I am fairly new to the world of cnc, but have managed to build my own cnc router with good success.
I'm using Mach3 to run the machine and Vcarve Pro and Solidworks for my cad work.
I just recently mounted a camera to my spindle. This is mainly going to be used as an origin finder for when I place the stock onto my table.
However, I would like to use the camera for more than just that.
I frequently design stuff the old fashioned way using cardboard templates. Because of this, I've been looking at getting CopyCat and digitizing these patterns.
By digitizing I'm only refering to a profile outline and some holes etc. I'm not wanting a 3D representation of the object.
Now my question is this.
Once I have traced the pattern using CopyCat and generated the gcode, can I open that gcode file in say Vcarve Pro for further editing or modifing, or am I limited to only having the gcode file?
I realise that I can edit the code but this would be time consuming.
Is there a different way I can do this, that is better maybe?
I have found many good topics relating to CopyCat, but haven't come up with an answer to my question.
I appreciate any help.