Re: [Emc-users] CAD for LinuxCNC

2018-07-23 Thread John Dammeyer 
Hi Chris,
So to summarize your reply.
When you draw using a PC rather than the back of an envelope you use Windows
and Fusion360.
For CAM the Fusion360 generated STL files can be changed to G-Code by Cura
or Repetier for your 3D printer.
For CAM and LinuxCNC (I'm assuming since you are on this list you use
LinuxCNC) does Fusion360 generate the G-Code?  Or is there something else
inbetween.
You sometimes also write G-Code directly.
Does that cover what _you_ do?
John


> -Original Message-
> From: Chris Albertson [mailto:albertson.ch...@gmail.com]
> Sent: July-23-18 10:14 PM
> To: Enhanced Machine Controller (EMC)
> Subject: Re: [Emc-users] CAD for LinuxCNC
> 
> I don't see why it matters.   The CNC machine accepts g-code.You
should
> be able to use any CAD software that can write g-code with either Mach4 or
> LinuxCNC.   Of course there is slight difference in the g-codes but not a
> huge problem. Selecting either   Mach3/4 or LCNC should not force your
> selection of CAD software.
> 
> If you do a poll I think you find some people do some hand coding for
> simple projects, a few use conversational systems.   But when you get to
> full up 3D modeling you will find that price is a huge factor and the
lower
> cost and free CAD/CAM systems are the most popular.  I know a few
> hobbyists
> using Solid Works but these are boot-leg copies, no licenses.
> 
> What you really need to ask is "what kind of stuff do I make?" and what
> software is best for making that kind of stuff.So what if "everyone"
> uses FreeCAD?  Maybe are making model railroad parts and they are not.
> 
> I use Autodesk Fusion 360.  It is free for small-time users and I can use
> the same design files for either 3D printing or sending to CNC.  Support
is
> good and the rate of updates is about right, updates about once per month
> or so and questions get answered promptly.   It has a billion dollar
> company behind it, so it is not going to go away.
> 
> As for the parts, I am making little parts for small robots.  Mostly I can
> 3D print the parts but some need the strength of metal.Parts tend to be
all
> counpoud curves and "organic" shapes but still with precision dimensions
> for things like pressed-in ball bearings and screws. Examples of parts are
> like these are  in power tools, the housing for a cordless drill or an
> automotive tail light lens.   Fusion can do these kinds of parts well.
> And of course it can also do the more common "2 1/2D" parts made from
> aluminum plate too.
> 
> So you really need to think abut what you need to make, and use what does
> that best.
> 
> If a 3D printer is one your wish list and it should be as they now cost
> under $200, make sure your workflow cn support both CNCand printing. you
> do
> NOT want to have incompatible"vertical" software stacks.
> 
> 
> 
> On Mon, Jul 23, 2018 at 9:18 PM John Dammeyer 
> wrote:
> 
> > Mini Poll here if possible
> > I use WIN-7 and design with AlibreCAD and use MecSoft AlibreCAM to make
> > the G-Code.  As I get closer to getting the Mill converted I could do
like
> > I have with the CNC router and run WIN-XP and MACH3.
> > Or continue on the path I started with LinuxCNC.
> >
> > So what OS and CAD/CAM software are users of LinuxCNC working with?
> >
> > Thanks
> > John
> >
> >
> >
> >

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> 
> 
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> 
> Chris Albertson
> Redondo Beach, California
>

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Re: [Emc-users] CAD for LinuxCNC

2018-07-23 Thread Bruce Layne 
Not sure if this will be a useful response, but in the interest of not 
omitting an option


I write my G code manually.  This gives me the ultimate control over the 
process.  CAD and CAM are both very mature now, but I still prefer to 
write the programs myself.  This wouldn't be an option for someone doing 
a lot of job shop work, with the need to input customers' CAD files or 
quickly create a CAD file from a concept sketch and then quickly spit 
out the G code using a CAM program, but I'm not running a job shop and I 
don't do much one-off work.  My methods also wouldn't work for mold 
makers, but my parts are usually fairly simple 2.5D parts.  I write G 
code that is used for ongoing production.  The same programs are run 
daily.  The time required to write the programs isn't much when 
amortized over the life of the program.


