This the 1 ?... http://www.autodesk.com/education/free-software/fusion-360

 

It was free to hobbyist, only version that is free is educational one unless its been hidden, there are so many cad/cam programs out there, the sketchup with sketchucam is all free - a proper 3d program is what I would like without it costing a fortune pref free


edit. fusion 360 is cloud based so your stuffed without the internet, inventor is standalone

 

That's the one.

That is weird that it's not listed for hobbyists. I just downloaded it about a month ago.

It's cloud based - and that can be a bit frustrating - but once it's loaded, you can work on it without Internet connection.

I'm currently using solidworks with the free HSMxpress plugin (similar CAM to fusion360). The CAM is robust and has some features that are worth taking a look at. For me there was a learning curve to the CAM, but I think I finally made some headway.

I need to find a better interface. I've been using chilipeppr for TinyG. It has some nice features, but it's buggy and completely cloud based (local version has been discussed/worked on but it's not stable as per developer). I tried univ G sender - but I couldn't even get past the first couple steps. Might need to take another look.

 

Fusion 360 seems to be incredible - complex, comprehensive, etc.
I've been watching the tutorials and playing with it in "air milling" mode.
Lars has put some time and effort into these.
It will take (me) some time to get competent with this, but it looks like a learning curve worth investment of some time.

 

I had some issues wrapping my head around it as well - but I chalked it up to being comfortable with another program. The CAM is a bit different between the plugin for solidworks and fusion360, but the basics are similar. It's powerful for sure. Should offer good co tell over cut parameters, stock/workpiece setup etc.

 

Fusion 360 is really great, took to it like a duck to water i'd struggled a bit with solidworks. its nice that it has tinyg/grbl support built in too and a great plugin API. i'd used hsxmpress solidcam etc but didn't find it as intuitive.

chilipeppr is pretty good as well, but i have had a couple of issues, i'll loose communication sometimes after leaving it a while, sometimes the updates break it, it'd be nice if they did versioning so you could go back. and sometimes the UI gets in the way a little bit, i'd like to see a easy to get at feedhold for instance. I've been playing around writing my own CAM/GCODE viewer/sender as well for my FlashCUT box as their software is basic to say the least.

F360 it's still free for hobbyists, http://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/try-buy , top right

 

thanks for that, I see it a few weeks ago but couldn't find it again

nearest thing to cad I have done is corel draw / photoshop its been a steep learning curve getting my head around the 2d, 2.5d thing, spent a few hours with sketchup couldn't figure out how to manually pocket cut items then the penny dropped

 

May seem obvious, but I found that I had an easier time learning if I focused on an actual project I wanted to get done, instead of randomly messing around.

Picking one thing to design, instead of just "playing" with the program, forced me to push myself to learn the basic principals that I needed for that part. Stumped, pissed, cursing and spitting....I finally got it done. Then I figured out how to do that one design better, which in turn exposed me to more and better ways to achieve certain goals.

 

I started with a simple project, simple shapes, I have worked on 2d vectors for many years doing vinyl, so its all logical

 

yeah i just used sketch, then did dimensioned sketches, push/pull etc, and it all just fell into place. nycnc was the one that got me into it

 

I have been following him for a few years on youtube - he seem to have a passion for what he does - I got a nice piece of hardwood to mill I have be requested if I can do some door number plaques - that should make a nice project

 

Just catching up with posts and things, i got the power supply today and screwed it to the cnc c beam. looking good. Ryan had it well packed and posted 1st class, great service Ryan! its good to deal with people who care you have my thums up m8.

here is a couple of pics...

On the software topic were really spoiled for choice, wish I learned all that stuff years ago when i was firing more neurons!

 

Still waiting on end caps and channel fillers etc from robocutters and i'll need to sort the perspex side covers out as well as wiring and things.

Any suggestions on a U.K suppliers of good cutters? and selection?

 

I have no idea whether these are "good cutters", but I will probably splurge on them anyway as "single use roughing tools" that will get me through the early stages of the learning curve.
I don't need a Bentley or RR to learn to drive, in fact something very much cheaper would be a better idea.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OPZLKPK?psc=1
I am NOT an amazon fan, or a "Made in China" enthusiast, although a lot of stuff comes from there ANYWAY these days, so what the heck.
It will take a while for them to get here...

Later I may go to Harvey for "good" cutters at higher prices.

 

I'm definitely planning to move my tinyg away from the frame, there is no conformal coating on it so metal chips would be real bad, same for the power supply but i feel that the worst part is the is the vibration from the cutting damaging the components or the solder joints, i would expect it to significantly reduce the lifetime of the part.

 

If you're going to move it eventually - best to do it right up front. PITA to have to run all new wire if you're using end stops.

Ask me how I know

 

heh yeah i made my wires longer. but yep been there.

 

I'm going to use a pencil for practice but ill need cutters sooner or later

 

u see, i didnt even think about that, i might need to have a re think

 

Your machine looks super Shugster, glad you are enjoying it. Many thanks for the kind words

If your looking for a supplier for cutting bits, i tend to get them from here: https://routercutter.co.uk/

Ryan Lock

 

Just being honest m8! if it helps your business i want halfers

thanks for the link i'll check them out

 

An alternative is to wrap the electronics in fiberglass mesh "bug screen", NOT the aluminum type.

If solder joints are "dry" or "cold" they need to be found and fixed.
We used to do fault aggravation with a screwdriver handle across circuit board edges - way back when computers were built in 19 inch rack cabinets and housed in gymnasium sized rooms.
I still believe in getting bad solder joints out vs babying them along.
The (semi-conductor) chips can certainly stand the vibration.

 

Is robocutters legitimate? I placed an order for end caps and v slot covers a while ago, no word since, tried contacting them on numerous occasions with no luck ?

 

I finally got the time to get a C-Beam machine kit ready for our own workshop. Can't wait to get building.

 

You go for it m8, look forward to seeing it!

I have an old version of aspire 4, tried using it today and the machine went crazy, something to do with post processor ? any ideas?

 

this is the one i used.. picture attached

 

the engraving was supposed to stay inside 9" x 9" but clearly went outside that range and once the code stopped the machine kept going, i couldn't stop it with the program or by pulling the usb to card out so i had to pull the power out to the card altogether! lucky i didn't damage anything.

 

i drew in inches, then done the post processor in mm but would that not have made it come out smaller?