[estes53]

Is Meshcam the only real alternative (nothing cheaper), when needing to rough in with one tool, then finish with another, without running 2 gcode files on the same piece?

Thanx, Alan

[awerby]

Are you sure that's the way it works? Usually, if you don't have dual spindles or an automatic toolchanger, you need to run one program to the end with the roughing tool, then rezero the Z axis for a new tool and run a second G-code file for the finishing pass. And yes, there are alternatives.

[estes53]

I am new to this and assumed that meshCam would generate code that would pause after roughing, so I could then change tools, re-zero, then restart the gcode.

[estes53]

I am new to this and assumed that meshCam would generate code that would pause after roughing, so I could then change tools, re-zero, then restart the gcode.

[estes53]

PlanetCNC Mk3 (9 axis) seems to be a possibility.

Anyone out there using it?

[ger21]

Is Meshcam the only real alternative (nothing cheaper), when needing to rough in with one tool, then finish with another, without running 2 gcode files on the same piece?

Thanx, Alan

Any CAM program should have that capability. Except maybe some free ones.

Planet CNC is a machine controller, not a ,CAM program, although it may have some CAM capabilities.