Writing the G code is almost incidental to designing the parts.  It 
feels like I'm writing G code in the background as I'm designing the 
various parts of a machined project.  The design and development is what 
takes time.  I doubt I'd proceed any more quickly if the back end to the 
design process was CAD/CAM instead of typing G code.


I also save the time it takes to learn new CAD and CAM software, which 
is fairly significant.


I visualize the parts by previewing them in LinuxCNC as I write the G 
code.  The design process is very iterative and the G code runs on the 
production hardware, so tight fitting parts can be optimized as the 
program is written.  I get a better feel for the design process when I 
can tweak as I'm designing.  I avoid designing an entire project only to 
realize at the start of production that a part in the middle of the 
design process can't be made to work and the project needs to be redesigned.


For complex or repetitive coding, I'll use one of the python scripts or 
PyCam.  Andy's lathe macros would be a great choice if you wanted a 
conversational programming process for shop lathe work.


Writing G code is also a necessity when I make a custom production tool 
that's controlled by LinuxCNC.  There is no CAD or CAM that will 
generate G code to pick up a part on the spindle that's serving as a 
mandrel, move the spinning part across a pair of razor knife cutters to 
precisely trim the rubbery parts to length, then move the part to a U 
shaped fixture protrusion that is used to pull the parts off the spindle.


I use FreeCAD to design more complex 3D parts to be 3D printed. They're 
working on FreeCAM, and when that's ready for prime time (or near 
enough), I may use that open source tool chain to generate G code for 
LinuxCNC.  Until then, I'll continue to write the G code manually.  I 
always enjoyed RISC assembler programming for microcontrollers, for a 
lot of the same reasons I prefer to write my own G code.  Simple tools 
for simple minds, eh?


Many people now use Fusion360.  There was a very attractive introductory 
deal to lure people back away from SolidWorks and similar 3D parametric 
CAD programs that had been gobbling up market share.  I've witnessed 
these marketing driven software product cycles before.  Enough people 
have now switched to Fusion360 that the door is about to slam shut.  It 
won't be long before people are held hostage to the CAD files they 
created and they can be abused and exploited.  AutoDesk got me on that 
one before.  I'm not falling for it again, no matter how nice Fusion360 
looks.






On 07/24/2018 12:17 AM, John Dammeyer wrote:

Mini Poll here if possible
I use WIN-7 and design with AlibreCAD and use MecSoft AlibreCAM to make the 
G-Code.  As I get closer to getting the Mill converted I could do like I have 
with the CNC router and run WIN-XP and MACH3.
Or continue on the path I started with LinuxCNC.

So what OS and CAD/CAM software are users of LinuxCNC working with?

Thanks
John


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Re: [Emc-users] CAD for LinuxCNC

2018-07-23 Thread Chris Albertson 
I don't see why it matters.   The CNC machine accepts g-code.You should
be able to use any CAD software that can write g-code with either Mach4 or
LinuxCNC.   Of course there is slight difference in the g-codes but not a
huge problem. Selecting either   Mach3/4 or LCNC should not force your
selection of CAD software.

If you do a poll I think you find some people do some hand coding for
simple projects, a few use conversational systems.   But when you get to
full up 3D modeling you will find that price is a huge factor and the lower
cost and free CAD/CAM systems are the most popular.  I know a few hobbyists
using Solid Works but these are boot-leg copies, no licenses.

What you really need to ask is "what kind of stuff do I make?" and what
software is best for making that kind of stuff.So what if "everyone"
uses FreeCAD?  Maybe are making model railroad parts and they are not.

