[jcolley]

Well, where to start.

I have a concept in mind for a 5-Axis machine I would like to build. I have the basic design layed out, but I'm thinking further down the road as to how to program it.

I know very little about the workflow of CNC machining, but here's how a understand it works so far.

CAD -> CAM -> G-code -> machine

Now, my question is, how does the stuff know the physical dimensions and capabilities of the machine? Is this what a postprocessor does? For example, if I use an 'A' axis, how does the machine know where to position the z axis while the 'A' is turning?

I guess there is no easy book on all this stuff, huh?

Jim