Noob Question: Is Mach2/3 enough?

[snooper]

Hi all!

Just thought I would ask: If I have Mach 2 or 3, is that enough to get a cnc mill running (homebrew style). Reason I'm asking is that I've just visited www.usbcnc.com, and kinda wondered if it was worth the effort just to use the usb port...

[diarmaid]

Basically...No you need more. I wondered the same thing until recently. Here is the reply I received to my queries in a different thread. Hope it helps. Im not sure about the USB but imagine it'd be easier and a more flexible option than a parallel port.

Originally Posted by Tony Mac Hi diarmaid, Most customers will do the design work in Corel Draw then simply Export the design as an EPS file. VCarve Wizard Opens / Imports the EPS out of Corel Draw. If you have an image file ie a jpg or bmp then this needs to be converted to vector outlines before it can be loaded into VCarve. Inkscape converts the image file to vectors. Corel Trace (included with Corel Draw) also converts images to vectors. VCarve Pro which will be released in a couple of weeks is much more functional with Text and Vector editing tools that means less need for Corel Draw. VCarve saves a CNC toolpath file that is loaded into Mach to drive the CNC router. I hope this helps, Tony

Some people dont use V-Carve wizard....Im not really sure what they use instead, maybe someone can clarify this?

[snooper]

The picture part I understand: I'm planning to use a combination of Autocad and Corel. So Mach only drives the machine, it doesn't create the toolpath? The Mach Support website states that it generates g-code as well...

[ynneb]

Mach also comes with a program called lazyCam. LazyCam will generate the gcode.

Essentially mach is a machine driving program.

The basic software you need for CNC is a CAD software, ( Draws what you want) a CAM software (Turns the drawing into g-code) and a Machine driving program like mach2/3 ( you load the G_code into Mach, and it controls the machine.)

You may find that some aplication are like a venn diagram, where they overlap and do a bit of the others job. But I am not aware of any program that does the lot.

[ger21]

Originally Posted by snooper So Mach only drives the machine, it doesn't create the toolpath? The Mach Support website states that it generates g-code as well...

LazyCAM can create g-code, but does not have a lot of features that a CAM program will. It may be enough for your needs, or it may not. Try it and see.

[snooper]

Any suggestions for a decent CAM program? I'd like to be able to do 3-D, without paying an arm and a leg...

[ger21]

www.meshcam.com for 3D
www.sheetcam.com for 2D

If you want both in one package, which arm?

[snooper]

Preferably the right one, as I'm a lefty!