What CAM for EMC2?

[cwebs]

I am brand new to using linex so speak slowly. I have made the ISO CD from the download With EMC2. then using the add/remove program was able to download and install Qcad. Now I need to get a CAM program that this newbee can install and use with Qcad/EMC2. What would you recomand?

[Seb]

I think that there is currently no great CAD/CAM solution for Linux/EMC2, but here is a list of some to try: http://wiki.linuxcnc.org/cgi-bin/emcinfo.pl?Cam.

HeeksCAD and HeeksCNC seem to be getting the most attention lately.

[outofoperation]

Hello cwebs,

although it is commercial software, but try Sheetcam TNG. There is a linuxoid demo-package available at http://www.sheetcam.com - grab it und install it by doubleclick.

have fun, Steff

[jimlas53]

Is there a reason to limit yourself to using CAM in Linux? Your choices are much broader in Windows. I run EMC2 on all 4 of my machines and use Linux as my standard OS for all systems, but I run Windows virtual machines to take advantage of the available engineering packages.

[cwebs]

Originally Posted by jimlas53 Is there a reason to limit yourself to using CAM in Linux? Your choices are much broader in Windows. I run EMC2 on all 4 of my machines and use Linux as my standard OS for all systems, but I run Windows virtual machines to take advantage of the available engineering packages.

No reason not to use Windows programs. My CNC puter is duel boot with XP. Just don't know what I am doing yet. Thanks Carl

[svenakela]

Does it have to be for free?
If you have a Windows-PC around, Rhino with a CAM-plugin is really worth the money and then you have full 3D-capability.

[cwebs]

Originally Posted by svenakela Does it have to be for free? If you have a Windows-PC around, Rhino with a CAM-plugin is really worth the money and then you have full 3D-capability.

At this time free is good. I first want to get everything working so I understand CAD to chips. I don't plan on using it often it is just for hobby use and most of my hobby is in the making of the machine and learning the hole system. I am a retired machinest and income is VERY limited. Thanks for any ideas that will help this old man, Carl

[margni74]

Rhinocam seems to be working for me so far... although Ive only run generated G code while my linux box wasn't driving the actual machine. Axis only spit out a couple of complaints in the 32000 line program i ran earlier today.

if you find something decent for free please share the info.