CNC Software. What to use?

Question

I have started my project to build a CNC router using an Auduino Mega 2560, Ramps 1.4 and A4988 stepper drivers. While working on building the hardware I am struggling sorting out the various pieces of software I need. The goal is to do everything open source in windows preferably but not oppsed to using linux. What I am looking for is a clear guide to what I will need to create the element, upload the gcode and what software I need to upload to the mega. I was hoping that someone here could confirm or correct my understanding of how this would go.

Looking at reprap.org I would:

1) Create an STL file using something such as OpenSCAD or FreeCAD (any reccomendations on cad programs?)

2) Open the STL file in something like RepSnapper or RepRap Host Software to generate the g-code.

3) Exicute the build order from Rep software.

Is this correct?

Some of the elemetns that I am worried about /havent quite figured out is the sofware for the Arduino and the fact that all these instructions are based on adding material rather than subtracting.

Do I just upload the Reprap firmware and go? Do I need to use different firmware or gcode generating software? Or do I need both different g-code generating software and firmware for milling? Any help sorting this out would be most appreciative.

Former Member · Answer

I think that there are several pieces of software around that suit people with deep pockets, but if you want to drive a CNC machine and your pockets are almost empty after buying and making everything else, you should look at EMC2, which is open source and therefore free.....Some people swear by it and some at it. The manual is quite thick and very extensive......but so are the manuals for other softwares that you must buy...... Its Linux, but you can install ubuntu in a seperate partition on the same disk as Windows if you wish. Read more here:- http://www.linuxcnc.org/ It appears to be very complete, but as with any software, there is a lot to learn and it can be heavy going I am told...... Maybe there are some others here that can add further infos.... regards Andy

Catwell · Answer

Eatumup, Save yourself some trouble, go with Mach3. www.machsupport.com Cabe http://twitter.com/Cabe_e14

Nate1616 · Answer

Ive build a couple of 3d printers and for the software to create the stl file im using Autodesk123d. For the firmware on my ramps boards im using Marlin have used sprinter in the past but seem to get better prints with Marlin. For the g-code i use slic3r. For the integration of the g-code to the printer i use Ponterface.

CNC Software. What to use?

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