Hobby-CNC Workflow - SKETCHUP + CAMBAM + MACH3

[HankMcSpank]

I may even go with the USB-CNC software+hardware instead of Mach3+ESS+Bob if I've understood things correctly.

Just be careful with the naming/packages ....the program I was speaking of earlier is called CNC-USB, rather confusingly I believe there's also a product out there called USB-CNC...I know zilch about it.

[martin54]

CamBam is great, I love it and it has a great support forum and I am biased towards it (Though there are other CAM programs I use).


Michael, sorry hope you don't mind me asking but as you know this is all new to me. You said you loved cambam but you use other cam packages as well, think you mentioned on another thread using different packages as well. Can I ask why you do that ?? Why swap between different packages if you like cambam so much. I tend to stick to what I know so don't want to be using lots of different programs ( hate learning to use new software lol) so I am hoping that just one cam program will cover any needs I may have.

On the over the top computer subject I think it is just how some people are led to believe it is the right thing to do. I have seen it on other forums when a new version of what ever software they use is released they feel they have to rush out & buy it, everytime ms bring out a new operating system they have to upgrade. Some of it is obviously people just wanting to have the most up to date tech yes I agree but there also seem to be a lot of people who would be happy to stick with what they have but are told by others that they are making a mistake & should upgrade.

[D.C.]

For people that have an open source fetish or are broke and don't want to pay for software there is a good tutorial here for an all free workflow. It's worth pointing out that most of this software will also work just fine on windows (gimp, inkscape, pycam) I'm not 100% sure but I don't think EMC2 will work on windows at all.

Open Source CNC Toolpathing Workflow

[AndyGuid]

The only drawing program I have ever used was the free version of SKETCHUP some time ago and I could easily use that to design my machine.

Or I could use the design exercise as an opportunity to get accustomed with more of a proper CAD program that could also be used to design parts for the machining workflow after the build.

Based on what I have learnt on this forum, I am currently favouring VIACAD 2D 3D V8 which at less than $100 USD looks like decent value-for-money for me as a hobbyist with very limited budget, so I have just downloaded the 14-day free trial.

Does anybody on the forum have good or bad views of VIACAD 2D 3D V8 please ?

Thanks, Andy