Machsupport Forum
Mach Discussion => General Mach Discussion => Topic started by: B3030 on June 24, 2014, 12:40:26 PM
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I've been using Mach3Mill with a router and mill for about 1.5 years. I typically use a simple CAD program to output a DXF file to Vectric Cut2D, Cut3D or Aspire, which spits out gcode for Mach3Mill.
I'm now configuring a Sherline lathe for CNC. I see the wizards in Mach3Turn, and will use them for simple parts to get started. I also see that I can string together a series of wizard outputs.
Is there a way to convert a CAD-generated profile into gcode that Mach3Turn will accept? As an example, how would I create gcode for a part with many complex concave and convex curves? I can easily create the profile in CAD, but creating it with the wizards seems like it would be much more difficult.
B3030
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You would need CAM for that.
There is LazyTurn from Mach but I dont think it was ever really finished and I do not know how good it is.
There are a few reasonably priced CAM packages available for Lathes, the two I have used are Dolphin and BobCAD, of the two I prefer BobCAD but Dolphin does a good job.
Hood
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Thanks for the info Hood.
I really hate the learning curve that comes with a broad sw package like Dolphin or BobCAD. I'm still overwhelmed with the Vectric sw. I hate to pile on another.
I'm looking at CAD2Lathe and CAD2gcode.
B3030