I use Autodesk Fusion 360.  It is free for small-time users and I can use
the same design files for either 3D printing or sending to CNC.  Support is
good and the rate of updates is about right, updates about once per month
or so and questions get answered promptly.   It has a billion dollar
company behind it, so it is not going to go away.

As for the parts, I am making little parts for small robots.  Mostly I can
3D print the parts but some need the strength of metal.Parts tend to be all
counpoud curves and "organic" shapes but still with precision dimensions
for things like pressed-in ball bearings and screws. Examples of parts are
like these are  in power tools, the housing for a cordless drill or an
automotive tail light lens.   Fusion can do these kinds of parts well.
And of course it can also do the more common "2 1/2D" parts made from
aluminum plate too.

So you really need to think abut what you need to make, and use what does
that best.

If a 3D printer is one your wish list and it should be as they now cost
under $200, make sure your workflow cn support both CNCand printing. you do
NOT want to have incompatible"vertical" software stacks.



On Mon, Jul 23, 2018 at 9:18 PM John Dammeyer 
wrote:

> Mini Poll here if possible
> I use WIN-7 and design with AlibreCAD and use MecSoft AlibreCAM to make
> the G-Code.  As I get closer to getting the Mill converted I could do like
> I have with the CNC router and run WIN-XP and MACH3.
> Or continue on the path I started with LinuxCNC.
>
> So what OS and CAD/CAM software are users of LinuxCNC working with?
>
> Thanks
> John
>
>
>
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> engaging tech sites, Slashdot.org! http://sdm.link/slashdot
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-- 

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[Emc-users] CAD for LinuxCNC

2018-07-23 Thread John Dammeyer 
Mini Poll here if possible
I use WIN-7 and design with AlibreCAD and use MecSoft AlibreCAM to make the 
G-Code.  As I get closer to getting the Mill converted I could do like I have 
with the CNC router and run WIN-XP and MACH3.
Or continue on the path I started with LinuxCNC.

So what OS and CAD/CAM software are users of LinuxCNC working with?

Thanks
John


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Re: [Emc-users] buildbot web page

2018-07-23 Thread Sebastian Kuzminsky 
On Mon, Jul 23, 2018 at 11:07 AM TJoseph Powderly  wrote:
> wow
> thanks seb, looking at it now.
> "Index of /~buildmaster/dists/jessie/scratch-sim/binary-armhf"
> (I'm glad I didnt mangle the web page :-) )

What Arm hardware platform are you running LinuxCNC on?  I'm just curious.

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Re: [Emc-users] buildbot web page

2018-07-23 Thread TJoseph Powderly 
wow
thanks seb, looking at it now.
"Index of /~buildmaster/dists/jessie/scratch-sim/binary-armhf"
(I'm glad I didnt mangle the web page :-) )

tomp

On Mon, Jul 23, 2018 at 10:54 PM, Sebastian Kuzminsky <
seb.kuzmin...@gmail.com> wrote:

> On Sun, Jul 22, 2018 at 11:10 PM TJoseph Powderly 
> wrote:
> >
> > the page at
> > http://buildbot.linuxcnc.org/
> > lists an armhf build available for jessie scratch
> >
> > Jessie (uspace: realtime with RT-Preempt, and simulation)
> > architectures: amd64, armhf, i386
> >
> > deb http://buildbot.linuxcnc.org/ jessie scratch-rtpreempt
> > deb-src http://buildbot.linuxcnc.org/ jessie scratch-rtpreempt
> >
> > arm build only exist in wheezy and jessie
> > there are no arm anything files in newer or older builds
> > i think I can edit this webpage
> > but the maintainers ought to know it just doesnt exist
>
> That's a bug in the buildbot webpage, thanks for the bug report.
>
> The debs exist, but the URLs are wrong.  They should end with
> "scratch-sim", not "scratch-rtpreempt".
>
> I've updated the buildbot webpage with the correct URLs.
>
> --
> Sebastian Kuzminsky
>
> 
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Re: [Emc-users] buildbot web page

