Hi, Obviously a pre-neubie question about CNC software. I'm pretty sure, in general terms, that CAD is for drawing things in 2D/3D, often for the purpose of facilitating the machining of physical models/prototypes or production parts by having the CAD program be able to talk to a CAM program which can talk to the machine tool(s) involved.

My confusion lies more in whether CAM and controller software are the same thing or separate entities. E.g. If I was to use Mach 3 (a controller program) would I also need a CAM program somewhere in the mix or are Mach 3 and a CAD program all that's needed to start out (besides hardware, being my next question I imagine). My needs are actually very basic with a strong bias towards user-friendly if that makes a difference and they're not expected to go too much beyond that.

Thanks kindly,
Gerry

A CAM program creates G-code toolpaths from a CAD drawing. Mach 3 and similar controller programs process the G-code and move your machine.

For starters, get Mach 3 and write G-code by hand in a simple text editor. It's quite easy to write G-code for simple milling operations, and it's essential that you learn it before getting really involved in CAD/CAM.

CAD/CAM programs are useful for complicated toolpaths, especially 2D and 3D contours.

Mach3 comes with a basic CAM program, called LazyCAM, which can create g-code from 2D drawings and images. It can be found under the file menu in Mach3.

Actually, I'm trying hard to stay away from writing any code as much as possible (unfortunately, it's not easy for me) so I'm looking for the simplest way to accomplish that, if possible. Perhaps, by sticking to built-in wizards/templates/canned routines?) early on?

I think I recall hearing about a simple, low-cost program written as a plug-in for Mach that would do this, but I don't recall the name.

If I'm to understand then, if staying away from writing code is what's needed, then I would look for a "CAM for Dummies" software program which would take my drawings and/or "directions" and feed them to Mach which would then tell controller hardware how to drive the machine(s) steppers or servos? Am I at all close?

Thanks,
Gerry

Thanks much Ger21, I'll do some digging in that direction. - Gerry

Learning how to read and write g-code by hand can be very important when you're CAM software makes mistakes. Without knowing what the code says, you'll have a very hard time correcting any problems that arise. Learning g-code is really pretty easy, too.