Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] CNC Controller Software Review

The only one I have tried is EMC running on a linux machine. The only unix command I know is "ls". Even so, I have EMC up and running g-code and moving my mill. This is mostly due to the excellent work done on a cdrom image called the brain dead install, which installs linux and EMC in one step, with just a few mouse clicks. The UI (shell or whatever) is surprisingly windows like, and the text editor seems more like notepad than VI or emacs (shudder). There is a very good support group for EMC, which I like.

Richard

Chris and Dee
wrote:Hello again,

I would venture a guess that the question I'm about to ask is
answered many times over and for that I apologize. If there is a
review somewhere that somebody could point me to, it would be much
appreciated.

That said, I'm preparing to construct my first CNC benchtop mill
(Enco Mill - picking it up on Sunday). I've accumulated the drives,
the stepper motors, power supply and have dusted off the old P166 I
put in the attic. Once I get the machine, I plan to construct my
motor mounts and try to get started using the standard ACME lead
screws. All that's left, then, is to get the CNC controller
software. All along, I've been thinking of using TurboCNC because
from what I've read, it looks reasonably complete and the price can't
be beat. But I thought I'd try to get the opinions of the list
first. Here are some CNC controllers that I've identified with some
basic comments and prices. Obviously I'm looking to do this
reasonably inexpensively (aren't we all) so $2k packages are out of
the question. What are people's experiences (preferrably BAD
experieces since that's what I'm trying to prevent) with the
following packages:

Software Price Comments
TurboCNC $20 Baseling
EzCNC $20 VERY limited G-Codes, Runs in Windows
DeskNC $75 Limited G-codes
Supercam $495 Limited G-codes, dongle, includes CAD,
more for engraving
Stepster Free ?
Master5 $100 Good G-code support, Windows, req. 300Mhz
Pentium, DXF import, 8000 SPS
Mach1 ? Win2000, good G-Code support, Alpha stage
CNCPro $200 Good G-code support
CNCProLite $150 Same as above but lacks a number of G-codes
LinuxEMC Free Need Linux box and Linux knowledge

Thanks for your help!!

-Chris
http://www.slideruleracing.com



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