Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: virtual hand jive

Smoke wrote:

> Plan ahead, build in detachable hand wheels. Even if you hate hand
> wheels, at least then you'll have something to fall back on in an
> emergency.

Exactly. Anyone with a single machine should consider trying to be as
versatile as possible. Never know what's around the next bend.

There happens to be an interesting thread in alt.machines.cnc right now
regarding the issue of manual vs cnc, started by a fellow that has
eliminated all manual machines from his shop. This is a business, and
runs on different criteria than a home shop. The originator states that
he still wishes now and then for handwheels, but figures he just has to
work harder to make the programming easier/faster for one-offs.
He is using Hurcos, which is supposed to be one of the best (if not most
eccentric) controllers for at-the-control programming. Still, his
motivation is overall efficiency. Not every job is a winner in every
shop. Given the type of work he's doing, it pays off overall despite
obviously not paying off on every job.

Jon
(you can have my handwheels when you pry them from my cold dead fingers)