Is mach the one I need??

[runinbymdnt]

I am building an light industrial router. (4'x5' ) . I have no experience with cnc and need to purchase the software. I have reviewed mach 3, checked out some videos, and listened to all you who recomend it. I have a friend who is headed in the direction of a full cnc machine shop (he is not a router guy) he just spent $4000 on - http://www.mecsoft.com/Mec/Products/products.shtml

With Mach costing under $200, what am I missing? (I have asked him the same question, and he hasnt got back to me yet. Maybe he's thinking about it.)

Thanks JK

[Karl_T]

I know nothing of this product, but I see the web site talks mostly about the CAM abilities it has. Mach has no CAM, its a machine control package. You have to get that separately.

In general, I wouldn't get a "Jack of all trades, master of none" software. Get the best machine control package, Mach3, in your price range. And then get CAD/CAM software separately. I'd suggest you start with any CAD drawing package you like and use NCPlot to generate Gcode.

Karl

[runinbymdnt]

I am confused. So Mach 3 generates g code? what is cam. I know it is an elementary question but I just dont get something here.

Thanks JK

[ger21]

Visual Mill creates the g-code. Mach 3 reads it and controls the machine.

[runinbymdnt]

OK, I have issues. Nothing new.

I have a good cad program (Solidedge), and I buy Mach 3 to read the g code, what generates the G code ?
JK

[ozzie34231]

You draw in CAD
You generate G-code with CAM
Mach interprets the code and sends signals to the drivers
The drivers run the steppers or servos that move the axis'

Jerry

[ozzie34231]

Mach can also generate some code. A program called Lazycam can be downloaded from the same site. It will get you started and you'll learn whether you need something like Visual Cam. Depending on what you'll be doing Lazycam may be all you need.

Jerry

[runinbymdnt]

You draw in CAD
You generate G-code with CAM
Mach interprets the code and sends signals to the drivers
The drivers run the steppers or servos that move the axis'

Jerry

Thank you thank you, Jerry. How simple is that. I get it. My buddy that spent $4k on his software has replied to my question to him and said that maybe Mach 3 can work directly from a dxf file. He was guessing. What is the truth?

I'm glad I only have to go through this learning curve once.

JK

[ger21]

LazyCAM can convert .dxf's to g-code, but it can be a bit buggy, depending on the particular .dxf's

You can download Mach3 and play around with it. Near the end of the install, uncheck the box that syas "install driver". This will install it in simulation mode, so it won't hog your PC while it's running. LazyCAM can be found under the file menu in Mach3. Downloaded the newest 2.0xxx series version.

[runinbymdnt]

Ok It is sinking in. Thanks to you too, Gerry, you said about the same thing, I just didnt get it.

What will I be doing? Some reasonably complex foam and wood tooling for vacuum forming. Roughly the size of a small suitcase.( That would be the biggest)

I create some pretty wild stuff with cad.

Having said that, any direction on the creation of G code?
Is there a better forum to post this question on?
any sugested reading?
any perfered software that doesnt cost $4k ?

Dont you just love us rookies?

Thanks a lot guys JK

[ger21]

www.meshcam.com

[ozzie34231]

If you create wild things you should look at CNC Toolkit. There is a Yahoo group and Rinnea's own site. The Toolkit is a plug-in for 3DS Max and creates 3,4, or 5 axis toolpaths. A few guys are doing fantastic thiongs with it.( like inlays for pool cues!)
I don't know if solidedge will export in a format compatible with 3DS Max but if it does that may be the way to go. The Toolkit is free right now and there is a free version of 3ds Max called Gmax. I don't remember the limitations of the freebee.
I advise you to spend a lot of time delving and working with demos before you spend a few thou on a CAM program, you may not have to.

Everyone thought a control program had top cost 10 or 20 thou until Art started his Mach creations. It's world class now for less than $200!