In my opinion you will learn much more by learning to run manual lathe/mill first |
I'd agree with this opinion, you will learn more about feedrates and cut depths this way because you can "feel" when it's right.
Geof is right too- the best way to learn is off someone else- most engineers will be happy to pass on knowledge to an enthusiastic L driver
With your good programming knowledge it might also be beneficial to get a CNC simulation programme, but there's nothing like the real thing, I still remember the first part I programmed and cut- it's still kicking about my lab somewhere.
Please be careful about safety though- you're dealing with machines here that can literaly rip your hand off, I can't stress safety enough. Little tips like never, ever let go of a lathe chuck key unless you're putting it on the bench can save it being launched at 3000 RPM towards your head.
There was another Thread about this somewhere... they recommended:
http://home.fuse.net/consultec/
Glad you caught the bug and best of luck