Lowrider, jackpot, cad and cam

LowRider CNC Advice
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So a few questions. Do I have to use the jackpot over the internet? Can I just plug the board into my pc via usb without an internet connection? I just want to be able to use the cnc even if there is no internet connection. Also so if I draw something say in Inkscape, fusion360 or any cad software, what cad software is good to use and how do you get it from the cam software to the cnc? Is there an in between program? Sorry if this is wrong section but for some reason I can’t post in the lowrider section.

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I moved it to the LowRider CNC / Advice section for you!

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The Jackpot board’s wifi options allow connecting to it via an “internal” network that does not need any outfacing connection to the internet.

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Some programs do both CAD and CAM. Fusion360 is an example that does both.

The most popular CAM program (among our maker group, I think) is called ESTLCam. I use it. There are free programs available.

ESTLCam is, IMHO, well worth it’s modest purchase price, and it’s a one-time buy (perpetual license) instead of a subscription. I despise subscriptions!

There are lots of videos about how to use ESTLCam.

  1. Import your drawing into ESTLCam, usually as an .SVG file.
  2. Select a tool in your crib (or create one).
  3. Choose a cut method, such as creating a hole or cutting an outline.
  4. Tap on a curve / shape while the tool selection and cut method are both active.
  5. In the pop up menu, add any needed details such as depth of cut, to pocket or not, hold tabs or not, etc.
  6. Save your job as a GCode file to send to the LowRider to make the cut!
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If you are using the jackpot board, think of it as a wireless remote. You are not actually on the internet, your phone/computer can directly connect to it and it serves up it’s on web page full of all the control you might want or need…

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Thank you for the reply Doug. I’ll look into ESTL cam.

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Thanks Ryan. I was a little unsure on that. My buddy had me all worried. We were both unsure if it needed internet or not.

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You can use it over usb. You can also have it in Access Point mode, where it hosts a wifi ssid that your phone, tablet, computer connects to and loads a page without the Internet. It loads in the browser, but it doesn’t need any connection to the outside world.

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Thanks Jeff. Makes me feel better about all that for sure lol.

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My buddy uses Sheet Cam for his plasma CNC. He said work for what I’m doing as well. I think I might use the ESTL though. If a lot of people use it on here, then I feel it would be easier to get help with issues when people are familiar with the software.

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They seriously are getting out of hand! Everything is subscription based nowadays

I find Estl to be very user friendly, and a good generic CAM software. it can handle most everything you can do on the LR3. Some other software’s have some specific bonuses but they charge a lot more.

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I really agree. I was trying to get an ESTLcam at my workplace for one cnc that only cuts 2d shapes :joy:

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