HI,

Building a small CNC mill and was wondering what is the best software for it ?

I want to cut acurate 3d shapes ( model motorcycle crankcases mostly ), and cut 2D shapes and engrave name plates.

I thought MACH 3 as the basic controller with MESHCAM for the 3d path generation and CURVECUT for the 2D stuff from Routout CNC.

However , what is your opion on this lads/ lasses. Could I do better with alternative software?

I'm not loaded with tons of cash so whatever it is will have to be roughly meshcam / curvecut sort of price, ( £40 to £100 a throw ...ish )but might stretch to somthing more expensive if its significantly better ! ( However if I win the lottery :rofl: I'll let you know !! )

The machine is using stepper motors by the way, and I'll be generating solid models for output in DXF format from DESIGNCAD 3D MAX V13. (Unless anyone knows of a DXF to STL format converter for free !! )

By the way can Mach3 and Meshcam be bought anywhere cheaper or is it the same price wherever you get it ?

Any help much appreciated.

Cheers Nick.