Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Basic questions

Hi Gordon,
1) I would screw a sacrificial surface to the machine table, clamp the balsa or whatever and machine through to the sacrificial surface - it does not have to go deep into it. You can leave "bridges" between the rib and the stock, and cut them off with a trim knife after machining. Some people use vacuum tables to suck the stock down, instead of messing with clamps etc.
2) If you can scan them in, use Inkscape (free) or a similar program to make an outline of the part, then save it as .dxf file. This file can be used by a cad/cam program or a "dxf to gcode" program  to provide the tool path. Make sure your scans are to scale though! The best way to learn is to try it - you do not need a cnc machine to be connected. Download the programs and get started!!
Have fun,
Brian--- On Mon, 2/1/12, Gordon Anderson <GAA@...> wrote:

From: Gordon Anderson <GAA@...>
Subject: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Basic questions
To: CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com
Date: Monday, 2 January, 2012, 21:23
















 









Hello, I have been lurking on this list for sometime and I have a couple of dumb questions that I hope someone can answer for me or point me in the right direction. I am very close to buying a DIY CNC router kit like the blueChick. I have read a lot about the machines and control software but my questions are pretty basic and most likely dumb, here goes:

1.) How do I hold material on the table? I will be cutting thin wood, liteply and balsa wood. I will be cutting through the wood to cut out parts. My question is how do people hold the material in place and what do you put under the part you are cutting to make sure you do not cut into the bed of the machine.

2.) I have old drawings with patterns for formers (mostly from model airplanes) that I would like to convert to gcode files to enable cutting the parts. Is this possible? If so where can I learn more about the process. I hope I can scan them in and then convert them to gcodes.



I hope these questions are appropriate for this list and appreciate any input.



Thanks!



--Gordon



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