Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: CNC Pro?

>Mike Phillips wrote:
>
>
>
>>Bob,
>>
>>I'm a long time CNCPro user too. So please explain why Mach3 is so
>>great. It's not that expensive, I just don't know if it's worth the
>>swap. My cpu is an 800mhz PIII run Windows 98. Hope that's fast
>>enough. Doesn't Mach3 run on 2000 or higher?
>>
>>Mainly I'd like to have a more efficient process. Right now it's this:
>>
>>1) Draw the part in cad.
>>2) Make 1/2 end mill diameter offset lines of the part.
>>3) Export the offset lines in dxf.
>>4) Import into ACE or MyTmill for Gcode generation.
>>5) Clean up code.
>>6) Test mill motion for any gotchas.
>>7) Machine part.
>>
>>Way too long.
>>
>>

Yes, I agree. Unless a part requires odd angles, curves that merge into
lines, etc.
I don't use CAD. It is too slow to do all that drawing, unless I need a
crutch to
make sure I don't have the geometry all messed up. I have a bunch of
small programs
that generate generic G-code for simple tasks like round and rectangular
pockets and
holes, circles and grids of holes, thread milling, etc. I can run these
programs from
another window at the machine and then use the G-code. They are so
simple, I haven't
had to verify any of them in years. (Yes, the hammer situation - if you
have a hammer (these
programs) then all problems look like a nail.) Obviously, almost all my
work is 2D or
2 1/2 D, not 3D free surfaces.

A number of these programs are a part of EMC now, and can be called up
from EMC's
main screen.

Jon