Low cost Gcode convertor and other q's

[crazyman]

Need help in deciding what G-Code convertor to use with Mach2-3.

I will initally designing 3D cad work in Solidworks. But may use other cad packages later so if a particaly g-code convertor covers Solidworks and CAD It would be to know what options exist with what tradeoffs?

Also,
I will be using servos with Rutex drives. Are there any issues with Mach2 using rutex drives that I should know about?

[ger21]

Most low cost CAM takes 2D .dxf's, not 3D models. One of the best is SheetCAM. http://www.sheetcam.com For 3D models, a good choice is MeshCAM. http://www.grzsoftware.com

Keep in mind that for 2 1/2D work, such as pocketing and drilling, SheetCAM is a much better choice.

Rutex drives will work fine with Mach2/3. Start with Mach3 if you haven't set up Mach2 yet. Many more features.

[Barker806]

I run Feature Cam and I can take a Solidworks file right in I hear very good things about OneCNC... As for the Rutex Drives, I have done a few machines with them and they are harder to tune than the Gecko Drives but they work very well once you tune them in!

Hope that helps
Brian

[crazyman]

Thx for the input guys,
What is the price for Feature Cam?
One CNCis quite pricy, I wonder if it has many more advantages over Meshcam.
CNC toolkit has a unique 5-6 axis g-code convertor setup, Does anyone know if Meshcam can generate G-Code in the same format as CNCtoolkit?
see link here of a 5 and 6 axis format http://www.rainnea.com/cnc_5axis.htm
What about a more standard 4th axis?

[ger21]

FeatureCAM costs more than OneCNC I believe. MeshCAM's output can be configured through the post processor.

[crazyman]

Forgive me , btu I'm a bit new to CNC operations.

What is the post processor and what can be modified at that stage?

[ger21]

The post processor is a text file containing parameters that specify the format of the g-code. MeshCAM's is based on Millwizards'. You can download the Millwizard post manual here for more info. ftp://mwiz:turnitout@arrow.delcam.com/post_manv4.exe