Conversion Done, Now Need CAM Software!

[Otokoyama]

I recently completed most of the Steele mini-lathe conversion and it works flawlessly with Mach3 (which is great software).

Mach3 will eventually support the G71 and G70 (rough and finish turning cycles respectively), and it already provides conversion from dxf to G-code, but is there any hobbyist-priced software that will convert either dxf or finish profile G-code to all of the necessary roughing G-code?

Thanks for any software links or tips that you can provide.

[Otokoyama]

BTW, my environment is Windows XP.

I don't want to spend over $250. I could have obtained BobCAD V17 for this, but won't buy anything that only uses DOS file names.

I also checked out Gcode 2000 and that worked quite well for converting dxf to G-code, but I'm really interested in something that automatically generate the rough cuts.

[balsaman]

Nice conversion. How does your xylotex driver run such large motors? I thought it was rated at 2.5 A max?

Eric

[ger21]

Nice conversion. How does your xylotex driver run such large motors? I thought it was rated at 2.5 A max?

Eric

You just run them at 2.5a. You'll only get about 80% of the torque, though.

[balsaman]

Yeah I know. But why go the big motor on the z if you are limited by the driver? Just wondering.

It's a clean looking job. How do you still run the z axis in manual? Do you need to uncouple the leadscrew?

Eric

[Otokoyama]

The 3A HobbyCNC motor works fine at 2.5A even with the torque reduction as it's overly powerful for the cross slide.

The more powerful Sanyo Denki motor is 2A. The Xylotex box can be quickly adjusted for motors less than 2.5A.

I really like the Xylotex box because it was reasonably priced, well documented, and is a "plug'n'play" unit.

But ... what CAM software are you using?

[Otokoyama]

Yeah I know. But why go the big motor on the z if you are limited by the driver? Just wondering. It's a clean looking job. How do you still run the z axis in manual? Do you need to uncouple the leadscrew?Eric

The bigger (longer and heavier) Z motor is actually 2A which can be driven at full torque. The smaller motor is on the X. I should look for something smaller.

There is a "control knob" on the back end of the Z axis, but the carriage wheel stills works fairly easily (though the knob is removed) as the Z lead screw is 2 tpi with 4 starts.

[balsaman]

I use MasterCam. I have access to it at work. At home I just convert using Ace Converter. Sorry, can't hlp you much.

Eric

[kong]

Take a look at dolphin over here - http://www.dolphin.zenwebhosting.com/frame_set.htm
They give you $100 off if you already have a Mach2 license. It will still cost $485, but is probably the best "cheap" CAM software out there. I use it exclusively on my lathe and it has managed to do everything I have asked of it. If you can find the extra money, you will be pleased in the long run. Just a thought, I got mine at christmas when it was on special offer. They may have one coming up, or you may want to be cheaky and ask them!

[Otokoyama]

Dolphin Hobbymaster with CAD and TURN modules is $595, but the software does look like it'll do everything I need. I spent a number of hours over the last two weeks writing Java code to generate the G-code for a part, and I would have preferred spending that time in front of the lathe.

I'm downloading Hobbymaster now. It appears I'll have to activate it with a license code after paying. I'm hoping that there is some limited demo capability.

Thanks.

[kong]

Hey, I am not about hobbymaster, look at the Mach2 version. $485 if you don't need the Mach2 license. Link is http://www.dolphin.zenwebhosting.com/mach2.htm
Same software, just that it only comes with a Mach2 post processor.

Yeah, the demo is fully functional, except you can't produce a g-code file at the end. There is so much you can do though, just can't machine anything!

[Otokoyama]

Thanks for pointing this out to me. I had downloaded the wrong one, and am now getting the Mach2 version.

The user interface is important to me, so I'd like to take a close look before parting with the money.

Thanks.