OK, so a quick plug for two software tools, and another compliment and thanks to Ryan @vicious1 for the LowRider 2. I’m loving it more every time I use it. My only frustrations, really, are due to my table being so not flat.
Here are the two software tools I’m really pleased with:
I just used Estlcam for the first time on a project. I had to watch a few minutes of how-to on YouTube to adjust to the way of using it, which is somewhat different from Easel, the only other CNC g-code output tool I’ve used. Although Easel is easier to use out of the box, I don’t care for their resulting G-code, especially the super slow non-cut motion rates. Bottom line is that (for a litany of other reasons as well, not just the location speeds), I like Estlcam way better than Easel.
Also, that same project was my first time to get my speeds and feeds settings from GWizard. I was also using a brand new, shiny, sharp CMT 1/4" 2-flute, up-cut bit. The job was through-cutting profiles and through-drilling holes on 3/4" MDF. This job went great, fast, smooth, and I am so pleased with the results.
Based on the recommendations from GWizard (with me nudging things toward conservative a bit, like moving the “slider” settings from about halfway to only about 30% of the way or so), I set my router speed at 17000 RPM (#3 on my Makita variable speed router), and I upped the Z step-down (depth per pass) to 4.39 mm, and I upped the feed rate to 34.5 mm/s, and increased the plunge rate to 23.2 mm/s. Again I’m really, really pleased with the results.
I also used the LowRider with a 1/8" 2-flute up-cut bit to drill an array of 1/8" holes, since it needed to be precise and it would be way easier and faster to do them all with the CNC. Again, I used GWizard to get my speeds and feeds for that phase too.
I will try to (sometime soon) edit some video of the CNC work itself and the final product once it’s finished. This CNC work was for the base for my adaptation of the “$10,000 Camera Arm” featured in this video: 3d Printing a $10,000 Camera Arm - YouTube