Cnc
- Thread starter selkov
- Start date
I can only tell you about what I use to inlay pool cues.
You will need at least two software programs.
One to design and g-code the resulting inlay.
For making the design, generating the G-code program I use BobCad 20.
The second program will run the CNC machine using the G-code program
(which is a simple text file)
For that I use Mach3
It goes like this:
You draw your inlay design using a program like BobCad (simple diamond in this example)
Those are your contour lines (black) and represent the edge of the finished inlay.
Then you add in the tool path lines (blue).
These are the lines that the cutting tool will follow to cut right up to the contour line.
For the pocket you cut inside ... for the inlay you cut on the outside ... of the contour lines.
Remember that the center of the cutting tool follows the (blue) tool path line and you need to take that into consideration when planning the
distance the tool path line needs to be from the (black) contour line.
Then you run the NC program that will convert your drawings tool path lines (blue) to g-code program.
That program will be saved as a .TXT file and can be edited (if needed) in any text file editor.
You then load that G-code text file into a program like Mach3 to run the CNC machine and cut either the pocket or the inlay piece depending which program you load.
There is a separate program for each.
There is a lot left out here but I think by now you kinda get the picture.
I just finished setting up a new (to me) CNC machine using stepper motors and controllers bought from ebay and Amazon.
It is confusing and the instructions sometimes are not very clear.
Feel free to call me and I will be happy to share all information I have learned about using CNC my machines to inlay pool cues.
Willee 361-563-1303
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