Hi guys, just wanted to get some recommendations for starting basic
CNC training.
I know the alt.machines.cnc group would be more appropiate, but since
I hang here most of the time, and know some of you do that group also,
here goes....
I have run a cnc mill before (smartcam), but was just the button
pusher, as two of the guys in the shop had training in the programming,
and the supervisor wouldn't send anyone else to school.
I now work in a shop (with educational bennies) with a two axis cnc
mill, and would like to get training in cnc.
The cnc program on the mill is a *******ized one, and the ONE guy that
runs it won't give any info on it. I personally believe he doesn't want
anyone else to learn or run it 1) for it may make him look stupid 2)
for someone may actually be better at it 3) for he won't be able to
milk jobs for days and days using programming as an excuse.... well,
you all know the type.
Before I get a spanking on bad mouthing the guy, heres an example:
making a plate 8x10 inches, 20 one half inch holes 4 columns by 5
rows. Two parts completed in three weeks.
****, I could have kicked out a hundred in no time on a conventional
mill and DRO.
Instead of bitching to the boss, I'll get the training I need. On my
own. With your help. :-)
Okay, enough background, now the applications I'll need
The shop is more of a repair shop, and we do a lot of one-offs, but
we still see a lot of repeat parts. Mostly mild steel, some stainless.
Nothing that you coudn't do on a conventional mill. I feel that the
time invested in the cnc would be more productive as in set up a
fixture, send the program, start. Quick, easy, productive, identical.
Isn't that why cnc was invented?
Now the questions: Thanks to this group, I have a copy of alibre
design xpress (CAD). Did the tutorials, but there is a LOT more to
learn. The local community college offers an AutoCAD course. Would you
guys recommend the alibre self training, or AutoCAD or both?
I am more apt to take the college for a better understanding, however.
I assume commands for both would be basically the same.
I don't know which would be better for CAM operations, or which is
more widely used.
Hell, being new to this, I don't even know if autocad can be imported
to the mill to run.
Am I correct in assuming that AutoCAD files can be sent to mill? or do
you need a program to convert?
Next, (yes I did search the groups, but not much ) it is my
understanding that mastercam is widely used, and maybe bobcad, but
would it be best to invest the money in mastercam or do a cheaper
version, for we are not a production shop, and frankly, I don't know if
the cost justification is there.
I just don't want to buy mastercam books and study if I can't sell it
to the boss.
Would the autocad course get me started in the right direction, tying
in to mastercam?
I think some of you could point me in the right direction, let me
know your experiences, and give some advice, or even your preferences.
And as always, Thank You all in advance.

Ron