Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: Flashcut vs desknc for windows & Deskam

"Edwin S. Katz" wrote:
(snip) Unfortunately, the information doesn't always come in order and it gets
confusing

Hang in there all you newcomers !!..... I wish I could spend my whole day
talking and learning all of the concepts shared in this group. Unfortunately,
most all here probably have to hold down full time jobs. There too, may be those
that are sooo involved with the hobby that they stay quite busy and do not have
time to answer every question even though they'd like to.

> There seems to be many CAD or CAD/CAM programs for sale ranging from a few
> hundred
> dollars to over ten thousand dollars. Which ones are just adequate and
> which ones are superlative, and at what price?

Much of this is obtained by searching and reading through all of the messages in
Newsgroups that you can find. Someone could write a book, sure, but it would be
hard to not be biased unless one tried every option out there, and came to
conclusions as to what is "best". Even then you'd have real issues as to "what
is best - for - what application ?" All I can suggest is: Read, Read, Read.
Eventually you can decipher what may work for you. Be prepared to also purchase
some items that you don't like. Even though someone else is tickled with it, it
may not work the way you'd expect.

>
> I am interested not only in software but in knowing about stepper motors,
> drivers, and the hardware as well.

Following through the Bookmarks offered in this group, Searching Google using
any and all topics you can think of, and asking questions here, will find
answers to all of your above questions. Some of the Vendors have really
excellent tutorials, Excellent "White pages" and superb guidelines for the do-it
yourselfer. For example, Flashcuts website allows you to download their
Software guide in PDF format. This 90 page document in effect DOES give you
knowledge of all the "terms" commonly used. It also gives step by step examples
of how G-Code is to be applied and what typical codes are G-M list) I'm sure
others have pretty good manuals as well.

The "white pages" at the Gecko site is incredibly informative in regards how
stepper and servo motors are driven. Similar documents appear at the
stepperworld site.

> If I asked all the questions that come to
> mind they would probably kick my ass of the chat group.

I don't think it would ever come to that. I am not sure there is a virtual way
to accomplish it anyhow !

So, just be real patient.... AND persistant.

Chris L