[slashmaster]

So far, Mach 3 is the only controller I've successfully used. The 500 line of code limit is now really getting in my way, but hate to lose $175.00 just to take care of that problem! Is it worth it?.... I'm trying to get linuxcnc to work but have not successfully done it yet. Is there a way to get Mach 3 cheaper? Also wondering if maybe the price has historically been going down, or did it always cost that much? What are some other free controller software I might want to try?

[Dylwad]

It's a little cheaper if you just download it http://www.lowcostcncretrofits.com/mach3software.html don't know of any free worth your time besides linux, most options besides mach3 are much more expensive, or require added hardware (which is a good thing imo) takes a huge load off of the computer.

It will pay for itself in short order if it allows you to make and sell parts...

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[jckstrthmghty]

Mach 3 is a bargin for $175. A well known, well supported, and highly recommended product. If you only plan on using your cnc for a few months then perhaps $175 is expensive but consider 10 years or more down the road when you have cut many millions of lines of code.

You've already said it yourself, it's the only controller software that you've been successfull with.

[ger21]

Also wondering if maybe the price has historically been going down, or did it always cost that much?

It used to be $100, then it might have been $150. When Mach4 comes out it will be even more.

You're the only one that can decide if it's worth it. For most users, it's well worth it.

[mikesims]

A medium sized carved wooden sign or two should pay for it for you. I always try to pay for "machine stuff" by machining stuff. With the full version of mach I have run programs that were 6 hours long with no problems. 500 lines of code isn't much if you start doing any 3d carving.

[wwendorf]

Think of it this way, what is your time worth tinkering with LInuxCNC and whatever other freebie that you can find? In addition, most CAM software support Mach3 with no effort. $175 is worth it to support a product that makes our hobby easier.

Wade

[Khalid]

175 US dollar is nothing for programm like Mach3. Thanks Art and Brian for making it so strong and low-cost for all of us the windows users.

[jimglass]

I think $175 is dirt cheap. You can download it for tryout for FREE which I think is pretty generous. I have been using Mach3 for 4 years now.

Before Mach3 I used Turbocnc and still use Turbocnc because it runs so well on laptops. I now have a Smooth Stepper set up on a laptop so if it works out I'll most likely faze out Turbocnc.

People that use LinuxCNC seem to like it but without the parallel port I'm not sure what the future is for it. I heard it won't work with the Smooth stepper like Mach3 does.

I'm not a hobby shop. I'm in business to make money.
Jim

[samco]

There are inexpensive pci and pci-e solutions for linuxcnc (mesa 5i25 for $89 emulates 2 printer ports out of the box - but with high speed step gen, pwm gen, encoder counting and i/o - and is very expandable). (and you can still find computers with printer ports)
there is a Ethernet solution in the works also..

I think $175 is dirt cheap. You can download it for tryout for FREE which I think is pretty generous. I have been using Mach3 for 4 years now.

Before Mach3 I used Turbocnc and still use Turbocnc because it runs so well on laptops. I now have a Smooth Stepper set up on a laptop so if it works out I'll most likely faze out Turbocnc.

People that use LinuxCNC seem to like it but without the parallel port I'm not sure what the future is for it. I heard it won't work with the Smooth stepper like Mach3 does.

I'm not a hobby shop. I'm in business to make money.
Jim

[jeffery926]

You can get Mach3 license here for $149.00

CNC4PC

[slashmaster]

Thanks for the replies everyone! I was able to get it off ebay for $169. opefully I'll have no major problems.

[gmfoster]

Thanks for the replies everyone! I was able to get it off ebay for $169. opefully I'll have no major problems.

Good luck but it is hardly ever wise to buy software off Ebay...

Garry