Newbie- Next Step?

[delwood]

Originally Posted by Glennza One of the nice things about TurboCNC is that it runs on DOS, which means an old, slow, obsolete computer will run it nicely. By asking around, you could probably come up with several computers that would work. Then you would have a dedicated machine controller and not have to share when you want to use it as "your" computer. A Pentium 200MHz to 500MHz with 8 Megs of memory will work well. I'm setting mine up with a CompactFlash card as a hard drive, so there are no mechanical parts to fail in a dirty shop environment. Someone you know would love to give you that old computer that's taking up room in the back of the closet. Glenn

Glenn,

I like that idea. Just find another old, slow, obsolete computer besides the one I'm using for "my" computer! Is that 8 meg required for the flash memory? The computer isn't the only item here that's old and slow but I refuse to become obsolete.

Thanks, Delwood

[delwood]

Originally Posted by BrassBuilder Hi, As a newbie CNC machinist myself, I can vouch that building the machine was the easy part! I am at the figuring out the software stage right now. Here is what has been the easiest combination (for me) as far as the software goes: CAD: TurboCad Deluxe (I think I am running version 11.something.) CAM: CamBam Milling Software: Mach3 I am still learning this as I go....I am now in the firm belief that there is nothing "easy" about the software part. One package might be less confusing than the other, but they all have a certain learning curve that will take time to figure out. Is CamBam the "best" CAM software? Probably not. But I am finding it has been easier to learn than any of the others. You can also ask 10 people on the board what combination they are running and you will get 10 different answers. Good luck! Mike

Mike,

My daughter handed me TurboCAD version 9.1 she decided not to use. Do I use it or do I need the 11.something?

Thanks, Delwood

[Glennza]

"Is that 8 meg required for the flash memory?"

Yes, 8 Megs is plenty of RAM to run DOS and TurboCNC. After all, in the "good old days" we used to run on 512k of memory and thought it couldn't get any better than that. Actually, you'll probably have to run more memory because those small sticks of RAM aren't that easy to find any more.

Glenn

[BrassBuilder]

Originally Posted by delwood Mike, My daughter handed me TurboCAD version 9.1 she decided not to use. Do I use it or do I need the 11.something? Thanks, Delwood

Give 9.1 a try. But take a look and see if the program will save your drawings in a DXF format. You will need that format for CamBam.

Mike