[jeffmorris]

I am building a CNC machine using plans for 17X20 overhead leadscrew CNC machine from Solsylva. I will be using stepper motor and driver kit from PROBOTIX. I have never used a computer-controlled machine before. I have 2D/3D CAD program that exports to DWG and DXF files. Which CNC software and operating system is best for beginners. I think that I need software that converts DWG and DXF files to files compatible with the CNC software. I'm not sure about Windows XP because of multitasking feature that may interfer with the CNC software controlling the machine. The link to the thread about building my CNC machine is: http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=52854
Any suggestions?

[LeeWay]

I suggest you read some more build threads and some other threads geared toward your question.
What you describe is called a Cam program or software. It translate the drawing into the correct cutting parameters into G-code that the machine operating software uses.

There are many varieties of each of these. Some are cheap or free. Some cost just a little. Others are geared toward the pro's with professional costs as well.

I have pretty much stuck with the software I started with. Sheetcam and Mach 3.
I did load up Turbo NC I think it is. I think it was DOS based. DOS and I do not play nicely together.

Mach 3 runs fine on XP. They even have an optimization file to help get rid of non needed functions. I am also using Vista to run Mach 3 on two of my machines and it works well.

It all really just depends on your budget. They all have trial downloads. All have a learning curve. Just read a little more and try some trials and see what you like.

[metlshpr]

Mastercam has always been good to me.

[ger21]

Mastercam has always been good to me.

If he wants to spend $10,000 to create code for his $500 machine.

[jeffmorris]

I downloaded Mach 3 CNC software, installed it on my computer, and read documents on using Mach 3 CNC software. I will check out CAM software.

[jeffmorris]

What about software that simulate CNC machining? I tried AutoEditNC but it doesn't import DXF files.

[ger21]

What about software that simulate CNC machining? I tried AutoEditNC but it doesn't import DXF files.

Simulators don't load .dxf files, they take g-code files. You need a CAM program to create the g-code from the .dxf

[Bobbyr70]

Mach3 and Lazy cam, Mach3 is great, Lazy cam is a good inexpensive place to start.
I have a version of bob cad/cam that is a bit harder to learn for the beginner but is on the lower end of software prices I think.

[LeeWay]

I actually do all my simulations in Mach 3 for my 2D stuff. I use my desktop with no motors hooked up. You can watch the tool path and the Z arrow and DRO's and see what it's doing.
I do have Meshcam and Cutviewer for 3D toolpaths and simulation.

[jeffmorris]

Lee, How do you do simulations in Mach 3? I don't have a CNC machine connected to my computer right now. Are there any tutorials on using Mach 3?

[LeeWay]

Mach 3 comes with some Gcode that you can use for testing. The Roadrunner is used alot. You can find these in the Mach 3 folder. The Mach 3 website has lots of video tutorial type things.

[Trell]

Lazy CAM Has a long way to go
The best one I found is Alibre CAD and CAM
Dont be scared of the price just ask for a better one
also has great videos and a FREE 3D CAD Software
Check Them out
http://www.alibre.com/
Tell them Trell sent Ya They will give you a better deal

[jeffmorris]

I figured out how to simulate CNC machining in Mach 3 software. Are you supposed to put the CNC machine in home position after the machining is done?

[mactec54]

Hi Jeffmorris

The answer to your question is no you don't have to send the machine to home.

You can send it to home if you want or at the end of the program
you can put it in a place so you can load the next part Like G0Z0X-5.0Y3.0
& thats were your machine will go if you have G0Z0X0Y0 that is were it will
go which could be Home or your part Zero it's all in how you have your machine
set up.

[jemmyell]

Hi, CorelDRAW is a very capable drawing editor and V12 can be had for $50 or less these days. Mach3 and Windows XP is definitely the way to go IMHO. SheetCAM is a solid, well known part of thios combo. There are now third party tools for CNC with CorelDRAW if you do a web search.

[jeffmorris]

I printed out the "Using Mach 3 Mill" manual and started reading it.