Questions about getting DXF to a torch path

[designerX]

I stumbled across this forum while attempting to research NC tool path creation from .dxf file formats. Please forgive me if I am posting this message in the wrong post, I'd appreciate direction to the proper subject area if this one is not the right place.

I'm not sure where to start so here is some background... forgive me if it's long winded. My father has a 2-d torch that is computer controlled. His computer from 1992 just died (amazing since the place if full of metal dust.. good ole 486 gateway.) I created most of the cad/cam files back in 1992, he had a guy that added some additional part drawings in '97. I've forgotten almost everything from working on that stuff, but he now needs to start creating new files (parts.)

He isn't aware of what programs they used before. I'm thinking it was FastCAD for drawing the files but I'm not sure what they used for creating the tool paths. Possibly a old program that came with the Greco Mini-File reader and torch back in 1991.

I'd prefer to use something like CorelDraw or AutoSketch to create the dxf files. I'm looking for an inexpensive solution to creating the tool paths from the dxf files. Unfortunately I'm a couple states away from my father and the documents that came with the machinery so I'm not even sure what the final format (tool path format) would be, any ideas? g-code perhaps?

Any help in pushing me in the right direction or helping me ask the right questions would be greatly appreciated. Is anyone aware of a fairly inexpensive software program that takes the dxf and generates the tool path?

Thank You,
Stan Smith

[jeffery71]

The best program for doing what you want to do in my opion is Sheetcam. www.sheetcam.com Very reasonable price and a very easy program to learn. It is aimed at just the type of stuff you are doing. Try the demo and see if you like it. The program will have several "post processors" to choose from I woudl think one of them would work with your machine. If not then Les (creator of the program) may be able to modify one to work with it


Jeff T.