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General Mach Discussion / point me in the right direction?...
« on: May 31, 2007, 11:58:30 PM »
Hello all!
I'm here seeking advice, but first, a bit of background info:
I'm a CNC mill operator (aerospace), and have a little experience writing gcode (but not a lot). At work, we normally write all programs by hand, as the boss was too cheap to buy CAM software..(until now, we just ordered FeatureCAM, but that's another story). I've always used manual mills at home for the personal projects, or a bridgeport manual at work, but recently decided to try and convert an X1 to CNC.
So, I've got the mill built, motors installed and everything works, so now for everything else. What exactly do I need to operate my 3 axis CNC? I downloaded the trial M2, but haven't had a chance to install it yet. Once I can see that it will do what I need, I'll probably purchase the M3. Is this software the only thing I need to go from .dxf to finished part? For the time being, I'll just be milling 2D (some flat plates with holes...simple stuff).
Is there any other software/extras that I'm going to need that I'm unaware of? I tried searching, but to no avail...my searching skills are a bit lacking I suppose.
Thanks in advance,
-WRM
I'm here seeking advice, but first, a bit of background info:
I'm a CNC mill operator (aerospace), and have a little experience writing gcode (but not a lot). At work, we normally write all programs by hand, as the boss was too cheap to buy CAM software..(until now, we just ordered FeatureCAM, but that's another story). I've always used manual mills at home for the personal projects, or a bridgeport manual at work, but recently decided to try and convert an X1 to CNC.
So, I've got the mill built, motors installed and everything works, so now for everything else. What exactly do I need to operate my 3 axis CNC? I downloaded the trial M2, but haven't had a chance to install it yet. Once I can see that it will do what I need, I'll probably purchase the M3. Is this software the only thing I need to go from .dxf to finished part? For the time being, I'll just be milling 2D (some flat plates with holes...simple stuff).
Is there any other software/extras that I'm going to need that I'm unaware of? I tried searching, but to no avail...my searching skills are a bit lacking I suppose.
Thanks in advance,
-WRM