Fairly new CNC guy. Generating G code on Fusion 360 and found the driver to run the Openbuilds control software all running from my laptop. I am able to run my cnc, but unfortunately there arent many features to the Openbuilds control, so I would like to run Mach 3. I assume the answer to my question has been covered before, but I cannot find it in the forums. How do I get Mach 3 to use the USB cable and run the blackbox ?
Mach3 == Grbl running on the BlackBox (See OpenBuilds BlackBox 4X Documentation > Frequently Asked Questions (Mach generates steps from Gcode, Grbl generates steps from gcode. Same thing) If you don't like CONTROL, try CNCJS, Universal Gcode Sender 2.x Platform, or bCNC
Another option for you may be Estlcam. I love it. It is free, but I chose to pay the $59 for a license to support upgrades. Also the paid version runs a bit faster. I use it for both CAM generation from .dxf files and for controlling the machine. I love being able to use an Xbox controller for jogging it. He has some good videos on the youtube channel too. English Tutorials - YouTube
What I like is that I can make one .dxf file of something and quickly create the tool paths If I want to cut it out of various thicknesses of material. I use Fusion 360 to design everything, but the CAM seems easier for me in Estlcam. There are some quirks, but once you figure them out it works great. I have yet to try the .stl cutting function. I did buy some slot cutting bits so I can make threaded boxes like in this video.
