Cheap or free CNC software

[JFettig]

Hey, I am in a long search for cnc software. I am mainly looking for CAM software. I have used Mastercam, I like it but am looking for something a little cheaper like maybe free.
All I want is a simple 2d cam package. All It really needs to do is take my tool paths and write the G-code for me.

What can you recomend me?

I am planning on using turbocnc or Mach2 cnc to run the mill, for now just turbocnc cince I have an old laptop ready to go with it. Depending on what I get before the weekend, I might have it running.

What I have:
Seig mini mill(homier)
Converted to pre-loaded ballscrews
300+oz steppers
Gecko Drives
9,000RPM max spindle and soon flood coolant.
I am building my 48v power supply, The capacitor should be here friday or saturday, I have two 24v transformers to run in series(after being converted to dc)

I am looking to do this for as cheap as possible, I spent all my money on my hardware, but not on software.

Let me know,
Jon

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[duluthboat]

Jon,

MeshCam

This may work for you.

Gary

[cadcam]

You can check the Surfcam site they were giving away the 2d version of surfcam for along time.

[whiteriver]

Visual Mill has a Free demo that should work for you. Actually a very nice Program. Once you get the hang of it. Short learning curve. Its very easy to use.

Donny

[NeoMoses]

There's always Ace Converter, too. It should work for simple 2D shapes.

You'll have to post pics/video of your completed mill, I'm dying to see it. (Also, I might have you cut something for me if you're not too busy )

[JFettig]

Thanx for the information, Ill check it out,

bryan, sure thing I shouldn't be too busy toward the end of december, maybe even after next week.


-edit- I cant seem to get ahold of surfcam, surfware.com doesnt work. is there any other links?

Jon

[E-Stop]

Beware of the SurfCam Scam. They were giving the 2D version away for along time and then after you use it for a year, get comfortable with it and have a boat load of programs and data created by it, BAM! The "free" part ends. Now it's gonna cost you mega-bucks to keep your SurfCam liscense so you can maintain those legacy files or you'll have to find a new CAM system and re-create everything. A lot of people were burned on this one.

[JFettig]

ish, that doesnt sound fun, thanx. I will make sure I stay away from them then

What I would really love to have is a bunch of dos programs, Dos CAD and dos CAM, and I have turbocnc wich is going to be run in dos. Its all on my slow laptop (p166).

Is there anything for me?
otherwize windows is fine.
Jon

[High Seas]

I got Mach2 and had some very bonehead questions at first. Mostly involving my setup on a laptop - then I ported to a desktop PIII@500Mghz - a cheepie. Art was not only helpful - his responses were/are FAST and encouraging!

A fine piece of work and includes a digitizing wizard that can be set up using an old dial indicator and a contact switch! No need for an expensive encoder. Its a fast program and looks great.

My vote is clear -

JIm

BTW - the fastest I ever flew was mach2 - but not for long - LOL

[JFettig]

Hey, I have a mach2 demo, it is limited to so many lines, but it looks like itll work great if I was using one of my desktops, wich I might result to. I woudl rather not so I could keep both of them in the same room.

Jon