Newbie Using LinuxCNC but how do I 'create' my pattern?


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Thread: Using LinuxCNC but how do I 'create' my pattern?

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    Default Using LinuxCNC but how do I 'create' my pattern?

    Hi all,

    I'm brand new to the CNC world. I've just started building a CNC wood router.

    I am using LinuxCNC and have run the stepconf wizard and opened the familiar screen that has the LinuxCNC logo as a 'job'.


    I just started reading the tutorials for LinuxCNC and one of the first things it says is that it will run G-code but doesn't 'create' G-code - and for that I need CAD or CAM software.


    So, my question is this -
    Could someone give me a quick explaination of the procedure for creating a design and then extracting the G-code in order to load into the LinuxCNC software.


    Also what CAD, CAM software can I use with LinuxCNC?


    I realise that people will have favourites and that the question is very subjective but maybe a few choice programs with pros/cons then that would be really appreciated.


    Thanks for any help you can give me.
    Cheers :-)

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    Member Tkamsker's Avatar
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    Default Re: Using LinuxCNC but how do I 'create' my pattern?

    We used cut2d cut3d and deskproto you need an proper postprocessor now we use bobcad and we draw (or import drawings) then black magic with cam modules and the result goes to a memory stick this we plug in the machine and we are running the part


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    Default Re: Using LinuxCNC but how do I 'create' my pattern?

    Linux cnc has quite good documentation. Just google "gcode linuxcnc". Read a bit about simple commands g00 and g01 and try to write programs that will draw a rectangle or a circle (for first tests do not powerup machine - just look at linuxcnc display). For "real" projects - try "fusion360". Demo lasts a month - after this time you can either buy a subscription or - for hobbyist - get free subscription (as far i know). In this program you can design your project and generate g-code.



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    Default Re: Using LinuxCNC but how do I 'create' my pattern?

    Thanks for the suggestions so far.

    grg12, Tkamsker, thanks for the suggestions. I learnt a lot from the Vectric website about workflow etc. So it looks like I'll be designing my work in Windows and then exporting it to LinuxCNC in order to actually 'make' it. That's fine.

    I've heard of software that will take a photo and plot the necessary g-code to reproduce this on wood. Anyone know of the name of it? Or is this something that a lot of software can do?

    Thanks again for your continued support. :-)



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    Default Re: Using LinuxCNC but how do I 'create' my pattern?

    I've heard of software that will take a photo and plot the necessary g-code to reproduce this on wood
    Vectric's Photo V-Carve is one.

    Gerry

    UCCNC 2017 Screenset
    [URL]http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2017.html[/URL]

    Mach3 2010 Screenset
    [URL]http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2010.html[/URL]

    JointCAM - CNC Dovetails & Box Joints
    [URL]http://www.g-forcecnc.com/jointcam.html[/URL]

    (Note: The opinions expressed in this post are my own and are not necessarily those of CNCzone and its management)


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    Default Re: Using LinuxCNC but how do I 'create' my pattern?

    Quote Originally Posted by ger21 View Post
    Vectric's Photo V-Carve is one.
    Thanks for that. I've been googling like a lunatic this morning and found a few possibilities.

    The V-Carve looks brilliant but it's quite expensive. I've found FreeCAD and PyCAM that look promising (and free).

    I think it might be prudent for me to start with some free software to test the machine and get a feel for the process. And then try the V-Carve trial before deciding whether to take the plunge and spend all that cash.

    Thanks everyone for all your help. Much appreciated. :-)



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    Default Re: Using LinuxCNC but how do I 'create' my pattern?

    The V-Carve looks brilliant but it's quite expensive.
    Photo V Carve and V Carve Pro are two different programs.

    Gerry

    UCCNC 2017 Screenset
    [URL]http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2017.html[/URL]

    Mach3 2010 Screenset
    [URL]http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2010.html[/URL]

    JointCAM - CNC Dovetails & Box Joints
    [URL]http://www.g-forcecnc.com/jointcam.html[/URL]

    (Note: The opinions expressed in this post are my own and are not necessarily those of CNCzone and its management)


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    Default Re: Using LinuxCNC but how do I 'create' my pattern?

    Quote Originally Posted by ger21 View Post
    Photo V Carve and V Carve Pro are two different programs.
    Thanks for letting me know! I didn't realise that. :-)



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    Default Re: Using LinuxCNC but how do I 'create' my pattern?

    Just be aware that with Photo V Carve, pictures is all that it does.
    V Carve Pro, on the other hand, does many things, which is why it costs a lot more.
    If you want to do V Carving, look at F Engrave, which is free.

    Gerry

    UCCNC 2017 Screenset
    [URL]http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2017.html[/URL]

    Mach3 2010 Screenset
    [URL]http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2010.html[/URL]

    JointCAM - CNC Dovetails & Box Joints
    [URL]http://www.g-forcecnc.com/jointcam.html[/URL]

    (Note: The opinions expressed in this post are my own and are not necessarily those of CNCzone and its management)


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    Default Re: Using LinuxCNC but how do I 'create' my pattern?

    Here is a good explanation:
    Guerrilla guide to CNC machining, mold making, and resin casting

    I highly recommend f-engrave, free and works really well:
    F-Engrave
    A long thread:
    http://www.cnczone.com/forums/openso...-software.html

    Steve



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    Default Re: Using LinuxCNC but how do I 'create' my pattern?

    Quote Originally Posted by ger21 View Post
    Just be aware that with Photo V Carve, pictures is all that it does.
    V Carve Pro, on the other hand, does many things, which is why it costs a lot more.
    If you want to do V Carving, look at F Engrave, which is free.
    Thanks Gerry, I've had a quick look at Scorch Works F-Engrave and it looks really good. I've found a decent tutorial on it too.

    Assuming that this software is happy to sit together on the same computer I'll probably try a few of these different programs and then just see what best suits my needs.

    I really appreciate everyone's time and effort in answering my question. Thanks again :-)



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    Default Re: Using LinuxCNC but how do I 'create' my pattern?

    Thanks Steve. That Guerrilla guide looks brilliant! Just what I need. I'll read and digest that tonight.

    I'm definitely going to have a go with F-Engrave and will read that thread you linked to. Thanks :-)



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    Default Re: Using LinuxCNC but how do I 'create' my pattern?

    For Linux
    2D and 2.5D i use Inkscaape with gcodetools
    For pictures, you can open them directly in linuxcnc but a bit complicated so i use dmap2gcode easy to use and works greaat
    3D or more Pycam but slow, very slow.
    A lot are using Fusion 360 so it must be good, i do not use it, i hate registering for everything and i do not use windows.



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    Default Re: Using LinuxCNC but how do I 'create' my pattern?

    I use bobart for that application even if I am then forced to use windows ,..


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    Default Re: Using LinuxCNC but how do I 'create' my pattern?

    Thanks tommylight and Tkamsker,

    That dmap2gcode looks really good!

    I'll probably do the software on my Windows machine and then transfer the g-code to the Linux environment. Just because my main machine is a lot faster. I've got some great software to experiment with now and really appreciate all the suggestions.

    Cheers :-)



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Using LinuxCNC but how do I 'create' my pattern?

Using LinuxCNC but how do I 'create' my pattern?