Well I got my Shopbot desktop a couple weeks ago. It's all set up and I've made a few successful cuts into wax and modeling board. But I want to take things to the next step and start milling some aluminum.
I've read through all the advice on milling aluminum (feeds, speeds, etc...) and I think I can handle that, but I'm having a little software issue. I want to do some 3d milling (all my files are .stl) but the 3d CAM software I've tried doesn't have any ramping options. I know most 2.5d programs that take .dxf and other drawing files support ramping. But my parts simply won't work as a drawing.
So does anyone here do any 3d work in aluminum? What program do you use? (I've been using meshCAM). Any other possible fixes like using a drill mill, or just careful g-code editing?