> Well I keep a Windows computer around for running programs I like
> on Windows such as Rhino. If Rhino ever becomes avialble for Linux
> I will dump Windoze all together.
>
> Here is one of half a dozen "front ends" for EMC. I like this one
> the best so far. 3D tool paths. If you don't like this one there
> are five more to choose from.
>
> --
> Paul Lamar ...No rotor no motor.
I know what you mean, I'm in the windows boat w/ my SolidWorks also.
That screen-set looks nice, the one feature that I like w/ MACH is
thatthe
screens are totally customizable. It has a side program called
Screen-designer
so you can creat all your own screen set's for whatever your prefer's
mode of
operation is. I think that alot of these NC programs actually
have all
the same roots.
It seem's to me that MACH might even be an off-shoot of EMC. I'll have
to look back
and find where I read that... I do know he [ Art the creator of Mach]
started w/ an
open source code and improved it for his own use and then found a
marketfor it
and has been improving it continually since. I think it just comes
downto
what you like and feel are critical needs and which system fits the
bill! The thing
that swung me towards Mach was the cheap price [ its not free like EMC
but its
only $159], the amazing tech support, free or nearly free upgrades to
the next program level
[ Ie; Mach 2 to Mach 3 is free Mach 3 to IV is supposed to only
be $50
or something]
almost daily updates and upgrades to service pack's, excellent
reputation
amoungst user's, and something like 4000 users. Above it all, however
was
the tech support.. Art replies to questions on a hourly basis.. not
days, and you can search the
history for previously asked and answered questions via Yahoo.
Also to
simplify the
setup of the system he has about 10-15 video's on his site showing how
to do it all,
and they are each about 10-15 minutes long. It seemed like the right
choice.
I hope to hear how EMC works for you! I'll let you know if Mach
cause'sme issue's :-)
Jarrett
OK Jarrett.
--
Paul Lamar ...No rotor no motor.
Hey Jarrett,
Is there a web site for MACH? Will it output in G code?
I built a 3 axis CNC table router some years ago to cut wing ribs and
forms and have been using DesKAM to program it. I am not real
impressedwith DesKAM and do not have the budget for the higher end
programs. I
have been searching, (on and off) for an inexpensive replacement
program. I too use Solid Works and AutoCAD for my source design
files.
Scott Carroll
Scott, MACH won't generate G-code, it just executes it. There is an add-on
for MACH which will generate some simplified g-code for milling regualarly
shaped parts [ sqr's and rectangles and hole patterns etc] however it
doesn't take a dwg file and create code. To get 2d g-code
is pretty easy these days. I think the CAM program for that is probably
SheetCAM [
www.sheetcam.com ] It's fairly cheap and works well w/ Mach.
For milling profiles like ribs and what not it should fit the bill very well. I
have no experiance w/ it but.. its maybe a place to start!
Jarrett
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