re:Compucut ?

Rab wrote:

>Has anyone used or have any impressions on the Compucut system <snip>

Rab,

I haven't used the system, so these are impressions/opinions from
several visits to the website over the last year or so...

1)Dad-Son business, done as an afterthought "hey, we could make some
money with this!" Meaning sometimes it's slow-going on the business
side, other times quick response.

2)Unipolar electronics a lot like MaxNC. SLOW feedrates.

3)Seems to have some connection with the Gas Turbine Jet engine
building hobby. For this use, it would seem a GOOD choice since
things are definitely 'slanted' that direction, IMO...

4)DOS software, HPGL driven, which as Alan M points out is a 2-1/2D
language. You can traverse arbitrary shapes at any 'given level', but
cannot change levels WHILE moving along a toolpath. HOWEVER, the
program appears to have been modified to accept "three axis" HPGL
using an additional co-ordinate for the Z(third axis). Although this
provides 3 axis control, how do you 'add' the third coord to a long
file of HPGL? (They may have an answer for this I've missed)

Example lines below:
HPGL- PA 2312,5643; Compucut- PA 2312,5643,3415

5)A 'collection' of programs, rather than an integrated system.
Pluses and minuses for this approach really boil down to how you like
to work.

The advantage of this type of product is that there is an ongoing
development to improve and expand the capabilities. The Down side is
that the capabilities will be expanded MOSTLY in the direction the
owners' desire. This is true for most businesses. The difference is
that Richard and Quinn have taken a somewhat different path than many
other vendors. So you are buying into a 'proprietary' system. Again,
there is nothing inherantly wrong with this, just know what you are
choosing before you leap... You do get an 'all at one place' system.

Also, at 250 british pounds, plus the 25 for the update, this is not
exactly a bargain. It may well be worth it, but there are other non-
proprietary choices in the same price point.

I find their machine designs interesting, and have asked Paul off-
list for some details... The digitising setup is also interesting,IMO.
I would like to see a screenshot of the program...

Hope this helps.

Ballendo