Need Help!- Sketchup and Mach3

[cmorrowk]

OK, I know this question has been asked a million times, but I can't seem to find any definitive answer. Many of the threads I've read so far have said that you can't export sketchup files to Mach3, but most were old threads. What is the current state of things? I am a complete newbie to CNC and am beginning my first build right now. I know how to use, and really like the ease of using sketchup. I've heard about a plugin that will export file types that should be readable by mach or lazycam. So, I guess my question is... Can I, or can I not design in sketchup, export to lazycam to generate gcode, and then go to mach3? Do I even have a proper understanding of the process? Any guidance would be GREATLY appreciated. Thanks!

[dertsap]

you need a cam program to create your toolpaths then create g code , mach only understands the g code it's given and doesn't understand models or sketches , you can save an stl in sketch up and import it into a cad/cam program ,
try this , its free and works ok heekscnc - CNC machining add-in for HeeksCAD - Google Project Hosting

[cmorrowk]

So the free version of Lazycam that comes with Mach3 will not create the toolpath?

[Jide]

I just got an Okuma cnc mill: I need help with the procedure on how to get the machine going,that is, how to load tools,and unload tools from the tool magazine.The basic steps in operating the machine. I own a Taig cnc mill,and have used Haas cnc while in college.Any help would be appreciated.

[dertsap]

Originally Posted by cmorrowk So the free version of Lazycam that comes with Mach3 will not create the toolpath?

lazycam is very limited and more or less useless

[JayCop]

To answer your question of being able to use sketchup to mach3, No. But there are two work a rounds.

1. • Index page register and you can download their plugin for sketchup which can output g-code.

2. Convert Sketchup SKP files to DXF or STL | Download Sketchup plugin
This website gives a plugin that allows you to export your sketchup models to dxf or stl files which can be imported to a separate cam program. ( I use this method and find it easiest)


Hope that helps.

[jharvey407]

Originally Posted by cmorrowk OK, I know this question has been asked a million times, but I can't seem to find any definitive answer. Many of the threads I've read so far have said that you can't export sketchup files to Mach3, but most were old threads. What is the current state of things? I am a complete newbie to CNC and am beginning my first build right now. I know how to use, and really like the ease of using sketchup. I've heard about a plugin that will export file types that should be readable by mach or lazycam. So, I guess my question is... Can I, or can I not design in sketchup, export to lazycam to generate gcode, and then go to mach3? Do I even have a proper understanding of the process? Any guidance would be GREATLY appreciated. Thanks!

A very good combination for someone who wants to use SketchUp for their CAD work, would be;

SketchUp for Design
The DXF export plugin (mentioned in an earlier post)
CamBam for g-code production
Mach3 for CNC control

I have been using this combination with great success.

[cmorrowk]

Great information! Thanks guys.