[gerryv]

Hi all,

I'm still at the warming up stage before venturing into CNC - feeding forums and fixing up and upgrading an old Sherline based trainer to Windows/Mach for a personal training tool before getting something a bit more serious.

Just when I thought I was getting a handle on what software was needed or, more to the point, what software does what I'm discovering that I may need a CAM program as well as Mach3 & Misc. wizards like the LazyCam and Newfangled Solutions programs???

Yeah, I thought Mach is a CAM program. Duh!

I know what CAD does and I think I understand that most CAD programs don't save files in G code but What the heck does CAM do in between CAD and Mach???

And, I suppose what will I need as a very basic CAM program meant to be a learning tool capable of doing VERY basic stuff (my favorite kind).

Sheesh! I'm so confused I just posted the wrong imoticon!

Gerry

[ger21]

What the heck does CAM do in between CAD and Mach???

CAM converts your CAD drawings or models into G-code. LazyCAM is a basic CAM program. I personally don't like it, but many do. It's been constantly evolving over the last year to make it easier to use and more powerful, but without paying for the Pro version, it's a bit limited. If you're using 2D CAD drawings to get your code from, I'd recommend looking at SheetCAM. You might also want to look at G Simple

[HayTay]

What Ger21 said.

Mach3 is a CNC Controller application that reads CAM files (G-code) and generates signals to send to your motor controller to move the axes (X,Y,Z,etc.) of your CNC router, lathe, plasma table, laser cutter, etc.

The CAD program is used to make the initial drawings of what you eventually want cut. The CAM program is used to translate your CAD drawings into G-code that's used by a CNC controller, such as Mach3. There, I think we've come full circle now.

Ger21 mentioned SheetCAM and G Simple. You may also want to check out CAM-BAM, BobCAD-CAM, ArtCAM, EnRoute, and my personal favorite, Vectric VCarve Pro.

Don't take my word for it though, check out all of the web sites, download and try out the Trial Versions, read through the threads here and make up your own mind. What works for one person, may not work well for you. I don't know your budget but some of the above applications are quite pricey. Make sure you try as many as you can, before making a financial commitment.

What CAD program are you using now?

IHTH rather than confusing you more,

[gerryv]

I already have and am quite comfortable with Adobe Illustrator so will stick with that for 2D when needed.

For 3D my plan is to use the free download of CoCreate Personal Edition - it's sounds like it will be easier to grasp than some others.
http://www.cocreate.com/products/Mod...-Overview.aspx

In my case, the objective is to first see if I'm cut out for CNC at all so, because I'm also pretty new to machining in general, I'm going to crawl first by using Mach and wizards only to first get comfortable with how everything comes together and interacts. That will include a pendant so I can operate (jog) in quasi-manual mode as necessary.

At the same time I'm rebuilding and upgrading an old old D&M mill trainer (Sherline based) to be able to run under Windows and Mach.

- Gerry

[ger21]

That will include a pendant so I can operate (jog) in quasi-manual mode as necessary.

You can use Mach3's MDI mode to do "manual" maching by typing in single lines of gcode. With this method, you can easily do arcs, which would be almost impossible with a pendant.

[skipper]

I don't mean to steal this thread but if I am a bit confused too. I use SolidWorks and I also plan on using SolidCAM. Do I also need Mach3 to convert the SolidCAM files to the controller??? I thought SolidCAM was able to go straight to controllers?

Thanks,
rene

[ger21]

SolidCAM should create the g-code that Mach3 needs.

[keebler303]

I don't mean to steal this thread but if I am a bit confused too. I use SolidWorks and I also plan on using SolidCAM. Do I also need Mach3 to convert the SolidCAM files to the controller??? I thought SolidCAM was able to go straight to controllers?

Thanks,
rene

SolidCAM does go straight to the controller, Mach IS the controller. The drives are just the muscle to get things done, Mach is the brains to tell the muscle what to do.

In short, you need CAD then CAM then Controller then your step/servo drives then motors.

Matt

[gerryv]

Got it; thanks much. That said, I'm assuming then that LCAM and some of the popular Mach wizards are what might be called light 'n easy CAM plug-ins / bolt-ons / mini-apps?

- Gerry