re:Re: programming by hand

Doug wrote:

>Not so sure I totally agree with you. Probably 98% of our
>programming for my 4 cnc's is done on the shop floor. I like to
>think we're pretty efficient. Most of our work is close tolerance
>prototype stuff.<snip>

Doug,

Nice post! It's good to remember that it all boils down to lines and
arcs! For those who HAVE the 'canned cycles' at the level you
mention ; i.e.,bolt circles, pockets,macros, etc.(many will just have
drill cycles) it is good advice. Single line programs and cutter
comp 'tricks'.

>But, I think their(CAM) need is overrated. On the other hand a CAD
>system is a must.
>Oh, yeah, here's another reason in favor of hand programming....you
>get to cut the parts the way you want not the way the CAM system
>wants.

Thanks for reminding us there is more than one way.

Ballendo

P.S. I assume you'd agree that 3d injection molds is a different
thing?