I just picked up a used CNC Bridgeport in the last six months. After rigging it into the cellar I needed to build a rotary converter to get it up and running. The controller is 110V and after checking it out everything seemed to work except the CRT, it was two blurry to read. An electronic friend helped out hear and it is now OK. Now I’m trying to learn G-code. I bought a manual from the manufacture of the controller Anilam, and got the X , Y table to go through some movement last night for the first time.
I do all my drawings in AutoCAD. Some 3-D drawing but am not good at it. It takes a lot of time and I have not seen the benefit to using it in the shop. It’s only nice to see if things go together. I have heard that there is software to convert my drawing to G-code. Also the machine has a RS-232 port. I was told there is soft where I can send the G-code right to the machine from my computer.
I need all the help I can get.
Beginner.

I use Deskam to create my G-code. I open a DXF file in Deskam and than apply tooling to the shape. Than after saving the file I open it in Yeager to run the file on my machine.

I use a program called Waynemark for simple 2d tool paths.
Take an Autocad dwg. and save it as a dxf file. Then I open the dxf file and select entities that move the tool in the directions I choose. I save the file.
I open Waynemark software and convert the dxf file to cnc code.
It writes the file to my Fanuc post processor. I check the tool path,and thats it. Got my part.

Eddie
I looked up the Waynemark Software and have the address of the supplier in Pasadena CA You are saying this one program will convert an AutoCAD drawing to G-code and send it to the machine. I will need to contact them and learn more about the package and cost. Do you think it is compatible with most CNC Software?

Paul uses two Software programs Yeager Automation’s is listed at $199.00 and DesKAM 2000 is listed at $230.00 for the Download version.

My controller on my Bridgeport is Anilam Crusader Series M built in 1985
One of my problems is I’m not sure what questions I should be asking.
Rolly

Hi Roly

You should still learn "G" code particulary for simple stuff.

Jim

Rolly,
The first question is, the software support the Anilam control.
Its been a long time since I used the Anilam control. Mys first control was a Bandit, then Anilam, and now Fanuc.
I do not remember if the Anilam uses Gcode. If you look at the control, and you see buttons like (go)or (feed)(repeat) please let me know. This will help refresh my memory. I will look at my post processor configuration to see if it has one for anilam. OK?

eddiez
Yes Anilam uses G-code Some keyboard definitions of the keys are
Do (do loops)
SUBR (Subroutine)
CALL (to execute a subroutine)
END (a subroutine is a mini program it must have a End Statement)
RAPID
FEED
ABS/INC
DWELL
AUX (auxiliary codes there are 56 listed in the manual)
T (tool)
ARC (CW)
ARC (CCW)
G (code’s)
V (code’s) (variables) looks like there may be as many as 80. Variables are used with the G-code and some AUX codes to input necessary information to make changes to canned cycle program’s.
Rolly

If you're making 3d surfaced parts in AutoCad and saving them as DXF or STL, then DeskProto will be able to read them and write rastering toolpaths to cut them out. It has an Anilam postprocessor, so you're covered there. They have a basic version I sell for $250, but the full version, (which supports 4-axis milling, among other advanced features missing from"Deskproto lite") costs a bit more. You can try either for free by downloading a demo from www.deskproto.com; it will time out after 30 days.

If you're trying to convert 2d drawings to G-code, DeskProto won't help: it just recognizes polygon-mesh surfaces. Doug Yeager wrote "Ace Converter" that converts drawings to G-code: you can download it for free at http://www.yeagerautomation.com/ace.htm ; as far as I know it is totally free and doesn't expire. If you try it, let us know how well it worked for you. Of course there are other programs that can do one or both of these functions, but usually you have to pay for them.

Andrew
Thanks for the information. I will look into this Software. Like Jim said I do need to learn how to write G-code for my machine. I tried last night and I do have to use V-codes with different G-codes. I used the Help button and with G87 I need to use V-codes to tell the machine the Z direction for return position and pre drill position and drill depth position. It will be a while before I master this stuff.
Rolly

I have been writing some G-code for the Mill. I put a pencil in the chuck and paper on a plate on the table. It was drawing out the X & Y tracing. Then I started to try some G-87 type stuff, never got it to work. I could not even start the servo drive motors. Seams the machine wont run if the program is two screwed up. Playing around with the controller I found a built in simulator. I reloaded a program that I had drawn on paper and darned if the simulator didn’t draw the same thing. No need for paper if I can figure out how to find the simulator again.
Having fun Rolly

You could use a program that would take a DFX and convert it to g code for you. I think Yeager Automation has somthing like that.

Waynemark Software has been supplying the CNC industry with CAD/CAM software since 1988. We currently have two products available that may be of interest to hobbyists and professionals:

Waynemark CNC Utilities
Waynemark FastPath CAM.

The CNC Utilities is a collection of programs designed to convert, display, generate, and edit G-code programs. It has features such as Engrave, Plot, Project-onto, Arc2Line, Abs2Rel, DXF2CNC, Rotate, Spiral, CncComm, and many more in a nice user friendly environment. The package sells for $249.

FastPath is a full graphics interface CAM system with precision drawing of lines, arcs, points, B-spline and Bezier curves, rectangles, ellipses, text, DXF import/export, Scaling, Rotating, etc. It sells for $799.

The two packages work very well together or can be used independently of each other.

For members of CNCzone that are hobbyists, I will offer a substantial discount. The CNC Utilities can be purchased for $99. FastPath CAM is $299. If you purchase both the total is $350. All prices include free shipping to US addresses. Alaska and Hawaii may cost a small amount.

One more note, if you purchase FastPath but need one of the utilities such as CncComm I will include it for free.

Sincerely,
Greg Brown (Waynemark Software)

Waynemark Software
337 Woodcliffe Road
Pasadena, CA 91105
(626) 395-7613
GBrown1002000@Yahoo.com