Lewis, encoders are used on servo motors to give positioning feedback to the controller. You don't need them when you are using stepper motors.
A post (short for post processor) comes with the CAM software. I'll use Sheetcam for an example. You probably would draw your part in some kind of CAD program, TurboCAD, AutoCad, Corel, etc. Then save the drawing as file type DXF. Sheetcam reads your drawing and you can apply tool paths to the various lines and circles in the drawing.
This information is then run through a post (included with Sheetcam) that generates G code programming. This is the information that a controller program (Mach 2, for example) needs to send information to your HobbyCNC board to control the motors. |