Questions From a Dolphin Dunce

[TacPyro]

Hello all you Partmaster users, and hopeful Dolphin enthusiastas (threw in some Spanish).

I am beginning my career with Dolphin, and I thought that it would be a good idea to start a thread that would encompass my learning experience with the software. I would like anyone who would like to "dive" in to do so with no fear of thinking that they are hijacking the thread.
I own a very small business which requires somewhat of a small machine shop. Historically we have used manual lathes for the parts that we make, however our most recent investment has been a Novakon NM-135 CNC mill with a 4th axis.

We plan to use this mill to introduce some automation into our manufacturing process. We also have a larger lathe on the way that we are going to convert to CNC.
With the mill set up and eager to make large parts smaller, we have set out to find the best CAD/CAM software for the business, and Dolphin just happened to be it.
Lately I have been messing about the CAD side of the program and watching the videos. This is my first experience with this type of software, so starting from scratch I am. (threw in some Yoda there too).

My first question, which I am very confident will be followed by many more to come is, how is bridging used, and why exactly is it used? I know that it has to do with the making of NC contours, but it seems like it creates lines that the user may not want to cut, if in fact these lines get cut. Maybe they don't. Who knows?!
The thing that gets me is, he says, "put a bridge here to make these contours work". And I'm all like, "why can't we just select all, and tell the program to contour all the items in the selection"?
Seriously, it can get really confusing, and the guy in the video knows this. But I just can't seem to get very upset when he starts putting a bridge here and creating a contour there for no reason apparent to me simply because he has such a great accent! It's very calming. I think that's why they hired him.

So what do you say? lets talk bridging.

[sqatch]

I use bridging to stop the part from falling out before the contour is cut through, then I cut the bridges away. I make mine just big enough to hold the part so finishing is easier.

[TacPyro]

Originally Posted by sqatch I use bridging to stop the part from falling out before the contour is cut through, then I cut the bridges away. I make mine just big enough to hold the part so finishing is easier.

So the bridging is generally cut as well as the rest of the contour?

[metalworkz]

Hello Blane,
The bridges(Tabs) are a method to hold the part in place so it remains as part of the blank.
The profile is usually done last and then while cutting the profile of the part the bridges are left in place to secure the part to the blank. The part can then be cut lose from the blank and sometimes like with sheet metal parts they will be shaken out of the blank.
Sometimes when a part is profiled without bridges or tabs to hold it in place the part can be thrown from the blank from binding as it cuts lose. This can be dangerous and usually the part gets damaged also. You can also make your programs to cut several parts in a blank by bridging the parts to the blank and this can add to the productivity of the machine as well as increase the blank yield.
Nice looking machine by the way!
Regards,

[sqatch]

Hey Blane try this file showing some bridging and a back cut.