Learning G-Code?

[Jeff Roark]

Opinions, everyone has one.
Here is an opinion on the subject.

I am interested in hearing your opinion as well.

I have read many threads about learning to program G-Code for mills and lathes. I have been working with CNC machines for about 15 years now and have programmed by hand and used software to create programs.

Would you consider writing a word processor to print a document on your printer? If I had the need to write a document and print it, I would find a word processor program that had features like, spell checking, and grammar checking, and formatting option. Then I would use the software to craft my document. I use the power of the software to view my document in an easy to understand format. The software ensures I am using a standard for spelling and grammar.

This is how I choose to write instructions for my CNC machines as well. I use software to input parameters of my design. I view or proof read the g-code out put by the software visually before cutting on the machine. If I see an error in the g-code I choose to fix it with the use of the software. I choose not to edit the text of the g-code file. I have found that editing the g-code by hand leads to human error.

Please share your ideas on the topic.

Thanks
Jeff Roark
www.simplecnc.com

[jjenks]

Have you ever written G codes to cut threads?

Jack

[jackson]

Originally Posted by Jeff Roark Opinions, everyone has one. Here is an opinion on the subject. I am interested in hearing your opinion as well. I have read many threads about learning to program G-Code for mills and lathes. I have been working with CNC machines for about 15 years now and have programmed by hand and used software to create programs. Would you consider writing a word processor to print a document on your printer? If I had the need to write a document and print it, I would find a word processor program that had features like, spell checking, and grammar checking, and formatting option. Then I would use the software to craft my document. I use the power of the software to view my document in an easy to understand format. The software ensures I am using a standard for spelling and grammar. This is how I choose to write instructions for my CNC machines as well. I use software to input parameters of my design. I view or proof read the g-code out put by the software visually before cutting on the machine. If I see an error in the g-code I choose to fix it with the use of the software. I choose not to edit the text of the g-code file. I have found that editing the g-code by hand leads to human error. Please share your ideas on the topic. Thanks Jeff Roark www.simplecnc.com

Well you make a good point and you are correct in human error
but for me i have been hand programing for about 15 years and i make mistakes now they are not crash mistakes but they are mistakes non the less i do have a back plot that i use and i am greatful for my i also put a lot of faith in my operators and set up guys to dry run the program even if we have ran the part thousands of times ,every time we put it in a machine we dry run. I have been considering buying a cam system i have drawind system and feeds and speeds figuring system and it also is good for quoting to but im just not sure yet on wich one to get and if i realy ned to spend the money i know eventualy i will but right now im contint with hand programing.