What types of files can the mpcnc use to carve wood? Is it .stl, gcode…etc?
Is it better to load the file into Repetier or the LCD controller SD card slot?
Do I need to disconnect the LCD if I use my PC with Repetier?
Thanks
That is an unclear question, The prefered file extension for our Gcode is .gcode (but that means nothing as there are other extensions that do not change the data in any way). Most CAM programs will accept DXF, SVG, STL, AMF, etc.
Your preference, I prefer the LCD or V1Pi.
No.
Does anyone else have some advice about what format works best for them? I ask because I am looking at files to buy online and need to know what works with my mpcnc the best. I thought gcode was only for 3D printing. Not carving.
Gcode originally started with cnc machines before it was adapted for 3d printing. This format is mandatory for the mpcnc machines to operate but you can name the files whatever you want. I think “.gcode” and “.nc” are two common naming conventions.
You will almost certainly need to generate your own files to match the capabilities of the machine you built. The crown is an exception.
You could probably buy dxf or svg artwork as input to your CAM process, or stl if you are going for a 3D piece.
There is a huge amount of free stuff out there (dxf and svg for 2D, stl for 3D) so definitely try free artwork first to get the process down before you start buying artwork.
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I created my file in Photoshop, then opened it in Illustrator to get the SVG, opened it ESTLCAM, did all of the tool paths, saved as CNC programs, then converted it in Repetier.
It worked when I save to SD card. Loaded and it carved great. Thanks for the assist. I didn’t realize I could change it to .gcode and it would work from ESTLCAM.
Hopefully, any newbies like me will come across this thread and see what I did.
I thought it had to be Marlin! Gcode is there? Awesome, one less step. You wouldn’t happen to know what the PP for Aspire VCarve Pro is, would you?
Thanks
It looks like you skipped over the steps to set up ESTLcam, as well as Ryan’s reply to your previous topic about the post processor. There is no built in post processor in vcarve for Marlin. You will need to install the one linked in milling basics, page 6. Take it slow, to avoid frustrations later.
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I didn’t skip any steps in ESTLCAM. I have mine set up correctly. I have the other software because I teach. I’d like to use it. I read that several times and didn’t see it. I know it’s def not on VCarve. A little help?
It’s not in vcarve by default.
Under the toolpaths menu at the top (in vcarve/aspire) click on “install post processor”. From there, get the test4 or test 5 post processor and select it.
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I saw that in the forum conversation but it didn’t make sense to me. I thought it was a test…
Not very many people use that software so until some others test and verify it I do consider it a test. I wrote my part of it blind, I do not have that software package so I just used the manual to write it and have only had two confirmations that it works I think?
I understand. I’ll try all of them after test 4 and 5. Aspire has a trial version which is opened permanently for me because I teach. Lucky me. I do like ESTLCAM though. I also have Artcam 2018 for the same reason. I’ll try them all out and see what works. Thanks.
Mike