Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] To Convert or not to convert- That is the question! OT

After you have used the mill in CNC mode for a while you will probably
not want to use manual mode much. It is a slightly different way of
working but once you get used to it, it is a lot faster.

Think of CNC as a DRO with a super power feed and automatic end stops.
Mach3 is great for this sort of work. The MPG function (manual pulse
generator) gives you one or more electronic handwheels. You can't 'feel'
the cut with an electronic wheel but apart from that MPGs can be set up
to behave in a very similar way to manual wheels.

Here is an example of how I would drill a hole at specific coordinates
on a one-off job:

Zero the DROs at the datum point using the MPG to jog (move) the table.
Go into MDI (manual data input) mode and enter G0 Xxxx Yyyy (where xxx
and yyy are the coordinates). The machine goes to the coordinates. Now I
can use the MPG do drill the hole like a manual machine or use a drill
cycle if I can be bothered. No counting handwheel turns, compensating
for backlash etc, the machine takes care of all that.

Les

>Question- Does the conversion to CNC preclude the manual use of the
>milling machine?
>
>Thanks in advance
>
>