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General Mach Discussion / Re: Mach3 and Inkscape to Create GCode?
« on: November 25, 2018, 01:20:57 PM »
I'm using the following project development path: Inkscape -> CamBam -> Mach 3.
I discovered Inkscape a few years ago and I love it because it's SVG at it core, meaning it's infinitely scalable. Inkscape can output a DXF file, which I then import into CamBam to generate the G-code for Mach3. Inkscape itself does not produce G-code (as far as I know). I looked at a few G-code generators and after, admittedly, a room-wide search I picked CamBam, but I am quite happy with my choice - it works with zero hiccups (so far) and the CamBam folks have always quickly responded to my emails.
My development 'path' has many options. I still use MS Paint for simple stuff and then move images and clips back and forth (cut & paste or import) between Paint and Inkscape depending on what I'm doing. Other drawing packages could also be used since Inkscape can work with many image file types. I can also draw simple stuff directly in CamBam and output G-code, or I can export a CamBam file in DXF format back upstream into Inkscape (I've actually never had to do that for real but it works just fine if you need it).
Compared to the majority on this forum I'm a newbie. I use my homemade mill to engrave glass (in a water bath) and engrave or carve wood. (My core hobby is fused and stained glass. The mill gives me many more options with that material.) The end result of this development path is that I can cut anything I can draw or import, within the limitations of the mill or material.
I hope this helps.
I discovered Inkscape a few years ago and I love it because it's SVG at it core, meaning it's infinitely scalable. Inkscape can output a DXF file, which I then import into CamBam to generate the G-code for Mach3. Inkscape itself does not produce G-code (as far as I know). I looked at a few G-code generators and after, admittedly, a room-wide search I picked CamBam, but I am quite happy with my choice - it works with zero hiccups (so far) and the CamBam folks have always quickly responded to my emails.
My development 'path' has many options. I still use MS Paint for simple stuff and then move images and clips back and forth (cut & paste or import) between Paint and Inkscape depending on what I'm doing. Other drawing packages could also be used since Inkscape can work with many image file types. I can also draw simple stuff directly in CamBam and output G-code, or I can export a CamBam file in DXF format back upstream into Inkscape (I've actually never had to do that for real but it works just fine if you need it).
Compared to the majority on this forum I'm a newbie. I use my homemade mill to engrave glass (in a water bath) and engrave or carve wood. (My core hobby is fused and stained glass. The mill gives me many more options with that material.) The end result of this development path is that I can cut anything I can draw or import, within the limitations of the mill or material.
I hope this helps.