[Sanghera]

Hi Everyone,

I don't think this is the right thread, but I tink that you guys will probably be able to help me anyway. I was wondering what software you guys are using to control your steppers. I am looking for one that is fairly good, and is not too expensive. I want to be able to cut 3-d parts with it.
Thank you all for your help,.
I really appreciate it. :rainfro:

[rmtucker]

Try mach2

It has a free demo limited to about 100 lines of g code and has excellent backup and updates.

Author at:
http://www.artofcnc.ca/

support at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mach1mach2cnc/

This handles 3d with no problems and runs from winxp,And im sure that it's only about $150. to reg.

Mark
http://website.lineone.net/~rmtucker/

[yukonho]

mach 2 all the way. The free version can run a thousand indes of code, so might not be enough for your 3D finishing passes, but for $150 you get the full version. It is fantastic software, I wont even look at anything else.
co

[Sanghera]

Sounds good, any others that I can take a look at?
Thanks for the information guys!!

[kong]

You could try TurboCNC from www.dakeng.com which runs in DOS, and only costs $20, or you could try EMC from www.linuxcnc.org which is free and runs on Linux.
Mach2 is still the winner for me though!

[Sanghera]

Can TurboCNC handle 3-d and all the rest. What does Mach2 do for your that makes it the winner for you.
Thanks for the replies.
:rainfro:

[kong]

Mach2 runs on windows, I prefer working in windows to dos. Mach2 has constant velocity contouring, dxf import, photo engraving, awesome support, and rapid developement. The list is endless.
BUT, You should really try all the software you can, then decide for yourself. You can also check out the mach2 review in the reviews section of this site. Don't get me wrong here, the other software I mentioned is very good, I used Turbocnc for quite a while when I first got into cnc., and yes, i think it will handle upto 8 axis. Hope this helps!

[bsc52001]

If you are looking at various cnc control packages, you may also want to look at EMC. EMC is an open source control package that runs on Real Time Linux. I use it to drive the both my CNC routers. It produces exelent constant motion. I would recommend the 2.18 BDI version as it is stable. The link

www.linuxcnc.org

[joq]

Hi!
what kind of software is the mach2???is it a cam software? and the turbocnc?
thanks

[ger21]

Mach2 and TurboCNC (as well as EMC) is the software that controls you're machine, by reading g-code files and sending step and direction pulses to your motor drivers.

[Sanghera1]

Can things like torch height control have a way around them, so that I can do that in TurboCNC also.
What are the bad points of TurboCNC and Mach2. I am just starting out so I am sort of more leaning towared TurboCNC.
Thanks.
P.S. To any moderators, how come I couldn't make any posts before. I got a message every time that I tried that I am not allowed and that the moderators may have paused my account or something.
What did I do wrong.
Thanks.

[Sanghera1]

Hello?
Thanks.

[cnczane]

At some point you have to tell us. You can get TurboCNC free to try (and near-free to register). I use it, but I'm only in the test phase now. I like it because it's easy to understand and it's tuneable to the motors I've got (which is not to say others are not). I like it too because I can get source code.

I like working in DOS because Microsoft has stopped "improving" it so the OS can now reside as a simple known evil in the system...

Cheers!

[turmite]

"Can things like torch height control have a way around them, so that I can do that in TurboCNC also. "

Sanghera1 I don't know about TurboCNC but Mach2 has THC and there is a company that makes breakboards for wiring things quickly and easily. Bob Campbell has the website and Jim Cullins does the board design. They have a board for the thc set up I am pretty sure. Bob and Jim both frequent here as well as the yahooooooo forum for Mach2. I would give them an email or ph call depending where you located.
Mike

ps I love Mach2

[Sanghera1]

Do you mean for wiring things for THC or is that beside the point, just for wiring the board itself? Also, do you get free upgrades with TurboCNC just like Mach2?
Thanks for the replies.

[turmite]

Sanghera I wouldn't know about TurboCNC. The link to the Campbell products is http://www.campbelldesigns.com

He offers several items of interest.

Mike