in calculating the tool path

[routercnc]

Hi Mike,

Thought I'd explain the post processor bit, then thought I'd go the whole hog and show you one possible way to do it all in software (on a PC, sorry!)

The post processor is the bit which takes the gcode and tells the machine how to move. On a PC this might be Mach3 (Windows), EMC2 (Linux), for example.

But the complete chain, doing it is software, would look something like this (or this is how I would do it anyway):

1. CAD. Any cheap simple CAD program would do, but look for dxf output capability if possible.

2. Toolpath creation. I'm using Vectric Cut2D (£117) which is excellent. Other s/ware also available, including CAMBAM which has free 50 trials. This takes the dxf drawing, and you then tell it which outline to cut, inside, outside, or on the line, and the tool diameter, and it will work out all the gcode you need. This can be a simple drawing or a complex drawing, it will work them all out. You can also drill holes, or create pockets, or rebates, all very easy to do. You then select the post processor you will be using, in my case Mach3, and the appropriate Gcode is created in a text file. I've attached one for Mach3 which might by chance work for you too. Do an air cut first! Part is dia 60mm, 3mm thickness, just as a trial.

3. Open up your post processor, Mach3 for me, and it will cut out the part on your machine. Mach3 uses the parallel port, which in my case goes into a DIYCNC system 3 board, and then on to the steppers.

This whole process took me about 10minutes, but I was stopping to take screenshots etc., so it is pretty quick. Life's a bit short to do this by hand - how were you thinking of creating the PCB layout gcode? Would you consider jumping ship over to a PC - it certainly is well supported with quality software and hardware.

Hope this helps . . .