Complete CNC|CNC reference for all skill levels.
Oct
06
Filed Under (Technology) by Charlie
JAck B asked:
Okay, so i want to make a mold for something im making. You clamp the 2 halves together with thin sheets of wood in them, and you let the glue dry overnight, and i makes a skateboard.
Okay, so i want to make a mold for something im making. You clamp the 2 halves together with thin sheets of wood in them, and you let the glue dry overnight, and i makes a skateboard.
So.. Im attempting to make steel molds because they are the strongest and most precise mold that i can get.
Im just wondering how much the actual steel molds would cost to machine.
I already have the cad work done, all i need is some steel and a cnc machine.
heres an example of what im trying to make.
http://i30.tinypic.com/ms2h7a.jpg
thanks!
The mold is around 5 inches by 2 inches. Its a miniature skateboard.
Sep
06
Filed Under (Technology) by Charlie
Ivan Irons asked:
Do I need to be a G-Code Expert?
In a word, no. You will probably need to know how to quickly scan your G-Code if you are having problems during your machining simulation. Other then that G-Code and a CNC program are throwaway programs for the most part. What do I mean by that? Let me explain.
Let’s look at a specific design. Let’s say a 12″ by 12″ square. You build your model, run it through your CAM Software and create a CNC Program made up of G-Code instructions to your machine. Say tomorrow the job requirements change to a 24″ by 24″ square. Do you go into your G-Code line by line and change the code? Most people wouldn’t. They would go back into their CAD or CAM program and scale the square up to 24″ by 24″. Then post-process the job again to get their new G-Code program.
There are some people that would do this editing line by line because the design is simple. Now think of a complex shape and what scaling it up or down would entail.
This would include massive changes to the G-Code and reviewing it line by line. We are talking thousands of lines here vs. going back and quickly scaling the model and spitting out some new G-Code. And that is why G-Code is throwaway. Use it over and over when you can, but don’t fret over archiving it if something changes. It is much better to make a copy of the design (CAD File) in its original state and save that somewhere. That is much more useful.
Post Processing? - Now you have me worried. With all the variations in G-Codes and M-Codes, how will I ever keep it straight?
Don’t worry about that. The CAM program you choose will have many Post Processors. Post Processors are like translators. They help the CAM Program spit out the right G-Codes for your specific machine. All you have to do is select the right Post Processor before you spit out the G-Code. That is simple.
Most CAM programs have many machine specific post processors already loaded. All you do is go to the list of them and click on your machine to select it.
If you build your own CNC Machine, there are generic post processors loaded for different types of machines. Usually you pick a generic one and modify it a bit with a little testing. You are making sure a move in the X-Axis positive direction really means what you want it to mean.
Back in the good old days of Home CNC, everything was transferred on a disk. Now I have seen people include their Control Computers on their home computer network and transfer the files needed wirelessly. At a very minimum, get a good jump drive and transfer things back and forth that way.
CNC has become a very popular hobby and more and more people are starting to hop on the band wagon of CNC. Its a fun hobby and easy to do from your very own home with just a little elbow grease and creative mind.
Do I need to be a G-Code Expert?
In a word, no. You will probably need to know how to quickly scan your G-Code if you are having problems during your machining simulation. Other then that G-Code and a CNC program are throwaway programs for the most part. What do I mean by that? Let me explain.
Let’s look at a specific design. Let’s say a 12″ by 12″ square. You build your model, run it through your CAM Software and create a CNC Program made up of G-Code instructions to your machine. Say tomorrow the job requirements change to a 24″ by 24″ square. Do you go into your G-Code line by line and change the code? Most people wouldn’t. They would go back into their CAD or CAM program and scale the square up to 24″ by 24″. Then post-process the job again to get their new G-Code program.
There are some people that would do this editing line by line because the design is simple. Now think of a complex shape and what scaling it up or down would entail.
This would include massive changes to the G-Code and reviewing it line by line. We are talking thousands of lines here vs. going back and quickly scaling the model and spitting out some new G-Code. And that is why G-Code is throwaway. Use it over and over when you can, but don’t fret over archiving it if something changes. It is much better to make a copy of the design (CAD File) in its original state and save that somewhere. That is much more useful.
Post Processing? - Now you have me worried. With all the variations in G-Codes and M-Codes, how will I ever keep it straight?
Don’t worry about that. The CAM program you choose will have many Post Processors. Post Processors are like translators. They help the CAM Program spit out the right G-Codes for your specific machine. All you have to do is select the right Post Processor before you spit out the G-Code. That is simple.
Most CAM programs have many machine specific post processors already loaded. All you do is go to the list of them and click on your machine to select it.
If you build your own CNC Machine, there are generic post processors loaded for different types of machines. Usually you pick a generic one and modify it a bit with a little testing. You are making sure a move in the X-Axis positive direction really means what you want it to mean.
Back in the good old days of Home CNC, everything was transferred on a disk. Now I have seen people include their Control Computers on their home computer network and transfer the files needed wirelessly. At a very minimum, get a good jump drive and transfer things back and forth that way.
CNC has become a very popular hobby and more and more people are starting to hop on the band wagon of CNC. Its a fun hobby and easy to do from your very own home with just a little elbow grease and creative mind.
Sep
03
Filed Under (Technology) by Charlie
I luv mattB asked:
Has to be origional, not a box, better than existing products, and quite easy to do.
Has to be origional, not a box, better than existing products, and quite easy to do.
I have access to…
CAD
CNC lathe
CNC milling machine
Laser cutter
Vacum former
and usual workshop tools….
Aug
20
Filed Under (Technology) by Charlie
RwJimbo asked:
I have been a Tool and Die maker for 12 years and a CNC programmer for 2 years. I was hurt last year, injuring my back. I am trying to get out of the blue collar industry and am currently going to school for a certificate in Computer Aided Mechanical Drafting at a community college. Would you say the job outllok for CAD design drafters is on the upside? What is the outlook for starting a home based buisness in this carrer?
I have been a Tool and Die maker for 12 years and a CNC programmer for 2 years. I was hurt last year, injuring my back. I am trying to get out of the blue collar industry and am currently going to school for a certificate in Computer Aided Mechanical Drafting at a community college. Would you say the job outllok for CAD design drafters is on the upside? What is the outlook for starting a home based buisness in this carrer?
