Questions about Turbo CNC

[Hack]

This is my planned setup

32 x 48 x 6" router
controller, steppers, power supply from Automation direct
Turbocad 8.2 Standard on Win XP for my cad software (on computer in house)
TurboCNC on Win 95 machine to run machine (shop computer).

Is this all I need from a software standpoint? Or do I still need another CAM Software? Is TurboCNC a cam software or just a controller software. (Can you tell I am a newby to software?)

I am anticipating using the Turbocad to generate DXF files then transfer them from the house to the shop onto the win 95 machine and use TurboCNC to convert to G-code and run the machine. Is this correct?

Thanks all.

[Bubba]

Hack,
TurboCNC is a controller program ONLY! You have two choices to get from your cad drawing:
1. Code it into G-code by hand (and I recommend that you do this initially so you can see what goes into basic coding)
2. Get a Cam program that will do the job for you!

In the case of number 2, there are many alternatives available. These range from freeware (in the case of Ace converter available on the Dak site) to ones that will cost you the preverbial "first born" plus an arm or leg or two:})
Ace is basic and you have to do any tool offsets IN your drawing and this can be done on seperate layers and then you tell Ace to do its job. My personal favorite is Sheetcam (www.sheetcam) for the 2 1/2 D work that I do. It is reasonably priced, easy to use and most importantly, gets the job done quickly and easily.

By the way, I have discovered the use of "USB Sticks" to "sneaker net" from the house to the shop. Much more reliable than a floopy, but you may have to hunt for the driver to use it on 95.

Usual disclaimer.

Bubba