Surfacing vs. Advanced 3D Machining

[eliot15]

Are the Advanced 3D Machining processes a sort of "upgrade" of the Surfacing processes? Do they deprecate, render obsolete, etc., the Surfacing processes? Whats the relationship? I see, for example, that some of the Surfacing processes, like Lace Cut, Intersection, have Advanced 3D Machining counter parts.

I'm just wondering where to focus my attention. Should I simply concentrate on Advanced 3D Machining at this point, and avoid Surfacing processes altogether? Or do I need to know both?

[txcncman]

The more you learn the better. But you have to balance out learning with getting your work done too. And don't forget some recreation on the weekends.

[jkowal]

There are situations which will only work or work better with 1 process and not both. The Processes are similar but not the same. You should learn both imo.