RE: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] more questions for a confused newbie :)

Hi, Matt:

Congrats on your purchase of more toys. I'll try to provide some answers as
I understand it all works ---


| Am I drawing the part I want to mill as well as the tool
|path in the cad program or am I just drawing the part and using
|another program for the toolpath.

You might do either. Typically, I draw the part, select the lines that I
want to machine, and then use VectorCAD's offset feature to provide the
toolpath, given the tool that I want to use.

|From there if I understand
|correctly I use a program to convert the file to G-code, vector and
|bobcad I think both come with this type of software but using autocad
|I would need to use Ace from yeager.

That's what I did prior to getting the full version 9.3 of VectorCAD. One
step before feeding this code into your G-Code interpreter. You'll have to
edit the file to add information for speeds and approach and takeaway moves
for the tool.

|From there I feed the g-code to
|my control software which I think will be CNCpro. Is this anywhere
|close to correct?

Yep. If you haven't already purchased CNCPro, I'd suggest that you try
several of the demo programs for different CNC controllers and pick the one
you like best. Some things to look for:

1. Number of G-Codes implemented - All G-Code interpreters are not equal.
Some offer more capability than others.

2. Operating system - There's DOS, Windows 9x, and Linux. Most of the G-Code
interepeters offered today run under DOS because the program can take over
the machine and provide the "stiff" (precise) timing that is needed to
successfully drive the motors. One is that runs under Win 9x is available
from Art Fenerty and EMC that runs under Linux is available for the cost of
a download.

3. Source Code Availability - If you're into programming, having the source
code available will allow you to extend the software if you wish. Since I
like to play, this was high on my list of "druthers." It won't be for most
normal people.

4. Computing power required. You're not going to run Windows based software
on a 486.

5. Look-n-feel - The human interface presented by the software will always
color your opinion of it. All other things being equal, pick the one that
appeals to.



| Don't suppose there is a CNC for dummies book :)

Sorry, but I don't think that anyone who can put all of this stuff together
can really be classified as a dummy. A beginner, of course. But a dummy -
Never!