Step 11: Install NativeCAM in LinuxCNC

1. Download & install NativeCAM
2. To make it appear inside LinuxCNC you'll need to tell it to modify your machine's .ini file:
   • From a normal user terminal, change directory to the one that contains your inifile.
   • Using the command: ncam -i your_mill.ini -t -c 'mill' will automatically create a backup and modify your file. It will also prepare the sub-directory with needed files and links.
   • If you use LinuxCNC and -t option it will be embedded in a new tab in the LinuxCNC window, leave this out to have a split-window
   • -c can be 'mill' 'lathe' or 'plasma'

NativeCAM gives you a basic toolkit that you can use to quickly create various shapes without having to write G-Code - a lot of the time it's all you need to create (for example) a row of holes in a piece, or mill a pocket or slot in something. You don't need to design it in CAD, just set some basic parameters in NativeCAM and generate the G-code.

You can do a surprising amount, but the basics are:

• Straight, square, or round slots or pockets including D-shaped (circle with bit cut off)
• Hole drilling including rows of holes, circles of holes (PCD)
• Straight or curved lines, linked together to create polygons (polyline)
• Engrave text

There's a fair bit more but for basic work it's very useful.