Re: Kipware M

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, "Harry Konecny"
<hkonecny@d...> wrote:

>
>
> Thanks for the response! The price is right, he has it on ebay for
> $225. But, will it do everything else? Or will I still need a more
> sophisticated program? What do you use for your "full strength"
> program?
>
>

Consider using a conventional CAD program like TurboCAD, QuickCAD,
IntelliCAD to do drawings (2D) and use a true CAM program like the
low cost SHeetCAM (100 bucks until Dec 10th) to do your toolpath
definitions and g-code generation. If you stay with the three
distinct parts of CNC (CAD->CAM->Controller) then you have a lot more
flexibility and the possiblity of good support on the related lists.
I think conversational programing (programming a part at the machine
or using canned shapes) has it's place. In a job shop where the
person that runs the machine is not the person doing the drawings or
CAM setup then it would probably make things flow easier. Most of us
hobby guys do all our own stuff so knowing how to use all three
pieces of the equation has an advantage (and we have no one to blame
for a mistake!).