====== Step 4: Get More Software! ======

If you're new to all this (like wot I is) you might think LinuxCNC is all you need - after all, we just got it to [[3-mill_something|write its name]] using the mill, right?

**WRONG!**

LinuxCNC takes G-Code (a very low-level sort of code describing the toolpath) and spits out motor control signals for the mill's electronics. If you learn G-Code you can do some stuff by hand-coding but if you want to draw something fancy in a 3D CAD package and then make it on the mill there's a few more steps to go through.

<WRAP center round todo 60%>
**Work in progress**\\
Some useful links to packages can be found here: [[https://wiki.shapeoko.com/index.php/CAM#3D]]
</WRAP>


===== CAD =====

  * [[http://www.openscad.org/|Openscad]] because it's free, cross-platform, and I'm better at programming than drawing.
  * [[https://hackaday.com/2015/12/25/linuxcnc-features-is-the-garage-fabs-missing-cam-tool/|‘LinuxCNC-Features’ is the Garage-Fab’s Missing CAM Tool]] now knowsn as [[https://forum.linuxcnc.org/nativecam|NativeCAM]] and [[https://forum.linuxcnc.org/nativecam/32891-use-nativecam-as-a-deb-package-now|available as a package]] apparently.

===== CAM =====

  * [[http://pycam.sourceforge.net/|PyCam]] because it's free and cross-platform again.
  * [[http://www.cambam.info/ref/ref.linux|CamBam]] appears to offer a Linux version but I haven't looked into it.

===== Drawing / Design =====

  * [[https://inkscape.org/|Inkscape]] free open-source vector drawing package that can save SVG and DXF.

===== Editing =====

  * [[https://kate-editor.org/|Kate]] text editor, my editor of choice.