# Linux cnc use for x-carve? **URL:** \ **Category:** X-Carve\ **Created:** [March 26, 2015, 1:18am UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/linux-cnc-use-for-x-carve/740 "2015-03-26T01:18:14Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 13\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![CrisA\_Intagliata\_hoo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/54ee81/32.png) [@CrisA\_Intagliata\_hoo](https://community.inventables.com/u/CrisA_Intagliata_hoo)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2015, 1:18am UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/linux-cnc-use-for-x-carve/740/1 "2015-03-26T01:18:14Z")
Has anyone used the linux cnc software for their X-Carve? If you have please PM with a bit of guidance on getting it off the ground. ---
**Author:** ![JohnSavio](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex009/user_avatar/community.inventables.com/johnsavio/32/67663_2.png) [@JohnSavio](https://community.inventables.com/u/JohnSavio)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2015, 10:23pm UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/linux-cnc-use-for-x-carve/740/2 "2015-05-04T22:23:18Z")
I would like info on this idea as well… ---
**Author:** ![JoeMeyer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ccd318/32.png) [@JoeMeyer](https://community.inventables.com/u/JoeMeyer)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2015, 10:55pm UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/linux-cnc-use-for-x-carve/740/3 "2015-05-04T22:55:13Z")
I don’t know how much of a difference there is in electronics between the X-Carve and the Shapeoko2, but that might be a place to start your search. It’s possible with that combination. > **[Shapeoko CNC Router, Rigid, Accurate, Reliable, and Affordable](https://carbide3d.com/shapeoko/)** > > Learn about the Shapeoko CNC Routers. They're fast, accurate, and reliable so you can make amazing projects to keep, give as gifts, or sell. ---
**Author:** ![AndrewBishop](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex009/user_avatar/community.inventables.com/andrewbishop/32/3314_2.png) [@AndrewBishop](https://community.inventables.com/u/AndrewBishop)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2015, 8:38pm UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/linux-cnc-use-for-x-carve/740/4 "2015-05-10T20:38:20Z")
also interested in this. unless there are other options for free or open source CAM controller software. ---
**Author:** ![JayHyde](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex009/user_avatar/community.inventables.com/jayhyde/32/67258_2.png) [@JayHyde](https://community.inventables.com/u/JayHyde)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2015, 12:17pm UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/linux-cnc-use-for-x-carve/740/5 "2015-06-24T12:17:45Z")
I’m still new to the maker world, but I just ordered my x-carve, so this is a “work in progress…” I am a Linux fan - BIG TIME! I was hoping to come to the forum and get some advice, not give it, but HERE’S MY PLAN (This seemed MUCH simpler than “learning” LinuxCNC.): I ordered an x-carve WITHOUT the “electronics package” since “Easel” was not Linux-compatable. I am going to manually attach the “mechanical” X-Carve to my Arduino UNO with a 4-axis, GRBL-compatble motor controller shield ([Arduino CNC Shield – 100% GRBL Compatable | Protoneer.co.nz](http://blog.protoneer.co.nz/arduino-cnc-shield/)). I am using LibraCad and Universal G-code Sender as cad/cam. UNO + GRBL-shield = $60 (on ebay) LibraCad + UGS = $0 X-Carve was (in my opinion) best value for a CNC due to it’s limitless expansion capability. If all goes well, I hope to expand it BEYOND 1000mm x 1000mm (maybe 8ft+ x 4ft+), but deflection may be a issue, but that is a conversation for another forum) I had SO MUCH success with the above set-up with a Sharpie-marker mounted to drawer slides and controlled by Acme Screws, that I decided to buy the X-Carve. I figure if my crude Drawer-slide-machine could make accurate drawings, then the X-Carve could actually MAKE the Items I was drawing… I hope I’m right, BECAUSE I HATE WINDOWS and I don’t want to buy a Mac just to run the X-Carve with “easel” (_ **even though I am hoping they make Easel Linux-compatable, soon!** _) ---
**Author:** ![PJTX](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex009/user_avatar/community.inventables.com/pjtx/32/67651_2.png) [@PJTX](https://community.inventables.com/u/PJTX)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2015, 1:14pm UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/linux-cnc-use-for-x-carve/740/6 "2015-06-24T13:14:13Z")
To the best of my knowledge, nothing in the electronics package ties you to Windows or Easel. Like you mentioned, you can run UGS or Chilipeppr on a Linux box with a standard-spec X-Carve. Good luck with your build! ---
**Author:** ![JayHyde](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex009/user_avatar/community.inventables.com/jayhyde/32/67258_2.png) [@JayHyde](https://community.inventables.com/u/JayHyde)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2015, 3:01pm UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/linux-cnc-use-for-x-carve/740/7 "2015-06-24T15:01:19Z")
Peter, Forgive me, but I was not meaning to “belittle” the electronics packages. To be honest, I never even looked at what was offered. This is basically a “plug-n-play” router for me. Since I had SO much luck with my homemade Drawer-slide-pen-holder-acme-screw-on-plywood contraption, I went looking for a pre-made “router” that 1) looked sturdy and attractive, 2) could be easily attached to my current electronics, and 3) would be “expandable” in the future. X-Carve was awesome and I bought it after about 10 minutes of reading about it (I’ve been researching purchasing a router for a few months, now - I was leaning toward a Shapeko prior to this purchase). The fact that it’s quasi-Made in the USA is a BIG bonus. Another big bonus is that there is “support” in the US – especially a “forum” like this one. The LAST thing I wanted was a Made-in-china router with no organized group of users to talk to if I had a problem!!! I was able to do some basic “drawing” with Easel and found it incredibly user-friendly. The problem is that when I went to install it, it only had options for Windows and Mac. I REFUSE to use Windows EVER again and MAC is a bit pricey for a “hobby” computer. I will say this, If there is a “Mac build” to Easel, it is EASILY converted to Linux - as Mac’s OS is simply a “proprietary” copy of Linux… ---
