Software for Joe's Machines?

[TCGliderguy]

Is there any kind of rational approach to choosing software to run a Joe's 2006 or 4x4 hybrid machine?

The choices are overwhelming..... every kind of animal... Rhino, Dolphin, etc. Mach (can you really cut at the speed of sound?), Sheet, Bob,Desk,Turbo etc. etc. etc.

I see lots of references around here... to everybody's favorites, but how does somebody who has never cut anything make a reasonable first choice?
Obviously, a lot of these are specialized, for different types of cutting.... but what is a good, inexpensive choice to just drive the steppers around, and get started making chips?

-Taylor

[joecnc2006]

V-Carve Pro, and if you can get thier suite, all three programs are great, and the forums they have is very helpful, as far as a support, And tony is very active here also. not to mention phone suport if you need it, but very few do have to call, because the programs are very easy to learn and use, does most the work for you.

That would be my choice, but like you said depends on what you want to do with the machine.

Joe

[ger21]

You need to break it down into groups.

1) Control software. You must use control software to control the machine. You have several options. Mach3, TurboCNC, DeskCNC, CNC Zeus, and a few other more expensive ones. Most use Mach3, because it's inexpensive, it runs in windows, and most would say it's more powerful than the rest.

2) CAM software. Unless you want to write all your g-code by hand, you'll want to use CAM software. Inexpensive CAM software usually falls into 2 categories 2D (or 2.5D) and 3D. Mach3 includes a 2D CAM program, LazyCAM, for free. SheetCAM is a good 2D CAM program. And you can always use Ace converter for free. Vcarve Pro does 2D CAM plus V carving, and has the best raster to vector conversion I've ever used. For 3D CAM, look at Vectrics Cut3D or MeshCAM.

3)CAD or design software. You'll need some thing to create your designs and/or models you'll need to send to your CAM programs. You have a ton of options here, from Corel Draw to Expensive 3D CAD like Solidworks, and everything in between. Cheap CAD programs like DesignCAD and TurboCAD give a lot of bang for the buck. There's also Rhino, which can model just about anything in 3D, and does 2D as well.

It really comes down to what is your budget, and what you want to do. I recommend trying everything before buying anything. I've seen a lot of people buy software that just wasn't right for them, or the work they were doing, and end up buying something else later.

[TCGliderguy]

O.K.... so let's take this from the simplest level. Let's say that I just want to cut out 2D parts (like could be done by hand with a scroll saw).

I draw up my part in a CAD program...(I happen to have VectorWorks, TurboCad, and a couple of others that I can't even remember). I export the drawing as a DXF file.....

So now it needs to be converted to G Code, right? If Ace Converter (for free) will do the job, then why would I need anything more sophisticated? (Based on my simple, 2D example....)

Once converted, the G Code goes into Mach3.... and it controls the steppers, right?......

I'm just trying to get my head wrapped around the options... Kinda like "I need to buy a new vehicle".... So what does a Ferrari do, and what does a dump truck do? "

Thanks for the help!

-Taylor

[calgrdnr]

Hello Taylor,

From this CAD idiot. I decided the quickest and easiest way to get my router up and cuting was to buy Mach3, V-Carve pro and PhotoCarve.

I am real happy with all three. The vectric software is about as simple to use as you can get. Compared to what I've read and seen on prices of other software that can do as much, it is cheap compared to them. If i had it all over to do agian there is somthings I would change about my router. But none in the choice of software I made except maybe getting 3D carve as part of the package to save little money. but I will still buy it soon, and I am sure it will be worth every penny.

I do have Autocad and a few other cad programs. I would like to learn them. But at this stage I can not think of anything I want to do that I can not do with V-Carve Pro.

Kent

[bp092]

vcarve pro and mach 3 go hand in hand, I use them along side autocad, but mach3 and vcarve are perfect for beginners and allow function advanced enough to do anything you need to do

[ger21]

O.K.... so let's take this from the simplest level. Let's say that I just want to cut out 2D parts (like could be done by hand with a scroll saw).

I draw up my part in a CAD program...(I happen to have VectorWorks, TurboCad, and a couple of others that I can't even remember). I export the drawing as a DXF file.....

So now it needs to be converted to G Code, right? If Ace Converter (for free) will do the job, then why would I need anything more sophisticated? (Based on my simple, 2D example....)

Lots of reasons.
1)Say ACE may want to cut in a certain direction, but you want to cut in the opposite direction. A CAM program will let you switch with a simple click or two.
2)ACE will program the tool so that the center of the tool follows the lines you've drawn. So you'll need to offset the lines in your CAD program 1/2 the tools radius, in order to get your parts the right size. CAM programs will create the correct toolpath automatically.
3)ACE will plunge the tool straight down into the work, which is bad for your router bearings as well as for the tool. CAM will let you ramp in gradually, and even give you several options for ewntering the cut from outside the actual part, to prevent gouging that may occur from the entry into the part.
4)Pocketing. Sure, you can pocket with ACE, but you'll have to draw all the toolpaths to clean out the pocket yourself. CAM can do pocketing with only the pocket border being drawn.
5)Drilling. ACE doesn't do drilling, but most CAM programs do.

Basically, with ACE, you need to actually draw the toolpaths that the tool will follow. Wherever you want the tool to cut, you draw a line (or arc).

With CAM software, you draw the part and let the software create the toolpaths.

Once converted, the G Code goes into Mach3.... and it controls the steppers, right?......

Sort of. Mach3 controls the stepper drives, which actually control the steppers.

[BobF]

TCGliderguy,
For what its worth. Since I was waiting on my kit, I spent time in the last few weeks playing with Mach and Sheetcam. I took the drawings Joe posted and was able to generate G-code that looks like it would cut parts for the machine on the Mach screen. Can't cut much yet.

[TCGliderguy]

Thanks..... The fog is starting to clear......

-Taylor

[ger21]

Here's another free 2D CAM program you might want to check out.
http://www.gsimple.eu/index.html

[TCGliderguy]

Dennis,

Thanks for the info..... your system looks very interesting.

I do have one question, though...... With your hardware/software combination, does that eliminate the possibility of using any other CAM software (for 3D contouring, for example?)

[TCGliderguy]

Dennis,

I spent quite a bit of time looking over your tutorial videos, and I am very impressed with what I see. (One small glitch... I can't get the "Using DXF Files" video to play... I just get a blank, white screen....)

The REALLY scary part is that I think I understand what I am watching...

I've got a few questions.....

1) Does your CamPod USB interface take some of the load off the computer?
I know that there are some issues running Mach3 with a laptop.... with the stepper pulses competing with the graphics display performance. What computer configuration (for Windows XP) do you recommend?

2) I see that your system is compatible with a joystick. Do you know if it would work O.K. with a USB Contour ShuttlePro? I edit video professionally, so I already own a couple of them.....

3) Is there any sort of users group for your software?..... Misery loves company, and it would be nice to have some users to ask dumb questions....

4) I was considering the HobbyCNC controller and 305 ounce/inch steppers. Do you have a larger option for NEMA 23 motors... or will your MightyBox be happy with other stepper motors?

5) Do you think your software and USB interface, MightyBox, etc. would be a good match for the Joe's 2006 machine ( 29 x 45 cutting area.... 3 Axis, etc.)

Thanks!

-Taylor