What software do I need ?

[kheri]

I have just finished my CNC machine and I am looking for software to run it.
I already have Autocad and Mastercam.
1. What other software (affordable price- below $500) do I need to convert the DXF file to G-code ? Can Mastercam do this ?
2. What other software (affordable price-below $500) do I need to use this G-code to run my machine in Windows for the fabrication of the parts ? Can Mastercam also do this ?
Thank you for your help

[CNCadmin]

Sheet Cam and Mach 3

[Bubba]

Kehri,
Mach 3 is great if you want a windows based software, but I prefer DOS and use TurboCnc in conjunction with SheetCam to do my stuff.

[samsagaz]

What GCOde Means?

[Bubba]

G-code is an interpertation of the lines to cut in a drawing.

It tells the control program how to move a cutter to do what you want done. This may involve many "processes" to achieve the final result.
The basic codes include:
G00 X?Y?Z? (Move to a final place at a rapid rate)
G01 X?Y?Z?F? (Move to a final place at a fixed rate)
G02 X? Y? I? J? F? (Do an arc in the clockwise move at a fixed rate)
G03X? Y? I? J? F? (Do an arc in the Counterclockwise move at a fixed rate)

There are many more basic codes, but hopefully you will get the idea.
Read, Read, Read
Do a google on G-code and you will find a wealth of information (and confusion) as there are several varieties and you will need to involve yourself in the dialect that you will use in YOUR controller program.
Hope this helps, but if it confuses more, simply as MORE questions.

[motomitch1]

Mastercam will do it all the cad/cam part of the job but you will need some software to run the machine like Mach 3 or Qstep.