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General Mach Discussion / Converting STL files to G-Code. Why?
« on: December 26, 2014, 02:55:00 PM »
Hi All-
Completely new to MACH3 here. I purchased a small 3 Axis CNC router with the understanding that I could do one or some of the many 3d relief models being sold such as this one on Ebay, along with the MACH3 software. Seller assured me that was all I needed:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Horses-plaster-3D-MODEL-RELIEF-STL-VECTRIC-RLF-ARTCAM-CNC-ROUTER-mill-bas-/321444243258?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4ad791e73a
Since then I've found out that it appears I also need to put some heavy money down for additional software such as ArtCAM, because the the 'plans' are sold in STL format, not G-Code which is what the MACH3 requires. Possibly, much more than everything I've spent so far.
Is this true, and why don't they simply sell the 'schematics' in a format that the router/MACH3 can understand, why must it be in a different format, requiring you to buy so much more (as the router itself was hardly cheap). It seems like a racket, but I'm sure there are physical explanations.
I liked the idea of CNC routing and working with wood, but buying all this was a stretch to begin with I'm just wondering if I'm out of the game completely, given my income.
Thanks-
Completely new to MACH3 here. I purchased a small 3 Axis CNC router with the understanding that I could do one or some of the many 3d relief models being sold such as this one on Ebay, along with the MACH3 software. Seller assured me that was all I needed:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Horses-plaster-3D-MODEL-RELIEF-STL-VECTRIC-RLF-ARTCAM-CNC-ROUTER-mill-bas-/321444243258?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4ad791e73a
Since then I've found out that it appears I also need to put some heavy money down for additional software such as ArtCAM, because the the 'plans' are sold in STL format, not G-Code which is what the MACH3 requires. Possibly, much more than everything I've spent so far.
Is this true, and why don't they simply sell the 'schematics' in a format that the router/MACH3 can understand, why must it be in a different format, requiring you to buy so much more (as the router itself was hardly cheap). It seems like a racket, but I'm sure there are physical explanations.
I liked the idea of CNC routing and working with wood, but buying all this was a stretch to begin with I'm just wondering if I'm out of the game completely, given my income.
Thanks-