some type of scheduling/latency issue between EMC2 and Linux. I'm not familiar with Linux so we purchased Mach 3 and have been having a lot of success.

ger21,

Can you suggest and low cost CAM programs that interface well with MACH3?


Scott

[ger21]

What type of parts will you be making?

[ahab8783]

ger21

good question. there's a lot of things i've contemplating using it for, but lately i guess you can say i've been more focued on the journey than the destination. I design electrical connectors so i would love to be able to machine prototypes out of ABS or a similar material. currently we order prototypes through an outside vendor and there's usually a 3-5 day lead time. For myself personally, i'd like to machine some wooden electronic enclosure. when i say enclosure, im talking about replacing the actually metal/plastic housing with a wooden one. i'd like to do this with my ipod, wii, possibly DVD player etc. a friend of mine wants me to cut hmi some custom brackets for his car but im not sure if aluminum will work for what he needs.

[harley4ever]

Dolphin Cad Cam is a good one to look at. Onecnc looks nice as well, prob a bit more expensive though.