Re: Newbie: G Code Programming Question

Use the former method. It can be really confusing if part zero
is out in space when you apply cutters of other diameters and are
drilling holes and such.
You can also use tool compensation that way you can program with
print dimensions.
Since you have spent all that money with MicroKinetics for thier
Mill (it's not cheap) do yourself a favor and spend another 50 / 60
bucks for the CNC Programming Handbook by Peter Smid. It,s the best
book I have ever seen on CNC and I have them all.
Good luck




-- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, "gglines1" <gglines@c...>
wrote:

> I'm just starting to CNC program in G-codes. I'm uing MillMaster
> Pro for Windows by Microkinetics on a mill/drill.
>
> My software doesn't have tool radius compensation and I'm looking
> for advice on how to approach programming toolpaths. I hope I can
> explain this clearly. I'm finding calculating the cutter

waypoints

> tough.
>
> Should I CENTER the spindle on the workpiece origin (0,0) or the
> EDGE of the end mill on the workpiece origin 0,0? For example,

let's

> say I have a 1" x 1" (I'll ignore Z) workpiece with a 3/4" end
> mill. If I set the center of the spindle (using absolute mode) on
> 0,0 (front left corner of workpiece), then I have to reposition

the

> spindle by -.375 in both X and Y or half the distance of the

cutter

> to get to the edge of the workpiece. The second way I could do it
> is to move the cutter to X-.375 Y-3.75 and then initalize that

point

> as the origin (0,0).
>
> Any suggestions on which way to approach this?
>
> Many thanks,
>
> George