Software.....HELP!!!!!

[Davedbq]

I'll be finishing the construction of my first CNC machine hopefully this next week and I am still in a the dark as to what software to use to make it all work. I can create a model and convert it to a DXF or a STL file no problem but where do I go from there? I would like to find a program to run my CNC machine that is easy to understand and use and also not cost a fortune. I have downloaded TurboCNC but have not found any documentation that explains how to run a file after I have converted it to G-Code. Once it is converted then what? If you can give me a clue as to how to make TurboCNC work or have an easier software to use please give a shout. Thanks, Dave

[TinkerDJ]

Turbocnc has an inprogram editor under the files section all you have to do is open the file and then run it. If it has a problem loading the file, then it may have something wrong with it. I use ace converter to convert dxf to gcode and code shark to edit my gcode's. Turbocnc seems to be very easy to set up and use. It has to be on a dedicated dos machine not running in a window. Otherwise it does weird things. I've only run it under freedos. I have a system setup with diffrent partitions one for freedos, one for win98, and one for winxp. Then a partition loader. I think you can download the docs from the website, if they didn't come with the release. Hookup with the yahoo group for turbocnc aswell they have alot of messages you can read and probly help you out.

[ger21]

Originally Posted by Davedbq I can create a model and convert it to a DXF or a STL file no problem but where do I go from there?

If you're talking about 3D models, the take a look at Meshcam, http://www.grzsoftware.com

For 2D stuff, ACE will work, as mentioned. If you want much more control, look at SheetCAM, at http://www.sheetcam.com

In TurboCNC, under the file menu, choose " Open in Editor". THen, under the run menu, you have several options for how to run it.

[Davedbq]

Thanks for the quick replies. I'll check it all out and hopefully I'll be up and running in short order. Dave