Could someone take a look at this I believe to be Gcode but to tell the truth Im still learning here, You all helped me get the driver thing figured out machine works great. I thought I read some where that OPenbuilds dosen't use G-code but grbl Ive been using Free Cad to design (play around with) I imputed the tool paths and copied the G-Code (I THINK) but when I import it into Openbuilds I get gibberish. Im not even sure I doing this correctly. Or is there a free design software for MAC I can DL and practice on that will produce the correct code for openbuilds. Ive included the screen shot of Openbuilds of what it imports and what I have. If I have to use something other then Free cad I'de like to start now learning before I get to attached to freeCad
Your screenshot is definitely not g-code. Your PDF is, but not grbl compatible g-code - there should be a header containing codes to set your controller properly. Things like whether your units are mm or inches, telling it to use absolute movement mode, which workplace co-ordinate system to use etc. Did you use the grbl post processor with freecad? Apparently even that has some issues with outputting grbl compatible g-code - eg, by default it uses codes grbl doesn't understand with a drilling toolpath. I did have a look at Freecad when I started and decided that the learning curve was too steep for me and lots of stuff was not really explained so I opted to use both Vectric and Fusion 360 - the latter is free for hobby users. Vectric is not free, but very easy to learn. Alex.
Thank you Ill take a look as for Free Cad theres so many options for export its over whelming Still learning all this not sure what to look for I watch a lot of video on YouTube but Ill concentrate on stuff that uses grbl Maybe I should ask is there a way to convert g-code to grbl I saw something called Inkscape ( not sure what ive gotten my self into here) I though it be easy and fun. Just a learning curve I figure it out with help along the way Thanks
Grbl is a control programme that uses g-code - grbl compatible g-code uses a (fairly extensive) sub-set of all the possible g-code commands because it was developed for 8 bit controllers with limited memory. Yes, there is a learning curve (more than one actually - cad/cam to design, create toolpaths and output g-code that is compatible with your machine's controller and then you need to understand the processes involved in milling/routing your chosen material) but you will be surprised how quickly stuff that is baffling now becomes familiar. Don't hesitate to ask questions here, this is a great community for support - remember the only stupid question is the one you didn't ask. Alex.
Have a read through docs:software:overview [OpenBuilds Documentation] first CAD > then CAM > then CONTROL Total freedom in each stack, but make sure to use a Grbl compatible CAM to create your GCODE
I think fusion360 is becoming my new friend so far been messing with it most of the day I found a video on making the gcode for openbuilds I’ll let you know how it’s going in a few days thanks again for the help
Do please use the Openbuilds post processor for Fusion;- docs:software:fusion360 [OpenBuilds Documentation] Alex.
Look at that I actually made it do something LOL Of course it was only a simple simulation BUT WOW Thank you for the pointer and help
are you exporting the pdf from freecad?? CONTROL cannot read that. (or did you just create the pdf so you can upload it here?) Gcode is a plain text file, not a PDF. GRBL does indeed accept Gcode, you should read the Wiki so you know what you are dealing with. Knowledge is power! OpenBuilds CAM Gcode Creator - Public Beta will get you going with simpel designs and Gcode output. or maybe some googling will get you some stuff like this to learn from at 2:40 he selects the grbl_post to create GRBL firendly Gcode.
