Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Latest Design Created with my SherlineCNC

I could not live without Excel. I use it for my consulting job (analytical
chemistry) on all data analysis, statistical analysis, and graphical
presentation of the data. Because I am so familiar with its functions and
data manipulation techniques, it was natural for me to use it to create
G-Code. The program is flat-out AWESOME. Excel...not just for accountants
anymore, ;-).

Yes I "import" the data using the PLC paste special function which Fred
showed me early on when I was demo-ing the program.

Dan.

----- Original Message -----
From: "Alan Marconett KM6VV" <KM6VV@...>
To: <CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Friday, May 31, 2002 3:57 PM
Subject: 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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> > 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.
> >
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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.
>
>
>
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