RE: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: inexpensive cad-cam, was (new)

> DeskCNC $300 Same 3D surface functionality as StlWork lite,
> plus DXF pocketing, drilling, contouring, engraving, raster
> to vector conversion, height fields. pcb milling and
> drilling, AND a 3 axis machine controller ($25 extra).

Thought I would stick in my 2 cents about DeskCNC. It is a great package
for someone starting out as it give you the ability to machine .stl 3-D
files, 2-1/2D tool path creation, converting pictures to g-code, printed
circuit board machining from Gerber files, DXF to G-code and a nice
Windows based (Win 95 - XP) machine controller that will use either the
G-code generated in the CAM portion of DeskCNC or in other programs. You
do have to get the optional controller board for the machine controller
portion, but I currently am offering them free with the purchase of a
DeskCNC license.

For someone that want to get a 3 axis desktop sized machine running with
a minimum of fuss DeskCNC with the optional controller/drive board ($150
extra) is a great way to go. It is a 3-axis 8 microstep drive based on
the same Allegro chip as the Xylotex board. It connects to the serial
port and has the power supply rectifier and cap built in. To use it all
you need to do is connect the board to the computer with a serial cable
(USB is an extra price option), connect the machine motors to the board,
and connect a 24 vac max transformer to the board. At that point you
have a darn nice CAM package and a running machine.

Tim
[Denver, CO]
Sherline products at Deep Discount
Mach1 & DeskCNC with credit card ordering
www.KTMarketing.com/Sherline