Homemade CNC Software

Question

So I'm building/designing a CNC from scratch and was wondering if anyone could give me any suggestions on software to use and different ways to control them. Be it an Arduino or Raspberry pi or even Mach 3 with a laptop. I'm not sure what would work best. Suggestions greatly appreciated!

Former Member · Answer

Some useful starting points: http://www.linuxcnc.org/ http://blog.machinekit.io/ Machinekit has been tailored for the BBB and I believe it uses the PRUs for some of the hard stuff, so availability of a BBB may be a problem. But yes, there is software available to do this sort of thing.

jiminlexky · Answer

I use LinuxCNC for my table. Highly recommended. Also check out: www.openbuilds.com and buildyourcnc.com for hardware. LinuxCNC will drive up to 7 axis and is well supported.

gam3t3ch · Answer

I use uno r3 with cnc shield on a pi 2 running universal gcode sender A mega with ramps 1.4 is also a option with marlin which I will be playing with soon on my laser engraver soon.

DAB · Answer

Welcome Tyler, There is an old Ben Heck Show episode where he implemented his first CNC using an Arduino. You might want to look it up. The controller just needs to properly decode the Gcode and drive the various motors to do the work as commanded. The MCU selected is mostly about how fast you need the job done and that issue also depends upon the hardware capability you have and the material you intend to work with. DAB

Homemade CNC Software

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