CNC Control SW

With a couple of exceptions of replying to computer questions (which I am very comfortable with), I've been a lurker for over a year. I hope this plea for input is not too long, because I feel some need to make clear my situation and needs.

I have a small cnc router (the CNC Crafter), a pretty decent machine. G code creation is with BobCad or most often now, Cimagrafi. CNC Controller from Buckhannon directs the steppers. My version of the CNC controller is a few years old, but still similar to their current bottom line version.

I'm really frustrated with the speed my cnc cuts at. I'm just guessing, but I think it probably tops out at 50ipm or some such and much slower through the curves of a 3d cut. I also have Indexer LPT HPGL controller and it seems to cut much faster, but I'm doing full 3d so I gotta have G-code.

Buckhannon says that they have a DOS upgrade out that has improved curve smoothing and better look-ahead that will improve my speed for a couple c-notes. But I've been seeing comments about Master5 and EMC, among others, here on the group. EMC sounds a little daunting tecnically, so I would probably rather spend a dollar or two than face the learning curve. I'm settled with DOS OK, but I wouldn't mind having a good reliable Windows controller either. There is also an ad-on for Indexer LPT that does G-code at a lot more money.

So, basically, my cnc needs are pretty simple. No spindle speeds, coolant, tool changes, etc. I just want to speed up the actual cutting speed. Any comments / suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Donn
www.cnc-works.com




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