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.

1. Open Source Cnc Software
2. Open Source Cnc Software Windows
3. Open Source Cnc Router Software For Beginner

Whether you prefer video or written instructions, this instructable has both. Watch the video here. Everything is described in detail in the following steps.

Before you start, be aware of woodworking and power tool safety. Step Zero is to install all the software you don't already have..

CNC SOFTWARE. The fall-out of the DOT-COM bust has brought CNC to the hobbyist. Couple the availability of low/no cost CNC control software, low-cost integrated circuitry, and the tons of high-end hardware now found on eBay: and for the first time in history, CNC is attainable to the hobby market. Basic CNC Router Engraving With Open Source Software: 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. Jan 18, 2019  The CNC machine is built on an Arduino controller running the open source GRBL motion-control software. The GRBL controller receives CNC G-code (a text-based list of instructions for the CNC mill) and translates it into motion by driving the stepper motors. The machine has one stepper for the Z axis (up and down), one stepper for the X axis (left and right), and two steppers for the Y axis.

Tools

CAD/CAM

64 bit computer Amazon

CAELinux 2013 caelinux.com

Inkscape 0.91 www.inkscape.org

Hershey Text http://www.evilmadscientist.com/2011/hershey-text-an-inkscape-extension-for-engraving-fonts/

PyCAM 0.5.1 https://sourceforge.net/projects/pycam/

Open Source Cnc Software

CAMotics 1.0.6 http://camotics.org/

CNC

LinuxCNC http://linuxcnc.org/

V-bit Amazon

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. Uv mapping unity. 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.

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..

When you use a V-shaped router bit to engrave, it's called “v-carving”. The bit can cut horizontally to trace the outlines of shapes. By drawing the bit up and out as it moves horizontally along the surface, you can also make sharp points. This instructable presents a set of open source tools you can use for CNC programming, simulation and control of v-carving. I use Linux for all of these but many of them are available for Windows as well.

Watch the video linked above for a quick overview, then see the step-by-step instructions that follow below.

Before you start, be aware of woodworking and power tool safety.

Tools

CAD/CAM

• 64 bit computer Amazon
• CAELinux 2013 caelinux.com
• F-Engrave (the installation is discussed in more detail in the following steps)
• CAMotics 1.0.6 http://camotics.org/

Open Source Cnc Software Windows

CNC

Open Source Cnc Router Software For Beginner

• LinuxCNC http://linuxcnc.org/
• V-bit Amazon

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.