Here I show how I program a CNC router using freely available open source software. In my previous instructable, I briefly explained how I made my own CNC router from a radial arm saw.
FreeMILL, a sub-set of our commercial CNC software, is a free milling module for programming CNC mills & routers. Yes, completely free CAM software with no time limits, number of tries limit, number of saves limit or lines of code limit! CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing) software converts your CAD drawings into G-code, which is the programming language that the CNC control software understands. The CNC control software then reads the G-code and turns it into motion to drive your machine. Our Artsoft USA division of the company focuses on CNC software for all users and markets. We are the home of the very popular MACH series of CNC control software, including MACH3, and MACH4.Our custom machines are for unique problems where there are no similar machines offered by others that can meet your needs. Get the free easy-to-use eMachineShop CAD software and start designing your parts in minutes. Subscribe and Get the Latest Tips, Updates and Tutorials. Design your printed circuit boards at our PCB division Pad2Pad.com.
Whether you prefer video or written instructions, this instructable has both. Watch the video here. Everything is described in detail in the following steps.
Free Cad Cam Software
Before you start, be aware of woodworking and power tool safety. Step Zero is to install all the software you don't already have..
You can use the same computer for both CNC control and programming, but I have a separate old P4 32 bit computer that was collecting dust, which is now dedicated to controlling the CNC router.
I run Ubuntu Linux on a 64-bit refurbished PC using the CAELinux distribution, which comes loaded with some great engineering tools. It can be downloaded as a bootable DVD image. Hershey Text is a single-line font made for efficient engraving. This is not absolutely necessary, but my example uses it. Follow the instructions on the Hershey Text link to install after Inkscape is installed.
Free Cnc Mill Programs
In this example we will engrave an eraser to use as a stamp. It is broken down into many simple steps with screenshots showing where to click. Open Inkscape and move on to Step 1..