Software steps to start CNC milling ?

[SScnc]

The delivery of my Grizzly G8689 has been delayed until tomorrow but I'm trying to get everything else figured out. I picked up some aluminum to use for the stepper mounts today so I'll be ready to get started manually making those.

I have AutoCAD and Mach3, am I correct that I design a part in AutoCAD, save it as .DXF and then import that into Mach3, convert to G-code and that's basically it ?

I know I have to set up my table parameters in Mach3 and the homes but I'm trying to get a clear understanding of the steps and "absorb" it all.

Thanks

[lovebugjunkie]

You will need a program that creates the g-code.

Example

I start a project in VcarvePro set up the tool, speed, depth, stepover if needed and it creates the tool path, I then load this g-code (toolpath) into mach3.

[SScnc]

Thanks, but what does the "generate G-Code" do in mach3 then ?
Forgive me if these are dumb noob questions, just trying to get a grip on it.

[fretsman]

Hi ssCNC, where are you seeing "generate G-Code" ? Mach3 can't import a dxf anymore, that I know of. It comes with a trial version of LazyCam which is a Beta CAM program you can try out and make a g code but there are only so many things it can do in the free version.

[hoss2006]

True that you'll need another program to turn the dxf into gcode.
I generally use DeskCNC for the simple stuff, drilling, contouring, pocketing but it's 3D capable.
It's pretty cheap, $250 compared to other 3D CAM software.
There are a couple free CAM programs such as CamBam
or Desk Engrave for text engraving.
Don't forget to check out Bob Adams CNC Programming Software Tools
There are tons more to choose from, read over some of the reviews and links here.
P.S. Mach 3 is loaded with wizards that will create gcode for you
by simply punching in your numbers (hit enter to set)

[philbur]

If everything is new to you then starting with the wizards in Mach3 is a goood place to start. It takes away a part of the learning curve until you are ready for it. The wizards are very comprehensive.

Phil

Originally Posted by SScnc The delivery of my Grizzly G8689 has been delayed until tomorrow but I'm trying to get everything else figured out. I picked up some aluminum to use for the stepper mounts today so I'll be ready to get started manually making those. I have AutoCAD and Mach3, am I correct that I design a part in AutoCAD, save it as .DXF and then import that into Mach3, convert to G-code and that's basically it ? I know I have to set up my table parameters in Mach3 and the homes but I'm trying to get a clear understanding of the steps and "absorb" it all. Thanks

[SScnc]

I got to tell you, this is the best site on the web, you guys are so helpful, thanks.

fretsman, Where I'm seeing it is: file-import .DXF-then step 4-generate G-code

Hoss, thanks for all the links, I'll go read them in a moment.

And philbur, The wizards were one of the first things I found when I was checking out mach3, I was/am real happy about those, that was good thinking for the developer to include those. I'll be using the wizards to start with as you say.

I have licensed my mach3 so I should be good with that SW.

Thanks again, on to reading more...

Steve

[cjdavis618]

The Newfangled wizard is a very good plug-in but it is separately licensed from Mach3. It is worth the $50 though.


The only problem with lots of the wizards are the measurement labels. There are several (Newfangled included) that do not have reference to axis and you don't know which axis goes with what measurement. (It says length and width etc.) On some, logic is correct and width was X axis. On others it would use Width for Y. So always run your code in air if you can first. I have lost a few bits not remembering which was which.

[SScnc]

I'm trying out Cambam. That's making sense to me now, you have to set tool paths, tool size, and depths. (ofcourse)

[MIKE JEFFERS]

SS have a look at dolphin to theres a forum on here too

http://www.dolphin.zenwebhosting.com/frame_set.htm

easy to use and not expensive

mike

[sansbury]

If you are starting from absolute zero CAM-CNC experience then I suggest starting out writing at least a little G-code by hand. The wizards in Mach are great, and so is CamBam, but when you are starting with a completely unknown, untested setup, they add a lot of potential places to make a mess.

Basically, with CAM or Mach wizards, you are getting G-code generated for you after flipping a bunch of switches. Flip one of those switches the wrong way (and there's a lot of them) and you will get a surprise.

Machinists using modern control systems like Haas or Fanuc can probably go years without looking at a G01 because the engineers who built the tools worked all the quirks out. While you can try and do the same by copying other peoples' builds as closely as possible, it can get very frustrating if something goes wrong and you're clueless as to how to fix it.

You don't need to know much beyond G0, G1, G3, and where to look up the rest of them, in order to be able to help yourself out of a jam. As programming goes, this is very simple stuff. You *can* get into very complex G-code and there are guys here who do, but for hobbyist purposes you just need a little familiarity. Once you get the kinks worked out, Mach and CamBam will let you accomplish an awful lot very nicely.

[Regnar]

I use Vcarve Pro and I will say its worth every penny. If you are just going to use this on your mill though you could easily get away with Cut 2D (150.00) from Vectric. I have never had a support question go over 6 hours un-answered (not that I ask them to often) I started out writting by hand but as I felt more comfortable to go faster and take larger cuts I couldnt keep up with the typeing. Bought vcarve, design what I want to cut out, load and setup, press run and walk away. If I ever have an error is more than likely my fault because of my setup Ie not tightening the vice or forgetting where I made the zero at.

When I tried out Mach3 I remember the same button. This was a few years ago so bear with me. They use to be able to convert right in mach3 but I think they gave up on that and started lazy cam. The intro to lazy cam was first coming out when I was testing out mach3 and didnt have any good luck with it so I was on the search. I also want to say Ger21 has made a cam program or pluging for Autocad. http://www.cnczone.com/modules.php?n...warticle&id=65

Good luck and welcome to the addiction