[Mike Boarman]

How do I import photos into Mach3 to do 3D? Do I need to buy this expensive software that I read about?

I am capable of importing a Dxf file into Mach3 and converting into Gcode, then carve it out but I get lost when it comes to 3D photos.

Please help!!

Thanks.

[rweatherly]

It Mach3 will import .bmp and .jpg files, but you can not do a dimensionally correct 3D machining with a photo. The problem is that the interpretation is based on the color intensity, or more likely the shade of grey. Usually black is the lowest point and white is the highest point. For most of a face, this is OK, but eyebrows, dark hair, eyes, etc. are "sunk" into the 3D machining. I have heard that if you make the maximum depth .030", it looks pretty realistic.

Look at PhotoVCarve. They have some software that is not too pricey.