[Oscar56]

Just curious if anyone else uses Blender 3d (or any non-CAD software) for making your cnc patterns.

I've been using Blender for about 9 years so very comfortable using parts of it to make models.

These are my latest patterns.

 

[MadMark]

My laser runs on grbl and will burn most any format graphic file. The cnc has a grbl interface, but since I'm using it as a precision drill, I create the gcode from the drawing .DXF file automatically.

 

[Oscar56]

Very cool. I have not done much 2d stuff since I put my K40 laser away. I haven't touched it in about 5 years. Probably (more than likely) needs a new tube since its been sitting for so long.

 

[MikeM]

I have Blender installed, but haven't used it yet. I would love to learn how to use to create STLs that I could bring into VCarve.

 

[Oscar56]

Super simple.

The STL exporter does not come enabled out of the box. It is part of the program though. Just not enabled.

Go to edit, preferences, add-ons, check the box for the STL importer-exporter. Done.

I say that kind of flippantly because the 3d model kind of needs to also match your cnc carving modeling needs.

But way easier than 3d printer modeling needs. lol

 

[MikeM]

I just took a look, and it was already enabled. Now I just need to learn how to actually make 3D objects with it!

 

[Oscar56]

Woot! Once you have the basics down it gets really easy. Can't wait to see your master pieces.