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[dpuch]

I think it comes down to correct tools applied to the right task. That and the operator knowing how to use the tools.

Personally I think it a must to know the code, even if you have to look up exact usage due to infrequent manually programming. But it is possible to have one good code guy manage the post processors and any others just Cam programmers.

I think a lot of what makes something work or not is the initial setup, and work flow both out in the shop, and in the programming. If you know the in's and out's of the machine and software it will be easy. If your still figuring it out, you will just be fighting both every time you program.

If your modeling anything besides basic fixtures or clamps in your CAM package, your probably in need of a real CAD package.

Manually programming g-code is all well and good for some applications, but insane for others. Lathe work is usually pretty easy to do manually, so are mill parts the are mostly drilling in casting ect. With some macros for pockets ect. you can even do more without much trouble (basically non-gui conversational programming) Heck that is basically what Mazatrol is.