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Offline DaveS

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Creating G-Code
« on: January 12, 2016, 04:53:14 AM »
ATM we are at ground Zero as we start building our machine.  In the meantime we want to get the basics of writing up G-Code.  We have a "cheat sheet" of the basic commands and understand the elements of how the code works.   We have looked at a couple of compilers, but they do not seem to work in W10 64Bit.   ReplicatorG and that apparently requires Python Interpreter.  downloaded it and installed, but all we are getting are error messages and RG keeps asking for Python Interpreter and cannot find it, It also changed the shortcut to Python to ReplicatorG shortcut (2) :(

No doubt a lot of finger trouble here and getting onto the first rung is a bit trying.  Whether this is because these programs at 32bit and Win10 gets its sox into a twist with anything that is  older than 6 months ago....:)

Anyone point us to some programs that do work in W10.   Otherwise we may dump using W10 and go for a linux OS or go back and instal a 32bit Win7 on out Dell 780 FFS
The example  files we have appear to run smoothly in Mach3   But before we buy an adapter to eliminate the parallel port issues in W8/10 I feel we need to resolve the software issues first before we invest in $200 adapter.

Cheers Dave & Mark
« Last Edit: January 12, 2016, 04:55:16 AM by DaveS »
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Offline Tweakie.CNC

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Re: Creating G-Code
« Reply #1 on: January 12, 2016, 05:04:46 AM »
I am not sure if this answers your question but for such things as control panels etc. I would use a CAD/CAM program to create the design and automatically produce the appropriate Gcode using it's post-processor. Actually writing the Gcode manually would, I think, soon become a bit tiresome.

One of the (in my opinion) best, and easily learnt, CAD/CAM is Vectric  http://www.vectric.com/

Tweakie.



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Re: Creating G-Code
« Reply #2 on: January 12, 2016, 05:49:23 AM »
I guess the first question is, what are you wanting to do with the machine?
ReplicatorG is more of a 3D printer slicer, but yes it can be used to spit out 3 axis gcode from what I have seen. 

I would highly recommend that you look for actual cad/cam package.

If your looking at just 2D then cut2d from Vectric that Tweakie suggested is a good place to start.

use the googles, there are other softwares out there that are cheap/free/limited, but if your learning, then you will want something with a good solid user base.  Artcam express also comes to mind.

Offline DaveS

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Re: Creating G-Code
« Reply #3 on: January 12, 2016, 06:56:44 AM »
Thanks for quick responses, both replies.  I have downloaded the "2DCut" program and quite impressed. As it certainly simplifies the creation of the commands that the CNC can respond to.  I would say that the $200 cost will be a good investment for our needs.

We have only a requirement for 2D milling.  A. to cut out panels for a Vintage Sega Arcade console & B. to accurately cut hull formers and decking for large scale model ships up to 2m LOA,  which is my main hobby ATM  The formers are cut from 3mm MDF and the decking from modelling ply, but as skills improve more intricate parts will be attempted.

Most of the plans I use are either bought or downloaded and then scaled up to full size on the computer and then printed out in a poster program.  The Hull lines are usually drawn on plans in a single graphic.  one half showing all the lines from the bow to midships the other half from the stern to midships, on average up to 20 - 25 formers which gives the hull its distinctive shape. These are then traced onto individual full width drawings.  They can be then scanned and converted to appropriate formats.

Doing this is a very laborious task resulting in a model taking up to a year to complete doing everything manually with a fret saw and a lot of elbow grease. My HMS Manchester took almost three years to complete and videos and photos of the model were use by a German dive team when the dived on the original wreck of Libya in the Med.

Thanks Dave n Mark.

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The odds it will fail are 100% against you!

Offline ger21

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Re: Creating G-Code
« Reply #4 on: January 12, 2016, 07:11:21 AM »
You might want to try a CAD program in combination with Cut2D. A lot of people like Draftsight, which is free.
Gerry

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Re: Creating G-Code
« Reply #5 on: January 12, 2016, 07:13:03 AM »
Before I got my CNC running I spent a couple of months of my spare time reading up on G Code.
I've found that it's good to have an idea what the code is doing but I've found it so quick and easy to use CAD/CAM for 2D stuff that I haven't felt the need to hand code,

 - Nick

Offline DaveS

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Re: Creating G-Code
« Reply #6 on: January 12, 2016, 07:20:13 AM »
Thanks Guys.  This is really great.  This is a great forum    5stars  :)
Dave
The odds it will fail are 100% against you!

Offline Tweakie.CNC

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Re: Creating G-Code
« Reply #7 on: January 12, 2016, 07:25:44 AM »
5 Stars - wow!  ;D

Tweakie
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Offline BR549

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Re: Creating G-Code
« Reply #8 on: January 12, 2016, 11:08:14 AM »
OH MAN Tweakie will Never be able to wear his old hats now. His head will be too big.

 :D ;D >:D

Offline Tweakie.CNC

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Re: Creating G-Code
« Reply #9 on: January 13, 2016, 01:34:06 AM »
 ;D ;D ;D

Tweakie.
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