Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Newbie CNC mill Control Software

int3man wrote:

>Hello All, Newbie here. I've bought a CNC Ready Mill and am
>ready to purchase the control software to interface with it. Is
>there a Standard or one that everyone appears to like or has as a
>favorite? Cost isn't the primary concern but function-ability is
>important, plus reliability.
>

It's no secret around here... I'm a big fan of Flashcut, and of course
of doing it in Windows rather than Dos. http://www.flashcutcnc.com

It looks good, Feels good, Works good. Discussions I've had with
individuals who have had to teach others to use the interface have
concluded that it is absolutely the most user friendly screen anyone
could ask for. Obviously under Windows control, you still have access to
everything else you have on that computer or your network at a moments
notice. You need not add any additional "Cards" or "ports" provided your
newer motherboard still has a COM port. You will not have any problems
running software dongles attached to a Parallel port if the need arises
that you can only have a single computer for Cad/ Cam/ and Machining. It
works on almost any laptop, though the newer FC versions will need more
processor power than you need with Version 1. ( V1 will run on ALL win
platforms using little power like P100's even 486's) Although not
recommended for obvious reasons, if you have enough processor with V2,
you can check your e-mail while it is cutting, as an example of it's
stability. It is a Win2k/Xp control, My recommendation is and will be
for some time Win2K.

They have very good support, now from more than 3 areas across the US.
The recently released Version 2 is not a buggy Beta version. It is a
very complete useable controller and, It does just about anything anyone
needs at the level it is offered. It configures to many different
machines, has improved continuous motion, excellent "adjustability" of
all available settings and controls. It is likely the most "Cam program
output" user friendly when it comes to code useage.

It will run out of the box with little effort or understanding. AND,
they now have some excellent manuals that even give you great G-code
useage examples.

Although still many new features and techniques are to be added as it
matures from it's ground up re-write, It is doubtful that you will feel
"limited" by options that youfeel you "should have" but are not yet
implemented, as FC V2 is pretty complete in comparison to it's earlier
Version 1.x releases.

Updates to enjoy new features as they are added are now available via
the website. "Updates" are, and have been literally effortless with a
new "repair/Install" option, and you will never be a "beta tester"
working out "suprises" from the updates on the site.

I don't sell it, just use it. I've tried many thru the years and keep
pretty close tabs on the market. There are some very good things on the
horizon for the hobby market in regards less expensive controls, that of
course being Mach1. We've all heard good things about it, and it seems
plenty are using it daily....

I have not been able to do a side by side comparison with FC and Mach 1
because of a few things Mach 1 needs berore I could assimilate it into
my daily work. It would only be misleading to make any other comparison
than one done *machine for machine*, *job for job*. As soon as I see the
necessary things to do so, I plan on doing such a comparison and am
"wired" to do so as soon as it is possible.

You will have to decide if you are the type that wants to go to work
with known "things" or participate in a "Beta" test at this time. For
me, I'm still backing Flashcut and making it my recommendation when I am
called on for opinions.

That's my opinion !
Chris L