On Dec 9, 2019, at 5:47 AM, CLevinski <clevinski@...> wrote:
Hello, All,
I have been considering a conversion of my mini-mill to CNC.? I don't do any commercial machining, only my own projects, many of which are tools and accessories for other machine tools.? Do you think a mini-mill CNC conversion is worthwhile, and what would you do with it???
I also realized that I am not fully aware of what the finished CNC mill consists of, or HOW you use it.? For example, when wishing to do a simple machining operation, I know there is an electronic control box that is used; no more cranking the handles.? But how do you get your CNC-machined part to, well, machine?? Let's say I draw up a 3D model.? I know how to do that because it's necessary for my 3D printer.? But if I now want to machine this part, what do I do?? I think?that there is some kind of CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing) program in which I define which end mills and such to use, and then define "tool paths" of where the tools will actually move, but I am not sure.? Is the CAM program completely independent from the CAD system?? Or must they be related?? Can I draw a 3D part with Fusion 360, for example, and then use a separate CAM program to specify the end mills and define the tool paths?
You pretty much have it nailed. CAD for design, CAM to actually tell the mill what to do. Fusion 360 has a CAM component built in.
Here is a listing of free and OSS software for CAM/CNC I found?
And another:
I do know LinuxCNC is well supported.
Any enlightenment would be appreciated. -- Regards,
Charlie New Jersey, USA
MURPHY'S CONSTANT:?Matter will be damaged in direct proportion to its value.
