Software Process

[Ang_Panday]

I have a series 1 Bridgeport mill that I wanted to retrofit with a CNC kit, But before I take the plunge. I wanted to know and learn first the software process.
I already know some software programs like Corel, Illustrator, and AutoCad. From there I do not know what s next. I'am a custom knifemaker and I'll be using a CNC to make knife blanks and parts. Any help would be greatly appreciated

Also which among this 3 programs ( Corel, Illustrator, and AutoCad ) I already know would be the best jumpstart for CNC programing

[ger21]

Depends on if you'll be doing need 2.5D or 3D work.

For 2.5D you draw the part in anything that can export a .dxf file. Not sure about Illustrator, but both AutoCAD and Corel will work.

You then bring the .dxf file into a CAM package to create the g-code. A good inexpensive one is SheetCAM. The CAM program will then do offsets if desired, pocketing and drilling and create toolpaths and export a g-code file.

Then load the g-code file into your machine control software and start cutting.

I've written an AutoCAD macro that will create g-code for any polylines in a drawing. Works with AutoCAD 2002 and newer. http://home.comcast.net/~cncwoodwork.../AC2GCv039.zip

For 3D work, the process is similar. You create a 3D model in a CAD or modelling package, export the model and bring it into a 3D CAM program, which will create toolpaths and export the g-code.