Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Latest Design Created with my SherlineCNC

Hi Dan,

Sounds like it works quite well for you. And by "import" I assume you
mean "PLC". True, you do have to convert to metric measure for the
PLC's, but I found out that it is really no extra code there, as my
controller program accommodates G20/G21 words, and thus needs to do a
mm/in conversions. For generating PLC's, the same choice is made
depending on the state variable set by G20/G21, just backwards in this
case. I found that the PLC arc's and lines are very similar to Gcode,
which made it easy.

Yeah, but using spreadsheets! Aren't they for accountants? ;>)

Alan KM6VV


Dan Statman wrote:

>
> 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:
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> > FILES: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO/files/
> >
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> 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
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> bill,
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