It’s a public stream and it automatically gets recorded and posted to your youtube for future viewing. Fundamentally it’s still a hangouts video call.
As soon as the new lps is here I would like the basics of LaserWeb. The drawing and text tools. I am using Ventric Cut2D and it works great for G code with my CNC. I would like the K40 to follow paths rather than the back and forth like a dot matrix printer. Don, I’ll let you know when to send me your address. I have an account with UPS.
Long answer, while we are waiting for the supply:
Ok, I’m still learning my tool chain myself but willing to help get you up to speed as best I can.
I looked at Ventric Cut2D as I do not use it and its a bit expensive for my taste but that should not be much of a problem.
Its best to decide what you want to do with your laser cutter and then pick the tool chain you want to use, in your case I will assume Ventric Cut2D to LW to smoothie. However there are multiple other tool chains that you can use and many contain inexpensive or free software… your choice
Do you want to cut, engrave or both? Can Cut2D create everything you want to do?
…
As an example, I have more or less settled on this tool chain :
…GIMP for: Sophisticated Image editing including grey scale conversion. These typically create raster(s).
…Inkscape for: LW pre-design and simpler cutting operations, cutting 2D parts and combining images and cutting into one operation. LW can handle inside outside cuts that compensate for laser kerf.
…Sketchup for: more complex CAD design I then export 2D faces to LW or the other tools above.
…Sketchup and SketchUCam for more complex CAM design and export Gcode to LW.
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Here are some considerations:
LW is not a design tool I see it as providing four categories of functions:
- Basic machine driver and interface to your C3D controller, including work-space positioning and machine controls.
- Translator from various file types to Gcode, including images and CAD drawings.
- Laser job programming, setting up order of operations etc…
- Basic CAM operations such as inside and outside cutting.
In your case I am going to assume that yours will be:
… Ventric Cut2D for design and edit, exporting Gcode
… LW for machine control, work space positioning etc
The exceptions may be:
… CUT2D may not create (or allow you to create) perfect Gcode for a laser. Although Gcode is touted as a universal CNC language its not that simple. There are interpretive issues and machine dependent codes at play that may interrupt the work-flow and require Gcode editing or change of your design source tool. This will depend on how flexible CUT2D is to configure.
Every design tool is different and every CNC device has its own special love it needs to be shown, welcome to hobby CNC.
Attached is a video that I did using Inkscape to set up a LW hybrid job with images and cutting operations. It may help your initial understanding LW.
Don, I’ll need your address so I can send you my old LPS.
Thanks
@bbowley2 I sent it to you in a PM.