Grote CNC Freestafel Midlife Update

This page is meant as a means to collect and share information collected about updating Grote CNC Freestafel.

Intro

Our Grote Cnc Freestafel could use an upgrade. The software is installed on one computer and there is no installation software so if this computer crashes we are without. A project to look into possible replacement of parts of the system is probably sensible. The problem we are facing is that there is no pressing motivation since the machine is working fine as it is now. It is nice that you can import or create designs on the CNC computer. Best to see if we can work to a similar but better workflow.

Current State

Ok.. but.

• The software crashes on large imports.
• No possibility to do 3D toolpaths.
• The workflow can be quit laborious.

Current Software

• XpertMill. German/English software without any development or support.

Current Driver

Not sure. Maybe build into XpertMill.

Current Hardware

Ok.. we need better pictures ;-)

Possible Future State

A shiny happy CNC machine with lots of possibilities.

Wishlist:

• To find an affordable workflow to get from design to toolpath.
• Possibility to change toolpath while working on the cnc computer.
• Without illegal software (Fusion 360, etc).
• A lot of import options like ai, svg, dwg, dfx or GCode (from programs like Inktscape).
• 3D instead of 2.5D it is now.
• Future prove.

Possible Future Software

• OpenCAD
• Inktscape
• BlenderCam
• F-Engrave
• Gcode Ripper

Possible Future Driver

• Mach3/Mach4
• LinuxCNC
• Gcode Sender

Possible Future Hardware

• Ethernet SmoothStepper ESS / USB SmoothStepper USS
• Chinese Clones.