New CAM tool for the PocketNC

All things CAM and G-Code
#1

Hi everyone! I’m a relatively new PocketNC user and I’ve been constantly impressed with what this little machine can do ever since I got it. I’ve had so much fun using it for the past couple of months!

As a hobbyist, however, I can’t justify (or afford) the very expensive software required to take full advantage of the machine’s simultaneous multi-axis capabilities. A few weeks ago I decided to try to create a small app for generating toolpaths myself, to see how feasible it was.

At this point, I want to share my progress and gauge the interest from other PocketNC users. Would you be interested in a small tool like this? If I work towards making it public, I will charge a one-time fee for it.

Currently, the app can

  • Import and position .stl files
  • Create setups and operations within them
  • Generate toolpaths for a 5 axis chamfer operation (see videos)
  • Export toolpaths as G-Code compatible with the PocketNC

In the future I plan to add

  • A persistent tool library
  • Ways to set the Zero point on stock/model
  • Simple toolpath simulation
  • Collision detection between tool/holder and fixtures
  • More operation types (I’m particularly interested in 4th axis rotary next)

Here are 2 videos showing generation, export and simulation in the PocketNC simulator:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ4KknZfHyaX_1gubKSI-yciGBIaQ4qoS

Screenshot 2025-11-29 at 13.38.38
Screenshot 2025-11-29 at 13.38.382272×1816 246 KB

If you are interested, please reply to this post or subscribe to my mailing list: https://app.keila.io/forms/nfrm_K36mrjRw

Best,
Gustav

#2

This is very interesting progress!

1 Like
#3

Here’s an update on my slow but steady progress:

Since last time, I’ve implemented:

  • A persistent tool library
  • Toolpath generation/g-code output that reflects the chosen tool/feeds and speeds
  • A feature that splits a toolpath into multiple to avoid the tool going “upside down” relative to the B-table (see video above)

Things that are left for a minimum viable product:

  • Support for choosing conventional/climb milling and tool direction
  • Ability to set zero point to fixed coordinate and point on stock/model
  • Ability to transform and set pivot for imported 3d models to make them easier to align in the case the zero point is machine zero

Stretch goals:

  • Simple toolpath simulation
  • Collision detection between tool/holder and fixtures

Time wise I might be able to have an alpha version up before summer, but the more realistic time frame is to have a more polished product out in the fall. Again, let me know if you think this is interesting and would consider buying it. I’m thinking ~$100 for the basic app with the chamfer operation, and raising the price as I add more features and operations to it.

1 Like