[signIT]

Hi,

I want to make some small boxes and need a simple cad software that handles DXF files, the pocketing function is a must can, anybody tell me where I can find one, I prefer freeware or shareware, BOBCAD is too expensive for my budget.

Kind Regards

Signit

[thunterman]

pocketing function is a must

Try Alibre Design Xpress. It a free CAD version. http://www.alibre.com/xpress/ . To generate the g code, try Sheetcam. It's only $150. www.sheetcam.com.

[rippersoft]

Also try ACE Converter to generate gcode. Free.

RipperSoftware

[ger21]

If you must have automatic pocketing, you'll need to spend the money on SheetCAM. For CAD, try A9CAD from www.a9tech.com

If you don't mind drawing out the toolpaths for the pockets, then ACE will work. You could also try hatching the pocket and exploding the hatch.

[js11110]

Couldn't you just use the pocketing wizard in Mach3? Or am I missing something?

Jason

[ger21]

Only if it's round or rectangular. Unless I'm missing something.

[js11110]

YEah, I guess, but the OP says he wants to "make some small boxes", so my mind went right to rectagles. Good point tho Gerry.

JAson

[signIT]

Hi,

Ok! I will try some of the freeware that you proposed, I have tried and find out that the eMachineShop have a very nice and easy to use cad software.
My German PCNC 2,5D software maybe will do the job together with eMachine Shop, and it's for free and that's not bad.

I sketched a simple layout for small wood boxes and will try to load the CNC machine later.

My stepper drivers can only handle PLT so I convert the DXF files with help of a software called BoCN, yes it is a freeware, but only in german language I can't read this language but with trail and error I get it to work.

I also attached the DXF drawing if anybody is interested in how it looks.

Have a nice day!

Signit