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Post by Paul (madeye) on Dec 29, 2014 15:09:14 GMT
Im looking into getting into CNC for a little hobby.
Can anyone advise a user friendly CAM software which converts to GCode? Im reading tons about it but sometimes peoples word goes further. Im expecting the mill unit will be running Mach3 software as that's the way a lot of conversions have headed..
I have vectric and masterCAM available to me at a reasonable price, but if anyone has anything else to chuck into the pot please let me know.
thanks, Paul
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Post by airforceone on Dec 29, 2014 15:37:08 GMT
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Post by Paul (madeye) on Dec 29, 2014 17:16:41 GMT
looked at it, been offered a starmill too for a good price fully mach3 converted but its too big.
deffo looking at a denford though as they are only down the road from me, im after approx. an A4 size table to learn on.
you been looking into software? I want to get what im going to continue with once up and running.
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Post by airforceone on Dec 29, 2014 18:31:40 GMT
Only started looking due to needing a few brackets and things made.
The one above is a complete kit with everything you need to get started including PC and Software but
not sure I'm willing to spen £1500 for something that may not get a lot of use.
It would also take up my workbench in the garage which is were I keep all my crap...
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Post by Paul (madeye) on Dec 29, 2014 19:05:40 GMT
are you in a mega rush? pm sent
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Post by airforceone on Dec 29, 2014 19:58:34 GMT
I'm retired now, so never in a rush..lol...
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Post by Paul (madeye) on Dec 29, 2014 19:59:40 GMT
haha, im counting, just over 4 years to push
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stubbers
Senior
Exocet Number 306
Posts: 478
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Post by stubbers on Dec 31, 2014 9:50:10 GMT
Writing 2D programs by hand is a good skill to have, you end up understanding a lot more about the programs that way. I am actually a CNC programer as my job, we tend to hand write anything 2d as its quicker than putting it through a g code generator.
As for 3d software we use autodesk inventor and delcam, g code generator, feature cam and power mill.
Depending on what control system the cnc mill has there are usually 'canned cycles' these are pre written codes where you just input the variables and it does the rest. For example peck milling.
Rich
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Post by Paul (madeye) on Jan 1, 2015 21:16:10 GMT
stubbers, im afraid you may have let yourself in for a barrage of questions in the future.  |
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Post by Paul (madeye) on Jan 16, 2015 13:51:38 GMT
my cnc machine has arrived, I have been trying to learn the Mach3 programme by doing some simulations. I have my work cut out here I think. (enjoy the pun ) |
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Post by Paul (madeye) on Jan 18, 2015 16:16:51 GMT
the unit has arrived, im struggling to set up the mach3 control software. getting some randon toolpath information.  |
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Post by Paul (madeye) on Mar 17, 2015 19:15:08 GMT
my first cut.
from measuring up the supercharger, to CAD to CAM to GCode to CNC out of plastic.
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