DIYLILCNC

1. Chris
   Key Master

   Here are some suggestions for software solutions for each of the steps in the milling process. This is a running list of free/cheap open-source CAD/CAM software.

   2D vector generation:
   Inkscape (Free, Win/Mac)

   3D model (& 2D vector) generation:
   Rhino (PC is cheap, MacOS is still in Beta and free)
   Blender (Free, Win/Mac/Linux)
   Sketchup Pro (Free demo, Win/Mac)
   BLR-CAD (Free, Win/Mac/Linux) free & open source cross-platform solid modeler. Not easy to use, and very different from most commercial apps.
   FreeCAD (Free, open-source, Win/Mac/Linux) Still in eary stages, but looks to be a really strong program in the near future. Easy interface, very similar to most modern CAD programs.
   NaroCAD (Free, open-source, Windows only) Further along than FreeCAD, a little more stable, but only runs on Windows. Easy interface, very similar to most modern CAD programs.

   Toolpathing (converting models to paths for a tool to follow):
   FreeMILL is a pretty good basic toolpath generator for Windows. It's free, fairly limited, but also easy to install & use.
   Cambam Free is not open source, but it is free and looks like it may offer more features than Freemill.
   Pycam (Free, open source, Win/Mac/Linux) The standalone version of Pycam is totally amazing... the best package I've seen yet. Still a little buggy, but a huge improvement over previous versions.
   HeeksCNC Looks pretty good, fairly easy interface but gives some unpredictable results. Still not quite as stable/full-featured as we'd like though.
   Zebra 3D is a work-in-progress (ie, free for now) plugin for Rhino. Looks like there's some good functionality.
   PartKAM (Free, open-source, online app) PartKAM does 2.5d profiling, pocketing, engraving and drilling. It's what Jack used to cut out his DIYLILCNC panels.
   gcodetools is a plugin for the open-source, cross-platform vector graphics software Inkscape.

   Machine Control:
   EMC (Free, Linux)
   TurboCNC Open-source but not free ($60), DOS only.
   Mach3 Windows, around $50, with optional CAM plugin.

   Posted 2 years ago #

2. sumpfralle
   Member

   Hi Chris,

   thanks for the nice collection of available software!
   And especially I am happy about your comment regarding PyCAM - since I am one of the developers :)
   Maybe you could describe the bugs that you encountered when using it? A private mail is also ok for me, if you would prefer that ...

   Keep on the good work!
   Lars

   Posted 2 years ago #

3. jimmycakes
   Member

   Most of the things I design are in Illustrator. What tooling program would you recommend starting out with. Regardless of price? Sounds like you really like PyCAM.

   Posted 2 years ago #

4. Chris
   Key Master

   @jimmycakes, if money's no object, I'd go for VisualMill/RhinoCAM. But if you're only doing 2.5 axis cuts, PartKAM or another of the programs that handles profiling, pocketing, etc. may work just fine.

   Posted 2 years ago #

5. jimmycakes
   Member

   Would 2.5 axis include the rounded tear drop shapes from the gallery page? I'd probably go free if I could. I can't wait to get this machine built. Thanks for the help.

   Posted 2 years ago #

6. Chris
   Key Master

   @jimmycakes, 2.5-axis cuts are made with one predefined depth: something like the circuit board on the gallery page. Usually 2.5 axis cuts are made from 2D vector files, since the depth can be set manually.

   Parts with multiple or variable depths are usually made with 3-axis cuts. The teardrop shapes, and the more dimensional parts on the gallery page were made with 3-axis cuts. 3-axis cuts generally require a 3D model as their source.

   Glad to hear you're excited about the build process. Please keep us posted and send pictures!

   Posted 2 years ago #

7. jimmycakes
   Member

   Will do. I can't wait. I have plenty of 3D programs. I just need to figure out what I'd need to execute the models via CNC. Pieces should be cut in January. Wish me luck! : )

   Posted 2 years ago #

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