I'll compile successful CAD->G-Code->HW strategies

[Doug Fortune <pentam-at-home.com>]

re: CAD -> GCode strategies (for milling)

Problem:  After having spent a lot of time & cash buying
& learning a general CAD package (ie pick one: AutoCad, Microstation,
TurboCad, etc etc),  I don't want to buy & learn a machining-specific
CAD package (BobCad,  Vector, etc).

I merely want to export (in preferential order) Parasolid, IGES or DXF
files from my generalized CAD package (which knows nothing about
tool compensation, roughing passes, minimum surface finish, etc etc).

I'd naturally like automatic roughing,  tool path optimization, etc.
I can buy this from a number of people for $5K+, but I'm a hobbiest
looking for something inexpensive.

Presumably, some of you people out there have things working to
a lessor or greater degree of success.  I'd like to gather this info
(might as well expand it to include hardware behind the computer too).

If you write me (pentam-at-home.com) I'll compile a list of successful
strategies (CAD->??->GCode -> ??driver software -> ?? hardware driver
-> ?? motors -> ?? machine  and misc comments and optional email)  and
I'll post them on my website for everyone to see.

A typical listing might be:

AutoCad12  -> DXF          http://www.autocad.com
DXF ->  Gcode                    Bonzo's DG translator   $75   http://......
Gcode -> EMC                  http://www.isd.cme.nist.gov/projects/emc   free
EMC ->  freds board          call fred at (123) 456-7890    $150
freds -> cheapie steppers   http://www.mpja.com/product.asp?product=4640+MS
steppers ->  MiniLathe             http://www.busybeetools.com/itm00227.htm  $500
"Misc comments here about things"    email burt-at-someplace.com

(BTW, I am not associated with any of the above, although I am on the EMC list)

Doug Fortune
pentam-at-home.com