"so when you watch the guys on OCC with the big huge HAAS system, they use the computer to draw the rough pattern, then program the rest manually?"
No, they design and program in CAD/CAM undoubtably, BUT the person doing the coding and operating knows G-code. I guess what I am saying is, the first step is to get proficient with G-code, and your machines version of G-code. Then you can look into CAM. At your level, starting out coding with CAM and not knowing what to look for in editing the code that comes out will lead to CERTAIN disaster!
Many companies like to say that their CAM system does not require you to know G-code, and that you can be making parts in hours or days. I think this is really overstating things. You will most likely have to edit, or tweak the code that comes out untill it suits your particular machine.
Each CNC control builder uses a little bit different version of G-code, all varitions of a theme. It's like saying you speak Chinese, which of 200 dialects? Your best start is to read the factory manual for your particular control and really familiarize yourself with what all the codes and words mean for your particular control.
Carl C  |