Machsupport Forum
Mach Discussion => General Mach Discussion => Topic started by: jimthefish on November 14, 2013, 03:28:40 PM
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Christmas is coming and my sons are asking the question, what do you want for Christmas Dad. Well I'm asking the forum what's the best CAD/CAM software to link to Mach for 3D milling on a small Denford Triac CNC milling machine making 5" gauge model steam train parts. Don't want the CAD/CAM to be to complicated as my brain has its limitations. Keep it simple please and don't want to spend a fortune just to be able to do small 3D parts in brass and steel.
Thanks in advance. Jim
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When you say 3D parts are youreally meaning 3D? If so then prices will not be that low.
Hood
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Hi Hood been a long time since I used CAD CAM software if I remember it was 2 1/2 D Denford own CAD is that what I want to do my loco parts?
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I would think most loco parts will just be cut in X and Y plane at varying depths, things like profiles and pockets etc.Is that the kind of thing?
Hood
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Jim take a look at CamBam: http://www.soigeneris.com/cambam-details.aspx (my website).
Even though I have a much more expensive package I find myself using CamBam 99% of the time. It does both 2D and 3D operations. Download it and try it out, the trial period is about 40 uses.
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I'll second the CamBam suggestion. It also do some 3D work if you have an STL model.
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Cheers Jeff, I have just looked at your demo video and the system seems ideal. The only problem is I'm not sure my brain is up to it, I will download the trial and give it a go. Does the full version come on a disk or downloaded off your site, if the latter can I copy it to a disk or pen drive to put down in my workshop as I don't have an internet connection down there. Jim
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Cut 2D is the easiest CAM package, but it's a CAM only package.
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Jim, somewhat like Mach3 the download version is the full version, there is no CD. You can download the file, copy to a thumb drive and install on your other PC. I always suggest starting out with a simple project, like a circular pocket. The CamBam forum is also a great place, a lot of very helpful folks there.
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Hi Jeff, the CAMBAM system is excellent, just what I want. I sent you a personal message saying I could not get to grips with the system, please disregard it its just when your pushing 70 it take longer to sink in (it took me 10 free usages to get a block to move on all three axis). I have one question you might be able to answer rather than going on the CAMBAM forum. I have managed to produce a simple G-code list and simulated it on Mach on the same computer, however when I go into the Mach edit page it does not show the g-code file. Can this be corrected as I do my designing on a computer in the warmth of my house then save to a pen drive and venture down the shed (workshop) and do the machining using a well worn Dell Insprion basic computer driving my CNC machine.
So if I find an error say need to increase the depth of cut I'm stuck unless I go back up to the house and correct with CAMBAM, there is probably a simple solution to this but cant fathom it out.
PS Next step is to persuade the kids to fund the additional machining simulator
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Jim, glad to know you are making progress with CamBam. Once you get the idea of the workflow, going from drawing to creating toolpaths to GCode it gets easier. When you click the exit Gcode button in Mach3 it will pull up what ever GCode you have loaded in Mach3 in Notepad. If you don't have the GCode loaded in Mach then it won't bring anything up. You could also load CamBqm on your shop PC as well, just don't try to use CamBam while Mach moving your machine. One other tip is to copy the files from you pen drive to your shop computer, don't run them off the then pen drive; strange things can happen if you do.
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Jim, in Mach3. go to Config > General Config.
At the top of the page, under "Editor", make sure it says "\Windows\Notepad.exe". If it doesn't, use the Browse button to find the location of Notepad on your PC.
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When you click the exit Gcode button
he means "EDIT Gcode" button.
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Jim,
Install CamBam on the CNC machine too. You really want to be able to jump back and forth into CamBam and Mach 3. When you measure a part and it is a little off you are going to want to revise the toolpath or change the tool diameter to correct it. You'll run a part and then realize there is a much better way to organize the operations and you'll want to quickly jump into CamBam make the changes and repost. I find myself doing this a LOT!
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Thanks everyone for the advice, learning fast and thinking of getting the cut viewer as a collision checker. Gary your right it needs to be near the machine, but its cold down the shed (workshop) this time of the year. I found a couple of errors when practicing constructing parts in the living room which I corrected in CamBam. Hold on there's a space in the living room by the TV I could fit my machine. Just got to get the OK of the wife!!!!
Once again thanks for all the advice.
Jim
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Hold on there's a space in the living room by the TV I could fit my machine. Just got to get the OK of the wife!!!!
;D ;D ;D
Tweakie.
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Just got to get the OK of the wife!!!!
I think you may have the letters mixed up, Do you not mean that when you suggest that you will get KO'd from the wife?
:)
Hood