**Author:** ![ScottWillis](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/71e660/32.png) [@ScottWillis](https://community.inventables.com/u/ScottWillis)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2015, 4:20pm UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/linux-cnc-use-for-x-carve/740/8 "2015-06-24T16:20:37Z")
Try using Easel from your Linux web browser and generating the G-code and downloading it. Then use UGS to control the X-Carve. This is what I do for some of my work with windows and planning on trying with Linux in the near future. Scott ---
**Author:** ![JayHyde](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex009/user_avatar/community.inventables.com/jayhyde/32/67258_2.png) [@JayHyde](https://community.inventables.com/u/JayHyde)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2015, 4:37pm UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/linux-cnc-use-for-x-carve/740/9 "2015-06-24T16:37:40Z")
Using Easel that way sounds like it SHOULD work, but it should ALSO work on my Drawer-slide-pen-holder-acme-screw-on-plywood contraption, too. I have not gotten my X-Carve yet, so I may try your suggestion with my above “contraption” in the next few days… If that works (and I don’t see why it wouldn’t), then this combination would make Easel “Linux-Compatable” and X-Carve should take advantage of that… There are MANY Linux-only makers out there. ---
**Author:** ![ScottMedinger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/da6949/32.png) [@ScottMedinger](https://community.inventables.com/u/ScottMedinger)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2015, 1:54am UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/linux-cnc-use-for-x-carve/740/11 "2015-07-03T01:54:19Z")
I am brand new and have not recieved my X-Carve either but it sounds like easel will do a lot. that being said I am looking to make things with complext curves that would involve full 3d programability. (as I understand it easel is technically more 2.5d?) im sorry to broad stroke this but I have no CNC background. I am willing to build a computer to dedicate to this (and maybe some gaming haha). I need a sart point and this is the only thread I have found that hasnt been completely intimidating. Any and all help is greatly appreciated. ---
**Author:** ![SamyKamkar](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex009/user_avatar/community.inventables.com/samykamkar/32/85636_2.png) [@SamyKamkar](https://community.inventables.com/u/SamyKamkar)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2017, 6:28am UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/linux-cnc-use-for-x-carve/740/12 "2017-05-17T06:28:48Z")
You can run Easel locally on Linux without UGS. I’ve provided instructions here (I run the Easel driver on Raspberry Pi so that I can run Easel from a remote machine over the network): > **[GitHub - samyk/easel-driver: Easel driver for Linux, Mac, Windows, ARM,...](https://github.com/samyk/easel-driver)** > > Easel driver for Linux, Mac, Windows, ARM, Raspberry Pi, Intel, FTDI, CH340, CH341, CP210x, FTDI clones, local, and remote access to GRBL-based CNC controllers - GitHub - samyk/easel-driver: Easel ... ---
**Author:** ![RichMasci](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/4491bb/32.png) [@RichMasci](https://community.inventables.com/u/RichMasci)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2017, 1:45am UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/linux-cnc-use-for-x-carve/740/13 "2017-08-10T01:45:12Z")
OK So I have a Raspberry PI 3, I installed the samyk/easel-driver. Driver is running: 2017-08-10T01:25:17.914Z iris.js [id=0] Starting Easel Local 0.3.7 2017-08-10T01:25:18.182Z iris.js [id=0] Listening on port 1438 for secure connections from [easel.inventables.com:80](http://easel.inventables.com:80) [easel.inventables.com:443](http://easel.inventables.com:443) [easelstaging.inventables.com:80](http://easelstaging.inventables.com:80) [easelstaging.inventables.com:443](http://easelstaging.inventables.com:443) [easel.invinternal.com:443](http://easel.invinternal.com:443) 2017-08-10T01:25:18.229Z Machine [id=4] Resetting 2017-08-10T01:25:18.244Z iris.js [id=0] Listening on port 1338 for connections from [easel.inventables.com:80](http://easel.inventables.com:80) [easel.inventables.com:443](http://easel.inventables.com:443) [easelstaging.inventables.com:80](http://easelstaging.inventables.com:80) [easelstaging.inventables.com:443](http://easelstaging.inventables.com:443) [easel.invinternal.com:443](http://easel.invinternal.com:443) My computer has port forwarding and its connected: pi@raspberrypi:~/easel-driver $ netstat -pan | grep 1338 (Not all processes could be identified, non-owned process info will not be shown, you would have to be root to see it all.) tcp 0 0 0.0.0.0:1338 0.0.0.0:\* LISTEN 4532/node tcp 0 0 10.1.1.122:1338 10.1.1.100:64892 ESTABLISHED 4532/node pi@raspberrypi:~/easel-driver $ When I go in to easel I still get a “Please connect USB” Any idea? ---
**Author:** ![SamyKamkar](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex009/user_avatar/community.inventables.com/samykamkar/32/85636_2.png) [@SamyKamkar](https://community.inventables.com/u/SamyKamkar)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2017, 2:17am UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/linux-cnc-use-for-x-carve/740/14 "2017-08-10T02:17:34Z")
Are you running the `ncat` commands as described in the “Remote Port Forwarding” section of the git?