Very frustrated and overwhelmed with software Fusion360

Further to dlang’s post:

There are grbl post-processors which allow you to design in Fusion in model mode, switch to cam mode, set up your cam environment and output your gcode file to your cam controller.

Here is one: https://github.com/Strooom/GRBL-Post-Processor

In my current case, for my CNC table router equipped with a TinyG, I use a TinyG post processor in Fusion outputting to Chilipeppr TinyG workspace http://chilipeppr.com/tinyg (although the TinyG can talk grbl too so I could use that post-processor in Fusion and it would work, but is not optimum).

For the Maslow with its grbl controller you could use Chilipeppr with the grbl workspace http://chilipeppr.com/grbl to act as the gcode to controller interface.

I use a Raspberry Pi to run the Chilipeppr virtual serial interface connecting the USB on the TinyG controller, which frees up the need for a pc and effectively makes my CNC a wireless device. I use my old iPad as a touch-screen controller while at the machine, but you could use an hdmi/dvi-attached computer monitor, keyboard, mouse, pendant, etc. with the Raspberry Pi running Chilipeppr and the virtual serial port server directly - with it all neatly cabled and mounted on the Maslow frame. If you have a monitor, mouse and keyboard the whole setup is going to cost you under $100. Much cheaper than a dedicated laptop and pretty bullet-proof for use in a workshop.

I won’t do the same with the Maslow - I will use an ESP32 micro controller (hot-as-heck wireless-enabled microcomtroller that costs about $15) hard-wired into the serial interface on the TinyG, making the Maslow about as complicated as a network printer. (I’m replacing the TinyG with a Smoothieboard connected via Ethernet so I can add a 4th axis). I can save the CAM output to a hot folder that will feed Chilipeppr directly, queuing it up ready to press “go”.

This simplifies the tool chain to Fusion360 > Chilipeppr > device and the the Chilipeppr > device link is hard wired and doesn’t require any attention.

It may sound complicated, but is actually very simple - Chilipeppr runs from a browser - any browser. You could, in theory, run it from a phone. You can log in which means it remembers your preferences. The TinyG is wired in exactly like a grbl controller, with its USB interface coming from a Raspberry Pi instead of a PC or laptop. I sit in air-conditioned comfort in my office, designing and creating gcode. When I’m ready, I output the file to the chilipeppr input queue then go out to the workshop, set up the material, load the cutter, etc. and press play.

No dust clogging up my expensive computer, I don’t lose the use of a computer while the job processes, and I can pause or monitor progress if I have to pop out to the phone, toilet, front door, etc.

It’s a really elegant solution.

Adding your CAM post-processor to Fusion360 isn’t trivial, but it’s well-documented and straightforward, as is most stuff with fusion.

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