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
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.
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.
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. Another good one is Artcam. It's a big program like Vectric, but you can learn a lot just watching them. Gray
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
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. 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. Gray
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
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.
