[GAWnCA]

Greetings, I'm new to all of this and was wondering, What is the software requirements starting from zero for cutting 3D objects on 3, 4 or 5 axis? What are the favorite, least expensive, programs staring from design to actually turning on the machine and making the cuts? I know you need to use a CAD program or something that will alow you to design, something then to convert to a DXF file if you are using a .bmp, .jpg, etc. but where do you go fomr there?

Thanks.

[ger21]

The CAD program should export .dxf's, or .stl files to load into a CAM program. You might want to take a look at MeshCAM, www.meshcam.com

[motomitch1]

Onecnc XR2 http://www.onecnc.net/index.htm

[GAWnCA]

Thanks to both of you for these 2 resources. Now I have to play with each one to see which will be easier for me to learn. HA HA, I'm getting older and things don't come as fast as they use to.

[GAWnCA]

Here's another question. Do both of these allow you to connect and controll through your own controller board? or do I now have to have another software package to do that?

[ger21]

These just create g-code. You'll need a machine control program. try www.artofcnc.ca

[GAWnCA]

ger21,

Thanks. I see that MeshCAM can be bought with Cutviewer and Mach 3 for $425. Think that's a good deal? I'm using TurboCAD v12 and I have AutoCAD 2000. Haven't learned either one but I can buy books for AutoCAD and they are hard to come by for TurboCAD. That should set me up pretty good with all these packages, correct?

[GAWnCA]

Onecnc XR2 http://www.onecnc.net/index.htm

Motomitch1, Can you give a ball park cost of IneCNC XR2? I hate getting on mailing lists. Thanks again for your input.

[ger21]

OneCNC = ~$1500-$5000, depending on options.

[ger21]

Cutviewer is $400 if purchased seperately, so I'd say yes, it's a good deal. Unless you don't need Cutviewer.

[GAWnCA]

OneCNC = ~$1500-$5000, depending on options.

WHEW!!! Sort of takes it out of the hobbyists hands unless you did very good on your stocks. HA HA

[GAWnCA]

Cutviewer is $400 if purchased seperately, so I'd say yes, it's a good deal. Unless you don't need Cutviewer.

Not sure what Cutviewer is but as long as it is in the bundle, why not.

[motomitch1]

Least expensive that can create 3d solid models and 3, 4 or 5 axis milling

[GAWnCA]

Motormitch1,

Like I said, I'll play with both mentioned packages and see which one fits my bill the best. In the long run this reminds me of buying computer printers, the printer is free but the ink costs like crazy. Here, the CNC machine seems like a lot but then you have to have the software. Oh well, mayb edown the road I can recoup some of the cost. Thanks again.