RE: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: CAD to G code help

Ron - Thanks for reply. I think I got the 8 hole bolt pattern done in one of
the wizards. I think I see now how to do a tool change and

Questions:
0 - space is premium on our little minimill. How do I change the "0,0" or
part placement so I don't run out of "y" or "x" travel? I drew the part
centered at 0,0 in CAD, but that didn't seem to transfer in D2NC
1 - What's rule of thumb for tool dia to hole size for cutting holes with
mill vs drilling? I should think that a hole radius > tool dia would work,
eh?
2 - Looks like I need to do a tool change then? That is, drill the 8 holes
then change to mill, cut inside hole, and then cut out part?
3 - We tried D2NC last night, and that dxf import did work, although it was
a little cumbersome. We did "cut air" correctly though I think - except for
#0 above.

Will try SheetCAM tonight.

Thanks again fellas.

> CAD to G code help
> Posted by: "Chuck Merja" chuckm@... <mailto:chuckm%403rivers.net>

ebiz_59

> Date: Wed Nov 9, 2011 10:08 am ((PST))
>
> We have tried the MACH3 wizards and have the bolt pattern as a set of
> drilled holes, but not the center hole or the perimeter. And we don't seem
> to be able to do the holes as "pockets" with a small mill, which is our
> current goal. Seems to me we got stuck in the "hole is too small for the
> tool issue" a few months ago when we last tried the pocket thing. I've
> uploaded a picture of the washer

I am the support guy for the Newfangled Wizards in Mach3. Your part is
exactly the part I use as my standard demo of the wizard. It is quick
and easy to do.

However, the "tool to big' error is a real problem if you are using a
.125 drill for a .140 hole. Id suggest you use the .125 mill as a drill
and make the hole .125, then enlarge it manually on a drill press with a
.140 drill.

Some problems are not worth the effort to solve them on CNC.

For more complex parts that the wizard wont do I like Sheetcam or Cut2D,
both in the 4100 range, and both extremely well supported.

ron ginger


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