[krrice]

Hi, I am new to CNC. I am currently building my own hobby cnc from buildyourcnc.com book. I have been doing research on CAD/CAM software and don't know witch one to start with. I already know a little Sketchup and would like to use it but from what I have read it has problems with the dxf plugin if you don't have the pro version whitch I can't afford at the moment. I was wondering if anyone has used Blender for CNC and if so give me some pointers to get started. Thanks in advance for any help.

[ger21]

What do you plan on making? For most router users, most parts or projects are best done with 2D drawings from a 2D CAD program. If you work in 3D, you either end up having to create 2D drawings from your 3D model, or create inefficient toolpaths from a 3D model.

[krrice]

What do you plan on making? For most router users, most parts or projects are best done with 2D drawings from a 2D CAD program. If you work in 3D, you either end up having to create 2D drawings from your 3D model, or create inefficient toolpaths from a 3D model.

I plan on making signs and maybe cabinet panels to start with.

[ger21]

You don't want to use 3D for cabinet parts, and signs consisting of basic flat panels and letters only require simple 2D drawings. Using a 3D program for either would make for more work and longer run times.

The learning curve for Blender alone is probably far steeper than anything you need to learn to use a CNC Router.

[Andy990]

You might take a look at DesignCad on Amazon. Does not cost a lot.
The next step up from DesignCad is TurboCad Deluxe. Both are cheap.
Turbo cad has been around since 1985, and is in its 21st edition. They also make Turbocad pro which costs a lot more.

I have used Blender. Its complicated to use. Any Cad program is complicated. None are easy to use even the very expensive ones.

The advantage of DesignCad or TurboCad Deluxe is the availability of extensive training materials that don't cost a lot. Cadcourse.com has the tutorials for turbocad
I recommend turbocad deluxe ver 14 or above. You don't need the newest version as even ver 12 runs on windows 8. About $10-15.
I would also suggest the cadcourse essentials training bundle, which shows your how to use the program, the turbocad manager and lead tech support walk you thru the program with onscreen narriatives,explations and comphrehensive instructions..eay to watch listen and learn. $50 well worth it. DesignCad, CadCourse and TurboCad are part of IMSI Design. The same programmers that wrote Sketchup, wrote turbocad before they wrote sketchup for google. The deluxe version of turocad does a considerable amount of 3d. The tutorials are applicable to design cad 2d as well as turbocad deluxe and pro.

[krrice]

You might take a look at DesignCad on Amazon. Does not cost a lot.
The next step up from DesignCad is TurboCad Deluxe. Both are cheap.
Turbo cad has been around since 1985, and is in its 21st edition. They also make Turbocad pro which costs a lot more.

I have used Blender. Its complicated to use. Any Cad program is complicated. None are easy to use even the very expensive ones.

The advantage of DesignCad or TurboCad Deluxe is the availability of extensive training materials that don't cost a lot. Cadcourse.com has the tutorials for turbocad
I recommend turbocad deluxe ver 14 or above. You don't need the newest version as even ver 12 runs on windows 8. About $10-15.
I would also suggest the cadcourse essentials training bundle, which shows your how to use the program, the turbocad manager and lead tech support walk you thru the program with onscreen narriatives,explations and comphrehensive instructions..eay to watch listen and learn. $50 well worth it. DesignCad, CadCourse and TurboCad are part of IMSI Design. The same programmers that wrote Sketchup, wrote turbocad before they wrote sketchup for google. The deluxe version of turocad does a considerable amount of 3d. The tutorials are applicable to design cad 2d as well as turbocad deluxe and pro.

Thanks for the detailed reply, I will definitely check them out.

[Mike 1948]

Depending on your needs, there is Draftsight 2D which is free. It is a AutoCAD clone. But then you will need a cam program to convert the design to Gcode. Maybe look at Vectric's Cut 2D. You can design, plus it will create the needed Gcode also. For $150.00 its a good deal. Download a free trial version and play around.

Mike

[zool]

I use SketchUp version 6 [yep 6] for both 2D, 2.5D and 3D. There is a plug-in to convert skp files to dxf and stl files and it works just fine for all. Convert Sketchup SKP files to DXF or STL | guitar-list

The free version of Sketchup is more than adequate. Go to File Hippo to find older versions [more than adequate] and go to youtube to find how to do keygens.

Blender is WAY overkill for cnc, and has a learning curve that is mind boggling...just like Gerry indicated.

I use CAMBAM for g-code generation for 2D, 2.5D and 3D. Best $150 you will ever spend. Great forum too.

Use OpenSCAM for cut simulation. Its open source. Astonishing piece of software.

[rpicinic]

I agree with zool. CAMBAM is simple to learn and use. And can be bundled with Mach3 in an affordable bundle to boot.


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[dracozny]

I actually prefer blender, if you stick with a single plane BlenderCam will not have any issues creating your G-code, sad fact is BlenderCam isn't really capable of deviating from a standard 3 axis anyways, if you treat it as 2.5 axis it will suit your needs, provided you are already comfortable with Blender in the first place. If you have never used Blender before, it may benefit you to look at the alternatives.

[lazersinthejung]

Another newby here. Howdy All. I am currently trying to build an archtop guitar, first time with cnc. I already have the model developed in blender and wanted to get input on the best, and also free, CAD or vectric software to import my STL file from Blender. I am also using a newer Mac and was not finding very many inexpensive software programs to import my STL and start marking my cuts. I have downloaded freeCAD and was wondering thoughts on this route. Thanks for the help