I don't see why it matters. The CNC machine accepts g-code. You should be able to use any CAD software that can write g-code with either Mach4 or LinuxCNC. Of course there is slight difference in the g-codes but not a huge problem. Selecting either Mach3/4 or LCNC should not force your selection of CAD software.
If you do a poll I think you find some people do some hand coding for simple projects, a few use conversational systems. But when you get to full up 3D modeling you will find that price is a huge factor and the lower cost and free CAD/CAM systems are the most popular. I know a few hobbyists using Solid Works but these are boot-leg copies, no licenses. What you really need to ask is "what kind of stuff do I make?" and what software is best for making that kind of stuff. So what if "everyone" uses FreeCAD? Maybe are making model railroad parts and they are not. I use Autodesk Fusion 360. It is free for small-time users and I can use the same design files for either 3D printing or sending to CNC. Support is good and the rate of updates is about right, updates about once per month or so and questions get answered promptly. It has a billion dollar company behind it, so it is not going to go away. As for the parts, I am making little parts for small robots. Mostly I can 3D print the parts but some need the strength of metal.Parts tend to be all counpoud curves and "organic" shapes but still with precision dimensions for things like pressed-in ball bearings and screws. Examples of parts are like these are in power tools, the housing for a cordless drill or an automotive tail light lens. Fusion can do these kinds of parts well. And of course it can also do the more common "2 1/2D" parts made from aluminum plate too. So you really need to think abut what you need to make, and use what does that best. If a 3D printer is one your wish list and it should be as they now cost under $200, make sure your workflow cn support both CNCand printing. you do NOT want to have incompatible"vertical" software stacks. On Mon, Jul 23, 2018 at 9:18 PM John Dammeyer <[email protected]> wrote: > Mini Poll here if possible > I use WIN-7 and design with AlibreCAD and use MecSoft AlibreCAM to make > the G-Code. As I get closer to getting the Mill converted I could do like > I have with the CNC router and run WIN-XP and MACH3. > Or continue on the path I started with LinuxCNC. > > So what OS and CAD/CAM software are users of LinuxCNC working with? > > Thanks > John > > > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ > Check out the vibrant tech community on one of the world's most > engaging tech sites, Slashdot.org! http://sdm.link/slashdot > _______________________________________________ > Emc-users mailing list > [email protected] > https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users > -- Chris Albertson Redondo Beach, California ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Check out the vibrant tech community on one of the world's most engaging tech sites, Slashdot.org! http://sdm.link/slashdot _______________________________________________ Emc-users mailing list [email protected] https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
