Originally Posted by HuFlungDung Even if you cannot be bothered to hand write it ( I don't most of the time), it is necessary to be able to read gcode and understand what a CAM system has generated for you. Like, I understand what arc center coordinates mean, but I hate figuring them out 
Understanding gcode also pays off in understanding how to configure a post processor to generate the correct syntax of code for a particular controller.
I'm kinda glad I cut my 'cnc teeth' on old Bobcad Gold, because it made me pay attention and learn to carefully proof-read the programs  It seemed great at the time, and to avoid doing hand programming was my first real incentive to even get a computer in the first place. |
Hu,
I loved the CAD end of BobCADCAM when it was DOS. The CAM end sucked. The CAD part of the program was freaking brilliant because you didn't have to use the mouse ! I never hear people say how good the DOS CAD end was. Maybe I was the only one who loved using it.
No mouse required most of the time. I even liked most of the UI.
Something happened on the CAD end with the move to Windows.
What a freaking mess it is now.
In any case, being able to understand the code at the machine and edit when you have problems is a critical job skill, AFAIC.
When my mind is deep in the code and I'm standing at the machine editing or creating a program I can see the tool in my mind as cuts the part. I'm like in another world.
jon
"I may have many faults, but being wrong ain't one of them." ... Jimmy Hoffa