software for 4 axis zylotex/sherline setup

[shindin]

I purchased the 4 axis setup from Jeff, and want to install it on a sherline mill w/rotary table. Anyone want to offer an opinion as to which software will be able to handle 4 axis, while still being as "user friendly" as possible? I would like to find some "starter" software that doesn't cost more than the machine, if possible.... thanks!
Lenny

[ESjaavik]

EMC will handle 4 axis (and more). It is user friendly.

But alas it is not integrator friendly. It means it can be difficult to get up and running. The .INI file is not well documented. If you can use the Sherline setup that is in the BDI-Live installation, this may not be an issue. When everything is in place, it has a nice user interface and is easy to use. In fact you can choose from more than one.

One thing I regret is I did not use Pico Systems PPMC. In fact I still consider changing to it. It would allow me to use an older (slower) PC and still get higher motion speeds.

One thing I feel very comfortable with is that I know I can use the same program for my next project even if that will be servos, while my current is with steppers. Or to use a buzzword: it's an open system. I see the time I spend in setting up a system as an investment that I want to use next time.

If you don't mind fighting (and learning) a bit in the beginning, check it out.
If you're impatient, maybe Mach2? That's an EMC spinoff running on Windows. I would have tried it if the driver interface was open.

[RotarySMP]

turboCNC.