software question?

[research]

Hello,

I work at two schools teaching various AutoDesk software programs. We are currently using AutoCAD 2006 and Inventor 10. One school (possiblly both) is going to build this type of router for use in our classes. Just for demonstrations mostly.

From reading on here, it seems you are taking drawings and converting them to g-code. I know that works, since I have done it in the past myself on old MaxNC 10 machines. I used a demo machine recently, however, with no conversion, just open the files (dxf, stl, etc.) in the software that runs the machine.

Can any of you recommend an in-expensive (or free) software to do this that will work with the router? Mastercam or something is pretty expensive.

Thanks in advance for the help,
Brian

[CNCRob]

Hey Brian,
You could try SheetCam at www.sheetcam.com, Ace Converter http://www.dakeng.com, and ger21 on here made an AutoCad macro you could also use AutoCAD 2 G-Code macro .I hope this helps-Robbie

[ger21]

Like Rob said, try my macro in AutoCAD 2006. You won't have to do any conversion, just save g-code from AutoCAD. It does a lot more than ACE, but not as much as SheetCAM.

[research]

I have used the ACE converter before (its on my latptop). Thats how I managed to get the g-codes for the max-nc.

Looks like I have some more research to do tomorrow. Thanks guys.

I know just a tiny bit about CNC and I get suck with the job of trying to make stuff work. Typical huh?

Brian