View Full Version : CNC Router
Leo Voisine
07-04-2007, 3:06 PM
Hi,
I am a new to this forum and would like to be involved - particularly in the CNC Router dialogs.
Seems that this thread is focused on Laser Engraving.
I have questions and CNC router - engraving - sign making - CNC code generation and such.
Is this the place, or is there a different place I shoud be?
Leo
Neal Schlee
07-04-2007, 3:25 PM
Leo,
Ask away, many of use use both cnc & laser.
Neal
Michael Kowalczyk
07-04-2007, 4:21 PM
I second that Neal!
Tell us what you have 1st for a CNC and all the software you use so that it makes it easier to help.
Thanks,
Kenneth Hertzog
07-04-2007, 4:33 PM
Hi Leo
You're at the right place. I think if it can't be had here you don't need it
ken
Leo Voisine
07-04-2007, 7:01 PM
OK -
I have been very fortunate to buy a used - but in brand new condition Larken 2424 Camtrol Router.
It uses a StarCam and StarCNC controller.
I am new to a CNC router, but NOT new to CNC machinery.
I can do some engraving using Corel Draw and a 1/32 ball end mill.
I want to make some signs - with graphics and raised letters. That means I need to cut away all the surrounding wood and leave just the letters and graphics.
The Larken will run on G-Code. Starcam can import HPGL, DXF, G-code and a couple of others.
I have been working with CNC machinery (metal cutting) for 20 years, so I am quite familiar with G-Code. I am also familiar with CAM.
I can write g-code, but the amout of code will be huge. Really too much to do manually.
First big question: I am trying to find out what most BEGINNERS on a very LOW budget use for g-code generating. MONEY, is my biggest issue.
The machine uses simple g-gode programming G00, G01, G02, G03. No tool change, no 4-th axis, no G40, G41, G42
Simple 2 axis code generation is OK for me to start, but I will get into 3 axis soon after.
I do have AutoCAD.
I hope to find something basic to start with.
Once I get going with this machine I would like to add Laser Engraving. I have looked at the Epilog several times. Noticed all the comments about the Epilog. Not ready to have a dialog on that yet though.
Leo
Nigel Morgan
07-04-2007, 8:19 PM
Hello,
http://www.carve3d.com/
I think this is a reasonable program and James Booth is very helpful, you can download a demo, try www.cnczone.com (http://www.cnczone.com) there are many posts on creating code. Remember you get what you pay for, even Artcam which is not cheap has some set backs, a lot of people I know locally are at the moment using visualmill which has become part of Rhino I think (RhinoCAM). Please feel free to PM me regarding you possible Epilog purchase, I'll give you some free advice.
Cheers
Nigel
Nigel Morgan
07-04-2007, 8:23 PM
http://www.vectric.com/
This is the link you need
Leo Voisine
07-08-2007, 9:30 AM
As I am just starting out - money is more that very limited.
I am sure I will move up to the more productive software packages in time. Heck, maybe I cannot even get ther without it, but I am trying.
I have downloaded a trial version of SheetCAM and it looks workable.
I am trying to do some of the graphice with V8 of Corel Draw then creating code in SheetCAM. Does this seem like a good path to go - or am I barking up the wrong tree.
The Carve3d and the Vectric looks really good - but there are several packages there and I am not sure what I should get, when I am ready.
Nigel Morgan
07-08-2007, 7:36 PM
have a read at the above link to cnczone
Rob Wright
07-09-2007, 11:51 AM
I can't say enough about V-Carve Pro. The other forum members recommended it to me and even though the money was a lot for a hobbiest ($500) it is well worth the money in ease of use and overall functionality. I have had it for two weeks and absolutely love it!
Try the free download and see what I mean.
- Rob
Leo Voisine
07-10-2007, 8:52 PM
I downloaded it.
WOW - that looks too good to be true.
I am going to try it out for a few dayz
Leo
I can't say enough about V-Carve Pro. The other forum members recommended it to me and even though the money was a lot for a hobbiest ($500) it is well worth the money in ease of use and overall functionality. I have had it for two weeks and absolutely love it!
Try the free download and see what I mean.
- Rob
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