I am just trying to reach out to some of you veterans out there for a little advice.
I built myself this here CNC router gadget.
Here is a picture when she was almost completed.
I am using an Arduino knockoff burned with GRBL to decipher G-code, mainly through UGS. Sometimes I run easel just to get the party started but as you know it is very limited. I typically use Fusion 360 for CAD/CAM, which works splendidly.
I have recently had the hankerin' to cut some 3D reliefs with little success. I have tried using MeshCAM since it seems to be geared toward this sort of thing. I have an STL file I bought to try to cut to the chase a bit but haven't been able to use it in Fusion or MeshCAM.
Fusion simply cannot handle it, the file is much too large. If I reduce it it loses most of its detail and Fusion still struggles to create a toolpath even if I were interested in using it afterward. The file starts out at about 3.6 million facets and Fusion will only convert about 50,000 facets into a solid.
I can load the STL into MeshCAM, but never end up with a working toolpath. I honestly haven't gotten a single working toolpath out of MeshCAM in any scenario. I feel like MeshCAM is meant to be a more user friendly program than Fusion but that has not been the case for me.
Feel free to drop any comments about your experiences here. I would love any advice about the current programs I am using, suggested software, ect. I would prefer free but would definitely consider paying for one if I felt it had value. I am not going to spend thousands... I know there is a better answer out there.
As always any help is greatly appreciated... thank you in advance!