CNC time

jtri

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.

https://www.sainsmart.com/products/sainsmart-genmitsu-cnc-router-pro-diy-kit?utm_source=homepage&utm_campaign=new_arrival

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

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?

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jtri

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

so that's g code, learned something today!

Dave R

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

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

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.