Basic workflow 2D

Basic 2D Workflow via Fully Open Source CAD/CAM Stack

Create part file with Inkscape



 * 1) Open Inkscape
 * 2) Create Text with text tool (scale your text to the size you want)
 * 3) Select your text (with the arrow) and move it to X=0, Y=0 via the menu bar (shown in red rectangle -> )
 * 4) With the text selected, click Path -> Object to Path
 * 5) Ungroup your new paths, click Object -> Ungroup (you'll notice each letter now has a box around it)
 * 6) Save your file as DXF via the Big Blue Saw Plugin (*.DXF), close inkscape

Create toolpaths with HeeksCNC
Note: If you have trouble w/ HeeksCNC, you may have more success w/ MakerCAM, or some other CAM program.


 * 1) Click File-> Import, browse and open the DXF file created in step 6
 * 2) You may have to rescale your drawing.To rescale your drawing select it and then left mouse click drag on the double circle in the top right. I find it easiest to make the ruler visible as a reference, the ruler is available in cm by default, but can be changed to other units in that menu.
 * 3) On the left hand toolbar, Right click "ENTITIES Layer_1" and select "Split Sketch", this will create a separate object for each of your letters.
 * 4) Select all of the letters
 * 5) With the letters highlighted, click the "Profile Operation" button or under the "Machining" menu select "Add New Milling Operation" then "Profile Operation", this will produce a new operation called "Profile" under the Operations section on the left hand side of the screen. Highlight the new operation to expose it's properties.
 * 6) To do an engrave function (what we would want if drawing with a pen), select the value on for the tool on side option. Click the green check mark at the bottom to apply the settings. Change the final depth to -0.1 (you may have to adjust this depending on what marking device you're using)
 * 7) To generate the tool-path, click G0. Your tool-paths will turn green
 * 8) At the bottom of your screen you will see the actual g-code output. You can copy and paste that to a text file. OR, click Machining -> Save nc File.

Simulate toolpaths with OpenSCAM

 * 1) Click File-> Open
 * 2) Find the NC file you saved from HeeksCNC
 * 3) OpenSCAM will process the file, resulting in what the part will look like *finished*
 * 4) There is a slider bar in the middle of the left hand window, slide that all the way to the left. Toggle the direction arrow to the right
 * 5) Click Edit -> Project
 * 6) Add a new tool: Click +, define tool at 10mm length 0.5mm diameter. Make note of the tool number!
 * 7) Open your NC file and find out what tool it's expecting to find. Towards the top you'll see the T command. Maybe T16?
 * 8) In the NC file, change the T# to match the tool you just created in OpenSCAM. Save your NC file. You will notice OpenSCAM re-rendering the toolpaths to accomdate the change in cutter size.
 * 9) Switching back over to OpenSCAM: Click the 'Play Button' under the 'Animate Toolpath' Section.
 * 10) Watch in amazement!
 * 11) If you are impatient, click the fast forward button, directly to the right of the 'Play button' to speed things up.

Run your job with the Communication / Control program of your choice
The basics of course are covered in Run Your First Job and Run Your Second Job. One should:


 * 1) Check the machine (all bolts and set screws tight, belts tight and in good shape, everything clear and safe)
 * 2) Secure the workpiece to the worksurface using a technique appropriate to the material (see Workholding
 * 3) Mount an appropriate spindle and endmill
 * 4) Home the tool to the proper place in relation to the workpiece
 * 5) Ensure the work area is clear and all cables and wires run w/o interference
 * 6) Browse for the NC file we just simulated
 * 7) Send it to the machine
 * 8) Monitor the machine, keeping clear of the work area

Software Links

 * 1) Inkscape
 * 2) HeeksCNC
 * 3) OpenSCAM