Re: OK Now What?

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, "apaulsalerno"
<apaulsalerno@y...> wrote:

>
> I did a mini mill conversion and everything seems to be working well,
> but I have no idea what to do with it now. Where do I start? Should
> I do some sample drawings in a cad program and then try to convert
> them? Should I attempt to run the samples I got with TurboCNC? I
> think I need to look at the files first and make sure I'm not

crashing

> anything right? Do most people edit files manually? I am hoping to
> get to where I can do some simple engraving but I dont know where to
> start. I have TurboCAD and TurboCNC. Do I save my TurboCAD

drawings

> as DXF files and then try to load them into TurboCNC? I know this is
> alot but if some one could jot down a simple step by step procedure
> for going from Cad to code it would help alot. Thanks

You are missing one of the three magic pieces of the CNC equation. You
draw the part in CAD or a drawing program that uses vectors. You
export in DXF or HPGL and bring it into a CAM program which is a
graphical way to define HOW you want the drawing to be cut by defining
toolpaths, tools, feedrates, offsets, etc,etc. THen the CAM generates
a gcode through a "post" that is friendly to your controller software
(Turbocam in your case). So the sequence is: CAD->CAM->Controller.

Now, if you have lots of time and need a learning experience then you
can replace the drawing and CAM with hand coding g-code. I gave it up
in 1978.

For a low cost CAM for 2D and 2.5D including engraving see
www.sheetcam.com.

If you want to do fancy (artistic) engraving and carving you might want
to consider a drawing program like CorelDraw that handles fonts (like
wrapping around a circle or following a curve) better. Also you will
find that virtually all of the vector clipart is in either AI, EPS, or
WMF format. Most pure CAD software will not import those formats.