Rotary Axis Software

[Clariongrade]

Hi

I have got a Chinese 6040 machine with a 4th axis mechanism.

I'm having difficulty in finding a piece of software to prepare paths to use this, that is affordable.

I object to paying up to three time the price of the machine for a piece of software I may only use once or twice.

I see a number of people adding 4th axies to their machines, so I presume that they have software.

I am looking for suggestions.
Thanks

[Muzzer]

Deskproto is one option but isn't free. Fusion 360 paid version does 4 axis indexed if that is good enough (that's £360/yr).

I build my 4th axis just before Fusion pulled their cunning stunt. Took me a while to cool down while my handiwork sat on the shelf but finally I swallowed my pride and coughed up.

Here's the kind of work you can do with indexed 4th axis:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFqE9NB2eWc&t=3s

For "true" 4th axis with curved surfaces etc, you'd need to pay for their damned "manufacturing extensions". These cost £1848/year, so hobby users can go whistle. Deskproto is 250 Euros to purchase. I didn't find anything else but may have missed something. Hopefully somebody will come along and fill the void.

I imagine Fusion pricing has blown a hole in the sales of PocketNC https://pocketnc.com/. They still present Fusion's 5 axis toolpaths as viable options for home use, yet £1848 on top of the base subscription seems a bit on the high side to me. https://www.autodesk.co.uk/products/fusion-360/machining-extension

[m_c]

Depending on what you're trying to achieve, CNC Wrapper may work - https://www.cncwrapper.com/

[m_c]

And I have just realised CNC Wrapper is currently unavailable.

Alternatives appear to be G-code Wrapper - http://www.chestnutpens.co.uk/misc/gcodewrapper.html or G-code Ripper - https://www.scorchworks.com/Gcoderipper/gcoderipper.html

[Clariongrade]

Thanks Lads. I need to make a decision.

[EddyCurrent]

CamBam, https://cambamcnc.com/downloads/

Use this wrapper plugin; http://www.atelier-des-fougeres.fr/Cambam/Aide/Plugins/Wrapper_plugin.html

You might also find this plugin useful; http://www.atelier-des-fougeres.fr/Cambam/Aide/Plugins/Unroll3D.html

[Clariongrade]

Thanks, this is what I have gone with.

A bit of a learning curve, but being retired, I am Time rich, and cash poor.:wink: