Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] purpose of the group

Hi,

I have been watching and reading the email that was to the group for about a
month now but I would like to have someone explain several questions I have:

1. Is the group for home shop or commercial people? most of the email I
have read seems to be focused toward commercial machines.

What do you mean by commercial machines, I don't think there are many on this list that have designed and built their machines from scratch. They may have bought a ready made CNC or retrofitted an exsisting manual machine (or be in the process of).

2. Most of the software that is stated in the group seems to be commercial
grade.

It has just happened that a lot of the posts have been about the likes of Vector or Max. Last month it was EMC and before that conversational CNC. Not forgetting Stepster and Kellyware.

3. What is "EMC" that a lot of people seem to be using. Commercial or
freeware?

EMC is not, as I understand it, Commercial of Freeware but is in the Public Domain. There are others who can give you fuller idea of what EMC is than I.

4. Why is Linux being used instead of Windows or Dos on a PC?

Linux can be used for real-time applications where as Windows (like B.G) wants to rule the world. If you have an axis moving at the sort of speeds routers run at and the control program losses it because the operating system has decided it is time to clean the hard drive, well what would be the result. There is software that runs under DOS and Windows and it get a mention every now and again. I for one am not considering EMC until I can understand the install and the Linux O/S. I do think that it may be the way to go though.

5. Why is everyone interested in Servos and by passing steppers. The
present mill retrofit that I am using uses steppers and have had no problem
programming or running "G" code on it. The speed is appropiate and why is
every one wanting speed.

Steppers cost, their drivers are cheap. Servos are cheap, their drivers cost. Servos run smoother. The quest for greater speed is something that I don't follow. If I get 60ipm on my Bridgeport type machine I'll be happy, I only cut real metal.

Regards,

Terry



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