Plasma cam table cnc router conversion

[toolhawk1]

Hello , 1st time poster , Been using plasma Cam as a CNC plasma cutter table since its inception , purchased a new unit and have my original table and would like it turn it into a CNC router table. My question is , is ther a better software program i can use for this with what i have , I do have the original plasma Cam program that runs on windows XP and have a computer to run it but I feel there would be a better program out there that would make it easier and nicer to program for using as a router table.
Thanks for any pointes and suggestions , I'm sure I'm not the 1st one to try thiss

[adbuch]

Which model is your original Plasmacam table? And what software are you using to run it? On the newer Plasmacam DHC2 tables running Design Edge software, and particularly with the 3D upgrade - routing is pretty straight forward. The easiest way to create programs (and some others would agree) is to use a program such as Vectric VCarve Pro ($699 one time purchase - no annual fee) to create your drawings and tool paths, then save as G-code which can be imported directly into Design Edge as a ready to cut file.
David

[acourtjester]

It depends on the type of routing you want to do, routing 2-D or 2.5-D can be done with SheetCam and some other programs. But if you want to do true 3-D type where all 3 axis can move for a line of code then a more expensive program is needed. I have used a inexpensive package called EstlCam ($55.) for doing some 3-D type plaques but it is not as sophisticated or expensive as Vectrics (over $1000. per year).

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