How to start learning CNC/CAD/CAM

[bradheiter]

I'm not sure this is the best place to post this but here goes.

I'm a new member and am looking at buying this: http://www.cadcamcadcam.com/index.as...ROD&ProdID=121 I saw it at Cabin Fever in PA and it looks imrpressive for the money, especially since it can scan existing parts with the optional contact probe. BUT I don't know anything about CNC/CAD/CAM operating and am looking for info on the best/fastest way to get up to speed on using it. I've looked into taking a few classes at the local tech college, the only night class available currently is AutoCad 2005. Will this help? Is it enough? What am I missing?

I want to use this equipment to scan existing castings and then make foundry patterns with it.

I've have a book called Easy CNC on order, it is supposed to give very basic info on CNC and I've been told it is a good place to start. Any info on good way to get started will be appreciated.
Brad

[ger21]

Download the software that comes with it and start playing with it. It's a 30 day demo. http://www.imsrv.com/deskcnc/dcncdown.htm

They also have a user forum where you can ask questions, and there is a DeskCNC forum here as well.

[bradheiter]

Thanks,
I intend to use the demo's but first I want to learn enough to actually use them and maybe evaluate them!

I've ordered a book called "Easy CNC" http://www.cncintro.com/ and hope reading it will bring me a little bit closer to understanding enough to procede. Anyone else read this?

I went to the local Tech College and asked about classes to learn how to do CNC/CAD/CAM and got a big "I don't know", I finally ended up in the assistant dean's office and he gave me an instructor's name that might be willing to do some type of "Independant Study", I've missed every class that may apply by two weeks. Their only CAM class is ran just once a year, again I missed it by two weeks. I love being in the country, till I run into this.
Cheers,
Brad