CNC time

jtri · 8 Aug 2019, 00:57

I purchased a small CNC, a little desk top kit form Sain Smart. Easy to assemble, easy to upgrade, inexpensive and there is a very active and helpful on line community.

3018-PRO CNC Router DIY Kit

Genmitsu CNC router kit 3018-PRO is an upgraded version of 3018. It can provide better working accuracy and stability than the CNC router you see in the market. Genmitsu CNC router is friendly to beginners because of its easy assembly feature and easy to read instruction made by SainSmart.

SainSmart.com (www.sainsmart.com)

I would really like to use sketchup to model, but my quick review of the software that is compatible with sketchup to generate g code seems very limiting.
Right now I am thinking the best work flow seems to be thru fusion 360. Maybe draw in sketchup, import to fusion 360, clean up in fusion 360(?) generate g code.
Anyone gone down this path with some thoughts?

My goal is to machine small parts wood and aluminum.

Thanks
Jeff

Joe Wood · 10 Aug 2019, 15:17

I don't know what g code is Jeff but I export dxf files for my cnc shop and that's all they need to cut curved rafters?

jtri · 11 Aug 2019, 23:43

Joe
Your CNC shop takes your files and most likely modifies them then, then creates the tool paths needed to cut the parts. I was hoping to stay in sketch up to do that work and still might try some plugins
Jeff

Joe Wood · 12 Aug 2019, 00:58

so that's g code, learned something today!

Dave R · 12 Aug 2019, 01:50

Have you looked at Vectric software packages? Some of them will import SKP files and others either DXF?DWG or even STL files.

Glenn at home · 12 Aug 2019, 12:37

Can confirm, I have VCarve Desktop v8.5 and it can import dwg, dxf, skp, ai and so on. I have yet to try SU file but so far dwg and other vector files are usable. I use it with a Shark HD 4 CNC.

jtri · 13 Aug 2019, 12:26

Right now I am starting to play with Fusion 360 as it it free and seems to like I might not out grow it to fast. I will also look closer at VCarve. Trying to keep the costs down to make sure this is a road I want to go down. We have a large commercial CNC at work and use AlphaCam (might be getting a 5 axis soon!) but putting small stuff on it is a bit of a pain and getting time on the it is lately impossible.