Re: green horn alert - simple starter package - SOFTWARE

Hi Jason,

just a note, I am modifying the subject line as the topic changes as
other newbies search and don't always find threads.

There are lots of CAD packages, and most output a DXF file.

There are lots of Controller software, TurboCNC, Master5 and the
like. These run G-code file.

What is needed is a software package that will convert your drawing
file into G-code.

There are software programs that do more and we have a database on
the CCED site that lists progrmas and features and approximate
costs. and the archives are full of users comments about each and
every porgram.

There are a lot of us who do the g-code by hand, (personally I like
Excel) as the files are not terribly long and you have contorl over
everything.

others are doing stuff that would yield huge files so go the
automated route. there are problems with that, but answers too.
most notably, the drawing outputs the lines (cuts) in the same order
you drew them so your tool paths may jump around when you least
expect.

If you are just starting out, my personal recomendation is to use
TurboCNC and set up your machine by g-code. ie: verify your table is
moving correctly and at proper distances by imputing go to lines.
tell it to move exactly one inch then see if it does. go back and
forth and see if it repeats, and so on.

You may find lots of your tasks will be simple to code files and that
cad to convertions to g-code takes longer!

The added benefit is that you learn the basics of g-code so that once
you do move into automating that part, you are not doing black arts,
but you can understand the files.

Dave

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, Jason <brainstorm@g...> wrote:
> Ok....now a little 101 here....turbocnc is the controller
software?. Say
> turbocad is the drafting...now CAM? Not sure what that is yet....is
that the
> tool and tool path generator that creates the g-code for the
controller
> software.....oh brother....I guess if you don't know just ask..hehe.
>
> -------Original Message-------
>
> From: CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com
> Date: Sunday, April 13, 2003 06:54:34 PM
> To: CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: green horn alert - simple starter
package
>
> Figuring you do not have high power requirements ?
>
> Xylotex to run the steppers.
> TurboCNC for the software
> E-bay or similar for steppers. read the specs on Xylotex and the
> white paper on power supplies to understand how to get the best
> motors. (less than 3 volts, 5 amps( run is series for 2.5 amp load)
> MPJA for the transformer/power supply.
>
> 3 motors/3 driver - probably everything for under $200.00
>
> of course, you wll need to buy linear slides and screws and motor
> couplings, but that can be dirt cheap or second mortgage stuff.
>
> Dave
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> --- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, "zr700fire"
<brainstorm@g...>
> wrote:
> > Hi, Im at the earliest phase of the home cnc project, well long
> > story short.
> > What the best,user friendly,ok price,and all around good setup I
> > should start with, to reduce r+d, should I look for in:
> > software,motors, servo, controllers, wire,...blah blah blah.
> > I figure if I have enough imput I can weed out any mistakes and
> such.
> > Hoping for a 3 but wanting a 4 axis setup. And if you could
explain
> > it like if you were talking to your wife. Some thing are just
flat
> > new to me.
> >
> > Thanks guys this is a awesome group site.
> >
> > Jason
>
>
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