Machsupport Forum

G-Code, CAD, and CAM => G-Code, CAD, and CAM discussions => Topic started by: Buzz64 on May 04, 2013, 08:36:23 PM

Title: How do you get to g code using cad /cam?
Post by: Buzz64 on May 04, 2013, 08:36:23 PM

I'm brand new to machine tools and CnC. I will be taking classes in the fall (next time offered) but trying to get the 'basics' beforehand. I'll eventually be getting a 4 axis CnC capable machine pre-loaded with Mach III.  (shopmaster).What are the steps (software) needed to create a 3D image and get that into G code for Mach III to use? I'm a low budget home hobbyist so don't need NASA capable software. I don't know how all the packages work together or which is best for the hobbyist. Any insight you can provide would be helpful.

Title: Re: How do you get to g code using cad /cam?
Post by: RICH on May 04, 2013, 08:57:26 PM

Welcome to the leaning curve.You may want to explore ACAD123 as i think that is free and the correct name , and then there is a free version of CamBam but not sure if the free version will create code for a 3d file.

There is no harm in watching videos of different software to get a flavor of how it's all done.

There is some how to in this post for a project in the making:
http://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php/topic,13398.msg102768.html#msg102768

RICH

Title: Re: How do you get to g code using cad /cam?
Post by: magicniner on May 10, 2013, 12:32:25 PM

Hi Buzz,
I was recommended GSimple ( http://www.gsimple.eu/ ) as a free starter package by a kind member of the mod team here, playing around with it for a week prepared me sufficiently that when I purchased a commercial Cad/Cam package I was able to produce working 2D engraving code on the same day as installing.
Something that slowed me down initially was tool and tool holder definition and selection, once I installed BobCad/Cam I knew the first thing I should do is define my tool holders, arbors and tools in the tool library,
Let us know how you get on,
Nick

Title: Re: How do you get to g code using cad /cam?
Post by: Buzz64 on May 11, 2013, 12:47:54 AM

Thanks for the heads-up, I'll check it out. This will be a slow go but by next summer my plan is to have the machine(s) and a working knowledge of how to use them. Classes this fall, winter and next spring on machines, tools and CAD / Cam. Everything depends on budget flexibility. Think I've settled on a shopmaster http://shopmasterusa.com/about-us