Mach3

[maria galligan]

Can anyone tell me the easiest and simplest way of engraving words with mach3. I just got a 3020 cnc machine with mach3 running it. But I need to be able to engrave names. How can I do this?
Thanks Maria:confused:

[Dan Hintz]

Mach3 is just the controller... you need a program to create the lettering (e.g., Corel) and something to convert it to G-code that's understandable by Mach3.

[Phil Thien]

Mach 3 can read some CAD files. You can lay the characters out in a CAD package and import that in Mach 3.

[maria galligan]

Will DesKam be acceptable at writing text and converting it to gcode?

[maria galligan]

Which cad files can mach3 use. Which cad package is a good start for a novice cnc user? Or what is a good software that is acceptable with mach3?

[Jerome Stanek]

I would look at Vectric cut 2d for something like that $150 or jump up to Vcarve Pro for $600. go to the Vectric web site and download the trial versions and watch the videos

[Gerry Grzadzinski]

Use the Write Wizard in Mach3. It's free.

[David Snellen]

CamBam is a good CAD/CAM package. Will output to Mach3.

[Michael Simpson Virgina]

I use Corel Draw X5 for CAD. It's easy and powerful. You can pick up a copy on Ebay for as little as $90. I use Vectrix software for CAM. You can get a copy of CUT 2D for $149. Make sure you have a licence for your MACH3 or you wont be able to do much. It should say Licenced to: XXXX on the top of the window in the border. IF not you will need to purchase a licence for $175.

Note that Cut2D lets you enter and cut letters. So if you are not doing anything fancy you can forgo the Corel Draw software. You can also use VCarve PRo to edit and cam the letters. It has some powerful features. I still prefer Corel Draw however for basic doing anything but the simplest of drawings.

[Phil Thien]

Which cad files can mach3 use. Which cad package is a good start for a novice cnc user? Or what is a good software that is acceptable with mach3?

Mach-3 can import DXF. I've used AutoSketch to create my files. AutoSketch was once a very low-cost CAD package from Autodesk. I see new (v10) copies are like $250. I think when I purchased my v8 it was south of $100.

But any CAD package that can produce DXF files will work for you.

[james mcgrew]

Can anyone tell me the easiest and simplest way of engraving words with mach3. I just got a 3020 cnc machine with mach3 running it. But I need to be able to engrave names. How can I do this?
Thanks Maria:confused:

vcarve by vectric www.vectric.com (http://www.vectric.com)

[maria galligan]

Thanks to you all. Ill do some investigation today. Maria