Hi. I am totally new to laser engraving and using Openbuilds Control. In fact I just loaded the software. Question is can I design a project on my laptop at my desk then plug into the black box on the machine in my shop or does the computer have to be connected to machine to even start a design and set up? Thanks
Hi Jim, You can make the drawing any way you wish using just about any program, while not connected to the machine. You use the Openbuilds CAM software (if staying in the Openbuilds software family) to turn the drawing into G-Code that Control can use to move the machine. Cheers Gary
So I need OB Control to run the machine and OB Cam software to make the drawing, correct? How can I download a picture and engrave from that? Jim
I believe you just load an image into OpenBuilds CAM. Then create tool paths using the Laser setting. If it is something you really plan to do a lot, then for the money Lightburn V1.2 is one of the best pieces of software you can buy.
I was planning to get started with Openbuilds free software and then maybe move on to Lightburn later as I became more experienced and familiar with engraving. Thanks for your advice. Jim
If you are on Facebook, there is a group -Innovators With No Boundaries- that focuses on laser engraving and they make some beautiful stuff. They are very willing to help others out with settings and speeds (etc) but they pretty much all use Lightburn as far as I could tell. They do mostly tile, wood and glass engravings. Most use diode lasers.
