Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] programming by hand

Joe Vicars wrote:

> It would only take about 40 hours of writing G-code "by hand" to offset
> the cost of a decent CAM package. That's about 2000 bucks at average
> billing rates.

Not really true. It takes time to enter drawings into the CAD first. I find
that many simple jobs just don't justify firing up the CAD package. I can
write the G-code, or use a bunch of simple little programs that write generic
G-code for standard operations like drilling arrays of holes, milling out
holes and rectangles, etc. When the shapes get complex, or there is
blending of curves and straight paths, then I do go to the CAD system,
and then generate toolpaths from that.

> Anything but the most rudimentary code writing would quickly run into
> labor cost that would far outweigh the cost of CAM.

Well, when you get used to it, you will find you enter G-code manually
rather than mill a one-off something with the jog buttons, because after
you've entered the command and executed it, your hands are free to
flick chips, twiddle the coolant nozzle, look at the drawing, or whatever.

Jon