2018-07-23 Thread Sebastian Kuzminsky 
On Sun, Jul 22, 2018 at 11:10 PM TJoseph Powderly  wrote:
>
> the page at
> http://buildbot.linuxcnc.org/
> lists an armhf build available for jessie scratch
>
> Jessie (uspace: realtime with RT-Preempt, and simulation)
> architectures: amd64, armhf, i386
>
> deb http://buildbot.linuxcnc.org/ jessie scratch-rtpreempt
> deb-src http://buildbot.linuxcnc.org/ jessie scratch-rtpreempt
>
> arm build only exist in wheezy and jessie
> there are no arm anything files in newer or older builds
> i think I can edit this webpage
> but the maintainers ought to know it just doesnt exist

That's a bug in the buildbot webpage, thanks for the bug report.

The debs exist, but the URLs are wrong.  They should end with
"scratch-sim", not "scratch-rtpreempt".

I've updated the buildbot webpage with the correct URLs.

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[Emc-users] THANK YOU German Meetup 2018!

2018-07-23 Thread Sven Wesley 
To all who helped me get the servo running with this hybrid setup of Mesa
and Benezan hardware, I bow deep and move slowly backwards. You are wizards
without a beard (except for Andy though, but it is too short).
A special thank you to Marius, Rene, Andy and Andy, Bene himself and of
course Peter Wallace who made a custom bit file for me!

Of course, an extra big thank you to Andreas Andy Ruff for hosting this
event with such great hospitality!

https://www.instagram.com/p/Blh8T_BlVQX/
https://www.instagram.com/p/BligWNRA0ec/
https://www.instagram.com/p/BlkZo2WjjPt/


/Sven
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Re: [Emc-users] buildbot web page

2018-07-23 Thread Gene Heskett 
On Monday 23 July 2018 01:09:29 TJoseph Powderly wrote:

> the page at
> http://buildbot.linuxcnc.org/
> lists an armhf build available for jessie scratch
>
> Jessie (uspace: realtime with RT-Preempt, and simulation)
> architectures: amd64, armhf, i386
>
Hi TomP; I am running that uspace build on a pi3b (armhf) to run the 
Sheldon lathe.

deb http://buildbot.linuxcnc.org/ jessie master-sim

Working quite well and as stable as a block of granite these days. With a 
pinned rt-preempt kernel, the rest of it is kept uptodate from the 
armbian repo's a couple times a week, and I've not experienced the local 
event throwaway in 2 or 3 months.  Maybe one of the updates has fixed 
it? However arm64 has not been added to the buildbot to my knowledge as 
Sebastian has not found an affordable arm64 industrial rated board to 
add to the buildbot farm, as of maybe 6 weeks ago when I last asked.


> deb http://buildbot.linuxcnc.org/ jessie scratch-rtpreempt
> deb-src http://buildbot.linuxcnc.org/ jessie scratch-rtpreempt
>
Umm, thats new. Is it 2.7 something or master based? I don't have a 
2.7.build on any of my machines, master seems more stable.
>
> arm build only exist in wheezy and jessie
> there are no arm anything files in newer or older builds
> i think I can edit this webpage
> but the maintainers ought to know it just doesnt exist
>
Right, no arm64 yet. That I know of, so I've figured on building it 
myself if the pi dies. But the gpio setup on the rock64 is different, 
and the spi driver (rpspi.ko) is conditionally built to run ONLY on a 
pi3b, so thats the first thing that has to be fixed as it runs 40x 
faster that any linux spi driver.  So there are several roadblocks 
before a rock64 will actually move a machine, and that driver is the 
biggest one. That I suspect will take a coder well above my pay grade to 
fix. There is a bit of code about that can simulate a parport on the 
rock64's gpio, which can in turn drive the 7i90 interface, but no clue 
if its fast enough to compete with the faster (it writes 32 bit packets 
to the 7i90 at 41 megabaud, reads 32 bit packet responses at 25 
megabaud) this driver can do on the pi.

Thanks and take care, TomP.

-- 
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