Just IN- CNC Beginner in need of help !

[einarkol]

Hi !
I am new to CNC. Got my machine a week ago. A small one for the Tabletop. It is Chinese, XJ-3030 and has a DSP control in a handset. I am used to plotters for cutting vinyl and I am not new to computers. I understand how a drawing has to be converted to HPG file before cutting or milling. I understand the Basics of the CNC machine. And that is all I know about CNC.

Can anyone tell me about the simplest, preferably free, software to use for drawing and converting files for CNC milling. The first thing I need to learn is How to engrave letters and simple figures into 1,6mm laminated vinyl. And that is and will be the only use I intend for this machine.

Tutorials that are very Basic would also be appreciated. If you know of any books (preferably downloadable) that explain CNC in the simplest manner, please let me know.

Thank you

Einar Thor
Iceland

[Babybudistmonk]

As far as absolutely free cnc operating software, there aren't too many too choose from. I have heard that LinuxCNC is a pretty good software to use. You can download it right from their web site (www.LinuxCNC.org) and the best part, its free! Now i don't know a whole lot about LinuxCNC, but if its just like all the other Linux based software, there's probably a lot of good info you can dig up just by looking through the site. hope this helps

[jalessi]

Take a look at Cut2D, for ease of use and the low cost $150.00 you simply cant beat it.

http://www.vectric.com/WebSite/Vectr.../c2d_index.htm

Jeff...