PutiaCNC: a free CAM program for GRBL

Software / Firmware General
1

Hi,
I always wanted something like the big paid CAM programs for sign-making and small wood jobs with my MPCNC, but free and easy to use. So I tried making one, it’s called PutiaCNC.

It’s free software (GPL-3.0), written in Rust, with builds for Linux (AppImage), macOS and Windows. It only makes G-code: you send it with whatever sender you already use.

Honest status: I use it on my own MPCNC (arduino running GRBL 1.1) , so that’s the best-tested path. Mach3/LinuxCNC output exists but is not tested, and the Windows build has had the least testing (I mainly use Linux, and have access to an old-ish Macbook) . I’d really like feedback, bug reports and ideas for what’s missing.

Project page and screenshots: PutiaCNC – free CNC toolpath studio for GRBL
Downloads and source: GitHub - tonyrh/putiacnc: Free CNC CAM tool for GRBL: 2D design, toolpaths, 3D preview and G-code. Linux, macOS, Windows. · GitHub

2

What you have looks good but sorry if you don’t get much engagement on this here. I can’t speak for everyone but I think we’re experiencing software fatigue. With AI making creating stuff like this so much easier, there are a lot of options out there.

It used to be that EstlCAM was most popular, then came MillMage. I’ve also been using FreeCAD for CAM with an MCP. One of the more popular (I think) newer ones is FreazyKam and there is PureCutCNC.

It just gets to be a bit overwhelming.