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Author Topic: New to CAD / CAM  (Read 5209 times)

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New to CAD / CAM
« on: January 03, 2008, 08:03:23 AM »
Greetings,
I am very interested in learning the process of CAD / CAM.
I do not have any software except what is in the Artsoft package.
The drawing below is from the EZCAM Express tutorial that I found in your links. I went through the tutorial and pretty much understand the process. Of course their "FREE" software is locked up and very limited until bought.

Is Lazy Cam able to prepare a part like this for M3Turn ?
If so, could someone send me a generic drawing with the necessary files so I can experiment with LCam ?
There is no turning samples in LCam that I could find,only foam blocks and a spanner.

Any suggestions on beginner CAD at a reasonable $ ? 

My connection is slow, so I ordered the Mach video tutorials on CD but was told it will take as much as 20 days to arrive.

I need the most BASIC introduction I can find....I'm still using a pencil.

Thanks much,
RC   8)

Offline Chaoticone

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Re: New to CAD / CAM
« Reply #1 on: January 03, 2008, 08:47:37 AM »
RC, I have sent you a personal message.

Brett
;D If you could see the things I have in my head, you would be laughing too. ;D

My guard dog is not what you need to worry about!
Re: New to CAD / CAM
« Reply #2 on: January 05, 2008, 01:37:43 PM »
Thanks, Brett.

One more Q,
Is it common or typical to run the tool paths on the "back" side of the part in CAM as I have seen in the few samples that I find ?
Like below....... for the part above ?
Or is this just a matter preference ?
Being a "manual" guy, it looks up side down to me. And the X + and - looks bass ackwards.
My tools would be in the "front".
Thanks,
RC

Offline Chip

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Re: New to CAD / CAM
« Reply #3 on: January 05, 2008, 03:08:07 PM »
Hi, RC

Could you post the dxf for your pic. above, Looks as if the z values are backwards, Would like to look at it.

Thanks, Chip
Re: New to CAD / CAM
« Reply #4 on: January 05, 2008, 06:04:15 PM »
Hi Chip,
That is a screen capture from the tutorial, I have no files for it.
Here is another example that I found in a post by TonyP.
http://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php/topic,5003.0.html
I cannot generate any code to try it without the license file.
But it is on the back side as well.
Thanks,
RC

Offline Chip

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Re: New to CAD / CAM
« Reply #5 on: January 05, 2008, 07:18:42 PM »
Hi, RC

Hears the post view in Mach3 from LC, That looks better.

And a DXF, Give it some space air cut.

Thanks, Chip
« Last Edit: January 05, 2008, 11:42:19 PM by afn09556 »
Re: New to CAD / CAM
« Reply #6 on: January 05, 2008, 09:18:21 PM »
Hey Chip, where'd ya go ?
It's still weird to me. Cam it on the back, code goes to Mach in the front. Hmmmmm ?
Anyway, with no license, my LCam will show the tool path in pocket and offset in mill, no code.
Won't show tool path in turn and of course, no code.     
I'm not sure that it would work well anyway right now, maybe later.
I wish I had more to experiment with before buying...whatever. Suggestions welcome.

Run that code you sent, dry run on your set-up, see what it does.
It goes totally NUTS on mine. Much like TonyP described.

Thanks much Chip,
RC

Offline Chip

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Re: New to CAD / CAM
« Reply #7 on: January 06, 2008, 12:38:53 AM »
Hi, RC

Eariler ver of LC started a 50.00 then as it progressed went to 75.00 at full release it might be at 150.00, Not Sure

It's a top profile of the part, LC just flips to the bottom.

If you can send me a LCAM or DXF and I'll post it for you.

In the code I posted put a G21 It will set it to MM much smaller, on Progran Run page reduce speed with the feed Over-Ride.

N5 G80
G21
N10 G0  X16.6100  Z0.3000

Thanks, Chip

Yea the post isn't perfect, Posted allot today, Was going to say that, Just left out by mistake.
« Last Edit: January 06, 2008, 02:00:12 AM by afn09556 »
Re: New to CAD / CAM
« Reply #8 on: January 06, 2008, 01:31:12 AM »
Chip, THANKS.
I understand the flip now.
The speed and size is no problem. It's the tool path that's goofy.
I am preparing a dxf for you, will send it soon.
You know...the price isn't bad, actually it's dirt cheap at $150 as long as it functioned well.
Thanks again,
RC
Re: New to CAD / CAM
« Reply #9 on: January 09, 2008, 10:29:26 AM »
Hello Chip,
Here's what I'm working with.
There's a similar post in the LazyCam forum too, I sort of lost track of this one, sorry.
What I don't understand is exactly what to do to the original drawing before exporting it to LCam..ie. where to cut it up ? set coordinates to x&z0 ?
Or if LCam can even handle a part like this, (just the profile, no threads).
Thanks Chip,