. .
  1. #1
    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
    Last edited by Clariongrade; 25-05-2021 at 02:46 PM. Reason: error

  2. #2
    Muzzer's Avatar
    Lives in Lytham St. Annes, United Kingdom. Last Activity: 9 Hours Ago Has been a member for 6-7 years. Has a total post count of 417. Received thanks 61 times, giving thanks to others 10 times.
    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:


    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/...ning-extension

  3. #3
    m_c's Avatar
    Lives in East Lothian, United Kingdom. Last Activity: 3 Days Ago Forum Superstar, has done so much to help others, they deserve a medal. Has been a member for 9-10 years. Has a total post count of 2,908. Received thanks 360 times, giving thanks to others 8 times.
    Depending on what you're trying to achieve, CNC Wrapper may work - https://www.cncwrapper.com/
    Avoiding the rubbish customer service from AluminiumWarehouse since July '13.

  4. #4
    m_c's Avatar
    Lives in East Lothian, United Kingdom. Last Activity: 3 Days Ago Forum Superstar, has done so much to help others, they deserve a medal. Has been a member for 9-10 years. Has a total post count of 2,908. Received thanks 360 times, giving thanks to others 8 times.
    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/Gcoderip...oderipper.html
    Avoiding the rubbish customer service from AluminiumWarehouse since July '13.

  5. #5
    Thanks Lads. I need to make a decision.

  6. #6
    Spelling mistakes are not intentional, I only seem to see them some time after I've posted

  7. #7
    Thanks, this is what I have gone with.

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

Thread Information

Users Browsing this Thread

There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)

Similar Threads

  1. 7th axis rotary table
    By vre in forum Machine Discussion
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 13-02-2020, 01:23 PM
  2. advanced 3d carving on 4th axis rotary
    By reefy86 in forum CAD & CAM Software
    Replies: 21
    Last Post: 29-12-2017, 08:40 PM
  3. 4 axis rotary
    By Blackrat in forum CAD & CAM Software
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 06-09-2015, 09:17 AM
  4. CNC Engraving Rotational Rotary Axis
    By Fivetide in forum Machine Discussion
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: 31-07-2015, 10:34 AM
  5. Sturdy Rotary Axis for CNC table
    By Boyan Silyavski in forum Linear & Rotary Motion
    Replies: 7
    Last Post: 31-08-2014, 11:53 AM

Tags for this Thread

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •