Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Latest Design Created with my SherlineCNC

You know I thought I would give up the Excel spreadsheet technique also, but
it is so damn easy and convenient. For the same patterns on varying width
rings, I just scale the x-axis to the new width with a simple factor and
then the macro regenerates the G-code in about 10 seconds. I put my z-axis
moves in a separate spreadsheet column so that I can vary them depending on
the cutter width, and I ALWAYS know exactly what I am going to get when the
program runs since you can make a graph of all of the data points connected
via straight line segments. This is exactly the G01 move.

The only limitation that it has is I cannot scale the line width in the
diagram accurately. However, you can take the x and y data points and
import them back into Vector and scale the angular measurements to linear
(and then scale from metric to imperial since the import always assumes
metric), and then set the line width to see if there are overlaps.

The reason there are so many programs out there is because everyone uses
them differently. The Excel spreadsheet is the most intuitive for me, but I
have never been accused of being normal.

Dan.

----- Original Message -----
From: "Alan Marconett KM6VV" <KM6VV@...>
To: <CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Friday, May 31, 2002 2:39 PM
Subject: Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Latest Design Created with my SherlineCNC


> Hi Dan,
>
> I recall you saying when you first started with the patterns that you
> used an excel spread sheet for your calculations, but I'm surprised that
> now that you start out in Vector CAD/CAM, that you don't just copy an
> paste to replicate the pattern as needed, and perhaps copy into another
> drawing to scale it. You're still using excel to scale and replicate?
> Generating Gcode from a spreadsheet is a nice trick, 'tho.
>
> Very interesting patterns, those Celtic knots. Wish I had some to share
> with you! And quite impressive rings!
>
> Alan KM6VV
>
>
> Dan Statman wrote:
> >
> > Yes, I am using Sherline's rotary table. For software, I draw a single
> > unit of the pattern in Vector and generate the G-Code for that
> > pattern. I then take the G-Code and copy it to a spreadsheet (Excel).
> > >From th spreadsheet, I can extract relevant X and Y data points which
> > can then be scaled and repeated using simple mathematical manipulations
> > of the data. Once I have all of the pattern created on a 360 degree
> > rotational axis, I have another macro that creates G-Code directly in
> > Microsoft Word from the Excel spreadsheet. Takes about 5 minutes after
> > Vector creates the initial G-Code.
> >
> > It takes so long to engrave since I am using a 0.015" endmill spinning
> > at a relatively slow 10,200 RPM while trying to cut grade-5 titanium.
> > In order to acheive the depth of cut the pattern is repeated three
> > times. I set the feed rate to 0.5 IPM, but since it is on a rotary
> > table the exact speed is unknown. Given the short interval between
> > segments, I do not think the machine ever reaches the full speed
> > setting anyway since it is accelerating and decelerating all of the
> > time. I am not in the least bit concerned with the speed of cutting,
> > since I have plenty of handwork that I do on other projects while these
> > are being cut.
> >
> > Dan.
>
>
> Addresses:
> FAQ: http://www.ktmarketing.com/faq.html
> FILES: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO/files/
>
> OFF Topic POSTS: General Machining
> If you wish to post on unlimited OT subjects goto:
aol://5863:126/rec.crafts.metalworking or go thru Google.com to reach it if
you have trouble.
> http://www.metalworking.com/news_servers.html
>
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/jobshophomeshop I consider this as a
sister site to the CCED group, as many of the same members are there, for OT
subjects, that are not allowed on the CCED list.
>
>
>
> Post messages: CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com
> Subscribe: CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
> Unsubscribe: CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
> List owner: CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO-owner@yahoogroups.com, wanliker@...
> Moderator: jmelson@... timg@... [Moderator]
> URL to this group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO
> bill,
> List Mom
> List Owner
>
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
>