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New to CNC

Discussion in 'General Talk' started by Charlie, Nov 3, 2014.

  1. Charlie

    Charlie New
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    Hello Everyone,

    This is a great forum with a lot of great resources. Thanks to all that have made this happen.

    I am new to CNC of any kind and I have a few questions that I hope can be answered here. I am building the Ox Router. Thats the easy part. I plan on using Linux CNC for the control program. What I am having trouble with is The Cad package I need to use to draw the part or what ever O want to build. Do I need a 3D package like Solid works or can I design parts in a 2d cad program and then use a cam program to generate the G-code? Also How rigid/accurate is the G3 belt system? Thanks


    Charlie
     
  2. Tweakie

    Tweakie OpenBuilds Team
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    Hi Charlie,

    Welcome.

    It depends, to a large extent, on how much you are prepared to spend on software.
    My choice would be the Vectric CAD/CAM software but it can be expensive, on the other hand the free Sketchup and associated Sketchucam plugin may be a good place to start.

    Tweakie.
     
    David the swarfer likes this.
  3. Charlie

    Charlie New
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    Hi Tweakie,

    thanks for the reply.So I do need a 3D cad package? I will look at Vectric.

    Charlie
     
  4. Charlie

    Charlie New
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    OK So I see at the Vectric website they have cut2d. would this work to get me started?
     
  5. Tweakie

    Tweakie OpenBuilds Team
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    You don't need 3D software unless you intend to machine 3D things (well it's 2.5D really) so 2D software may be just fine for your intended applications.
    There is a lot of free software available for doing 2D work but if you have the finances then I think Cut2D would be a good choice, it is easy to learn, has very good support and tutorial videos etc. and in my opinion does an excellent job.

    Tweakie.
     
  6. GrayUK

    GrayUK Openbuilds Team Elder
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    Hi Charlie.
    If you haven't watched any Vectric videos, go on to You Tube and tap in Vectric. They have quite a few vids there. :thumbsup:
    Another good one is Artcam. It's a big program like Vectric, but you can learn a lot just watching them. :thumbsup:

    Gray
     
  7. Charlie

    Charlie New
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    Thanks GrayUK,

    I have watched some of the Vetric videos and I think that is what I need. I will take a look at Artcam.

    With a cnc router do you think it is necessary to invest in a 3d cad package? I guess it depends on what I want to do. Thaks for the help.

    Regards
    Charlie
     
  8. GrayUK

    GrayUK Openbuilds Team Elder
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    Unless you have definate plans to carve in 3D, i.e. faces of animals or people in relief, or anything requiring a greater degree of depth, then a 2D or 2.5D program will suit you. :thumbsup:

    It really is up to you. If you can tell us what you have in mind, like House signs, or aluminium milling etc, then perhaps we can advise. :cool:

    Gray
     
  9. Charlie

    Charlie New
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    Hi Gray,

    Well I plan on doing signs, PCBs and anything 2D. I think I have the software I will use figured out.

    Cut2D looks really good. Thanks for the advice.

    Regards

    Charlie
     
  10. crnrstndes

    crnrstndes Well-Known
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    Hi all, I too am a newbie to cnc and I have to admit when I started I was a bit naive. I thought I could just import a picture and send it to the cnc machine like a printer, I didn't realize the steep learning curve! I have tried to use the free software and some of it is useful, like Camotics, Universal G-code Sender and GRBL Panel. I have struggled with Inkscape and most conversion software packages, Makercam is a 50/50 product in reliability and function for me. So I looked at Cut2d as my main application will be inlays into my cutting boards. This was one of the main functions I wanted as well as engraving the boards. I really like the inlay features of Cut2D. Anyone have any experience with the CutsD software?? I am using GRBL and an Arduino board and 4899 steppers.

    Thanks
    Steve B.
     

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