Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] I would like a opinion on setting up a complete small CNC system.

Jeff,

If you can swing the FlashCut, I sure would! Drivers are separate from
the signal generator. CNCpro would also be a good choice. Then you'll
need a CAM program. I'd recommend Vector CAD/CAM. Do the job there,
export g-code file for FlashCut or CNCpro, and away you go! You can
import .DXF files into Vector (or similar, like BobCad), from AutoCAD if
you want. But you cut out a step using a CAD/CAM package to start with.

I'd LOVE to get a look at FlashCut hardware for about a week!

From AutoCad to Gcode, you could use the Ace converter that Yeager
(CNCpro) has.

Alan KM6VV

Hope I've helped


Jeff Golias wrote:

>
> Hi all,
>
> This is my first post here. I've read MOST of the archived posts and
> wanted to solicit some specific opinions from those who have been
> doing small home/hobby CNC work for a while.
>
> Here's the scoop. I am just starting to put together a setup and
> don't have a lot of knowlege or any experience w/ milling or CNC.
> But, I do have a design in my head and want to go in to "limited
> (<100 pcs)" production to test it's market appeal. The parts I've
> imagined are no bigger than 2"hx2"wx4"l. I've, pretty much, decided
> to go with a Sherline CNC setup. I'm familiar with the mods that
> have been discussed on the list. I want a turnkey CNC package to fit
> on the Sherline that is known to work. I will need a CAD and CAM
> package. I have AutoCAD 14 already and have an oppourtunity to buy
> Mechanical Desktop and/or Inventor 3 for a very reasonable price. I
> have, almost, no experience with any CAD software.
>
> So the questions are...
> 1. What CNC package to go with. (I'm not really all that impressed
> by the FlashCut system because of its closed architecture)
> 2. Does anyone have experience w/ Mech. Desktop or Inventor 3? If
> so, what do you think?
> 3. I've been looking at CNCpro and like it's approach. Is this a
> good choice, and if so, what converter do I need to move the design
> from the AutoDesk software to CNCpro. Will I have problems in 2D to
> 3D translation.
>
> I thank you for your thoughtful opinions and time.