Lowrider 2 upgraded controller/better sign making software and cut shapes etc

LowRider CNC Advice
1

Guys,

Note: I bought this 2nd hand and did not build it.

Been sometime since I’ve used the lowrider 2. I purchased this and have neglected it for sometime now. I’ve contemplated selling it but just can’t push my self to do so.

Controller: I have a marlin big tree (can get Exact info when I’m Home).. seems very outdated and wanted to see what other options I had for upgrading the LR2.

What options do I have with a controller/ software needed to run it and jog the CNC? Tablet or Xbox controller an option?

Lack of use has been Mainly due to needing to use fusion for g code only, It doesn’t really work to well for sign making with text and such. Cutting out shapes and such it works good because of just solid geometry.

What software’s are out there that we have post processors for that can be used to controL movement, setting z and machining parameters?

2

If you have a marlin Based controller, you have 2 options: upgrade to a jackpot controller, should be plug and play with a Lr2 xyyzz (standard lowrider config ) with a standard grbl postprocessor

or just use estlcam or any other cad/cam software with a marlin post processor.

If the lr2 is well mantained and such it can work for you. You can upgrade it later to a lr4 but you would need the jackpot controller down the line.

3

Jackpot controller? Been out of this for a bit but is that able to be built and sourced relatively easily? Buy complete?

4

this for the LR2?

5

I’m using GSender and really enjoying it compared to some of the older senders.

Depending on what controller you already have it might be able to be updated to grblHAL, which would support auto squaring.

6

Yep, should work

7

G sennder is a gcode sender, not a cam software

8

Gsender will

Punch code out for the grbl format and control the cnc moving it, setting zeros etc??

9

Sorry I was addressing this.

10

Yes, and it has a fairly pleasing GUI and built in tools for calibration, surfacing etc.

11

You’re really choosing two separate pieces of software here: CAM creates the G-code, while a sender such as gSender handles jogging, zeroing, and running it.

If you move the LR2 from Marlin to a Grbl/GrblHAL controller, PureCut CNC may fit the sign-making workflow. It supports drawing or SVG/DXF import, engraving, V-carving, pockets and contours, plus preview and simulation. Full disclosure: I develop PureCut CNC.

PureCut CNC is not a controller or sender, and Marlin is not a built-in machine target. Custom definitions are possible, but I wouldn’t claim compatibility without validating the generated G-code for your exact controller.