Very important for the cnc router machine is the gcode programs that the cnc drivers or controllers need. In machining, we usually use the G and M codes. Basically, G0, G1, G2 and G3 are the most important codes for the machine. G0 is the rapid motion, G1 is the feed motion of the drive spindle, G2 is the clockwise feed motion and G3 is the anti-clockwise feed motion. With these motions, we can cut 2D profiles and engraving jobs.

Nowadays, we do not need to code individual motion by hand. There are plenty of free CAD softwares. Just go to Google of Yahoo and search for free CAD softwares. You will find TurboCAD and others. You can simply draw freehand like in a paint program with lines and arcs. Then we use a program like AutoEditNC, G-Code-It, EditCNC and comEditcnc. That’s it.

The software generates the gcode for you. The AutoEditNC also simulates the toolpath so you can actually see how the cutting tool moves before you actually cut it in your cnc router machine.
Cool, right?