RE: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] starting out

Matt:

Assuming that you know how to generate a DXF file from Autocad, you can
start playing with your CNC program by drawing your part, and then (on
another layer) drawing an offset to that part equal to the radius of the
tool you expect to use. For example, if you want to mill a cylinder to a one
inch square using a 1/4 inch diameter mill, you would first draw the square
on one layer of Autocad. Then move to another layer (perhaps you'd call it
ToolPath) and draw a square whose edges are 1/8 inch outside of each of the
edges of the square. Then, draw a 1/4 round using each corner of the square
to connect the offset edges. Generate a DXF file from that drawing. Now, go
to yeager automation's web site and download their ACE Converter. Let ACE
import the dxf file. Select the "ToolPath" layer and generate the G-Code
from it. Edit the G-Code file to add an approach, Z-Axis move, and Feed
rate. You should be able to read this file into your G-Code interpreter and
start building the part.

Or, you can go the the IMServ URL that provides pricing for the
CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO group and buy their "special" version for around $30. This
will provide the CAD portion for now. It does a really good job of drawing
the offsets. Generate the DXF file from this program and use ACE Converter
to complete the G-Code generation.

Hope this helps.

-- Carol & Jerry Jankura
Strongsville, Ohio
So many toys, so little time....

|Thanks to the members of this board I have my Sherline mill converted
|to CNC. Using the messured marks on the mill the accuracy seems
|great! Very cool to put in a number and watch the thing take off. I
|won't be able to swing Vectorcad till after the holiday season. Is
|there a way to break into learning the process in the meantime?