[rmachinist]

How do I convert STL graphics to a solid model? i found some fun stl file off thingiverse i would like to run and cnc router or mill and help would be great thanks

[awerby]

This is a different question than the one I answered above, suggesting remodeling or reverse engineering. In order to carve a model from an STL file using a router, it's not necessary to transform it into a solid. You just need a CAM program that can work from polygon meshes. DeskProto, which we sell, is one example of a program like that. Of course, the model will not necessarily be as accurate as one that's been reverse-engineered - circular holes, for example, will be approximate, not exact. But for most non-mechanical objects, or ones with fairly low tolerances, this won't be an issue.