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

[Dave Schecter <dschecter-at-theriver.com>]

I still do all my designing in my old CAD system (Cadkey 7.0.2u), then
export to BobCad or something for toolpaths and G=code postprocessing
ONLY, so I don't have to learn to draw again.  DXF is not reliable for 3-D,
IGES or CADL is.

Dave Schecter

Doug Fortune wrote:

> 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