I was thinking of maybe using MeshCAM Pro for conversion of FreeCAD 3D for use with a Tormach milling machine. It has some advantages without being too expensive. What I’m really wondering though is whether anyone can give advice on how useful this is for use with a machine similar to the 770MX?
1 Like
While I have not used MeshCAM, I have a 770MX and regularly use the FreeCAD CAM workbench with it using the legacy_linuxcnc post. Everything works great. I use a combination of the latest weeklies and CAM3 (a fork from one of the CAM devs) Releases · tarman3/FreeCAD · GitHub with some not-yet-merged experimental features.
If MeshCAM can export linuxcnc compatible gcode I would say this will probably work fine. Does the trial allow you to post? You could try it and see.
I have an old version of MeshCAM (circa 2010) that I haven’t run in years, maybe I should see what version it installs these days 
To answer your question though, I’d suggest taking a look at CamBam: 3D Profile Machining Operation
It’ll do 3D cutting and is very capable of 2D/2.5D tool paths on Pathpilot / LinuxCNC as well. Their trial terms are very generous you can try it basically fully featured for free so no downside to giving it a test.
I am going to learn some FreeCAD and then check out the free trial. I don’t know how long it lasts though, but when I do try it, I will reply here. Good to hear your luck with the particular branch of FreeCAD.
I will take a look, thank you for the suggestion!