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Author Topic: Converting STL files to G-Code. Why?  (Read 19422 times)

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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-

 
Re: Converting STL files to G-Code. Why?
« Reply #2 on: December 26, 2014, 07:11:23 PM »
Thats still another $250.00.   I don't know what part of "Is there anything else I need to buy to do this" the router seller missed.........
Its looking like 3d routers are toys for rich folks.
Not sure what I was thinking....
« Last Edit: December 26, 2014, 07:13:40 PM by jpasquini »

Offline ger21

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Re: Converting STL files to G-Code. Why?
« Reply #3 on: December 26, 2014, 09:09:49 PM »
Google Freemill, ot try the free version of CamBam.
Gerry

2010 Screenset
http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2010.html

JointCAM Dovetail and Box Joint software
http://www.g-forcecnc.com/jointcam.html

Offline dude1

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Re: Converting STL files to G-Code. Why?
« Reply #4 on: December 27, 2014, 02:27:34 AM »
search for free 3D cad/cam programs there's about 5,500,000 places you can look

Offline RICH

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Re: Converting STL files to G-Code. Why?
« Reply #5 on: December 27, 2014, 04:35:30 PM »
Quote
It seems like a racket

Not realy, actualy it's just a sickness which has been diagnosed and called,
CNCOD.........CNC OBSESIVE DISORDER,  once you get it there may not be a cure!  ::)

The software can cost money, and a lot depending on what you may desire to do, but over time, tooling can be more than the machine.

Welcome to the Hobby and enjoy the learning curve, ;)

RICH
Converting STL files to G-Code. Why?
« Reply #6 on: December 28, 2014, 10:31:51 AM »
Try http://pycam.sourceforge.net


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