Originally Posted by
bart cnc
Hello all,
I just finished building an 3 axis, 4'x2', CNC router which uses a fixed 30,000 RPM DeWault compact hand router. I would like to use this machine for some 3D routing into wood or possibly plastic.
I somewhat understand the design/build process which includes a CAD program to design, a CAM program to develop G-code, and CNC software (I use Mach3) to send the G-code signals to the machine.
What I want to do is take a company logo and transform it into G-code. Before I decided to build my machine, I read an article about someone who took a black/white/gray image and and used the contrast of the hues to develop depth in the image (I assume a specific program is needed for this). This 3D image was then transformed into G-code.
Also, to get the precision that I am looking for, I would need a pretty precise end mill. However, I want to rout projects that are fairly large (1.5'x3'). Is it possible for me to do a rough rout first with a larger end mill and then switch to a smaller end mill? I don't know how this could be implemented into the Mach3 program or the G-code.
So, my two questions are:
1) How can I take a black and white company logo and give it depth to create a 3D image to generate G-code?
2) How can I rout a large, detailed 3D project without using a fine and precise end mill for the entire job?
I am just looking to be directed to something that may be of use to me. Not a lengthy, time-filling explanation. I don't expect that from anyone.
Thanks!
-Bart