Software
Please see the blog post Free CAM Software for CNC Routers for an up to date list of free CAD/CAM software.
The Minimillr uses open source GRBL for gcode parsing and motion control. This means there are many compatible software packages that can be used for free with the Minimillr.
Some have design, toolpath creation and machine control integrated for ease of use like Easel from Inventables. Here is a list free software to get started.
Drivers
The Minimillr uses an Arduino controller that requires a USB to Serial driver to send and receive commands from your PC. In most cases Windows will install the driver.
The driver is available to download here as a ZIP file, and here as an EXE file. Run setup.exe once downloaded/extracted.
Easel users need to install the Easel Driver as well as the USB>Serial Driver.
Still having problems connecting to the machine? Close other programs that could be locking out the serial port, such as 3D printing software Cura.
Please see here for more detailed information here on solving connection issues with your Minimillr machine.
Software for CNC Machine Control
Once you have created your toolpaths you need to send them to the machine. GCode senders can control the machine, move the cutting head, stream the code and give you machine co-ordinates and status.
- Easel: Easel can control your machine as well as creating toolpaths
- Universal GCode Sender: You may need to install the Java Runtime Environment if using Universal Gcode sender. It is fully featured and has macro programming.
- Candle – nice and simple, can be a bit buggy with freezing sometimes. It’s worth setting up some shortcuts like zeroing the axes, and homing. See here for Candle Quick Start Guide.
- 3D Packages
- Fusion360 (free to home users)
- FreeCAD
- Blender
- TinkerCad
- Toolpath Creation (gcode)
- KIRI:MOTO
- Carbide Create
- F-Engrave
- LaserGRBL (gcode can be adapted for use on the Minimillr by replacing S commands with G0 Z command)
- Easel
- MeshCAM
- Openbuilds CAM Gcode Creator