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G-Code, CAD, and CAM discussions / What economical progam do I need to do this ?

« on: September 08, 2017, 09:32:27 AM »

I am a Total Newbie.. so bear that in mind as I'm not too au fait with the nomenclature and terminologies..Now tell me what is the most economical but effective program to convert text (any font) to G-Code please? and is there also an economical way of converting jpg or tiff to G-Code ?

I have the complete Adobe suite in my MacPro and also Microsoft Office..AND Parallels Desktop so I can run PC programs in the Mac; plan is to not overload the PC and keep it completely clean except for Mach3, that the only program on it except for Windoze XP resident ones..

My intention is to just do engraving on 16 and 19mm copper discs and some very light milling of small shapes in 1/16" aluminium Just the outline shape of 1/16” x 1-5/16 x 2-3/16” Plate
The engraving on the copper discs is using an outlined version of Apple Chancery Italic (Postcript Font)
The machine is set-up in Metric but interestingly my new vernier gauge has Metric, Imperial thousandths AND imperial Fractions in increments up to 1/64.. Handy..

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Forum suggestions and report forum problems. / Wanted

« on: September 04, 2017, 09:08:03 PM »

I think that a separate "Wanted" section would no go amiss ! or is it that I haven't found it yet ?

'Steelies do it without fretting'

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General Mach Discussion / All the Gear and No Idea (as to why nothing happens)

« on: September 03, 2017, 07:18:51 AM »

OK , the problem is nothing is happening when I try anything, absolutely no communication with the engraver/router.
OS, windows 7 with absolutely NO other programs in the computer.
Mach3 and Planet CNC USB ?? are the only programs and the Planet one was only installed after I found that Mach3 wasn't communicating with the engraver/router.
I had installed the DEMO version of Mach3 in my MacPro and tried to run it using Parallels Desktop, but no joy. So I bought a recon PC with a fresh copy of Windows 7 installed. Installed my REGISTERED copy of Mach 3 and applied the licence. (My name comes where it's supposed to be)
The Engraver/router is the Chinese 3020T  4 axis   (VEVOR Tack Hooks).
Using the USB or Parallel ports make no difference, there is no jog function or movement when I load a demo file. The File runs on the computer but that's all that happens.
What do I do please ?