CNC Milling Machines

What details do you need? Don't get me started on CNC, I can type for hours...

Labguy:

I am interested in CNC milling machines as well. I know how to use a milling machine, basic milling, cutting, etc. but would like to learn CNC programming. Since I am a newbie, maybe you could suggest which route I take. What programming code I should use, what low-cost,fair quality, CNC machines are out on market for example.

Could use your wisdom on this one.

Thx

UFG

Are you just looking to learn, or do you want to set up a shop? If you just want to learn, you could take some classes at a local college or trade school. If you are setting up a shop, then the question is: are you setting up something in your garage to play around with or are you developing a business? If you are developing a business, what are you going to make, and out of what range of materials.

If this is just going to be a hobby, plan on it being an expensive one. Please, unless you are an electronics expert, don't buy anything more than 10 years old. You will just be buying a bucket into which you can pour money. Expect to pay about $20k for a decent machine to get started. If you would like to discuss this more, we can talk. I used to work for a company that built retrofits, and I have used a lot of different machine in the last 34 years, so my opinions are many. If you are just doing simple stuff, you can learn G-code programming without too much trouble from online sources or from a machines programming manual. If you are looking to get a CAD/CAM software package, plan on spending about $5k for a baisic system. There are cheaper ones out there, but expect limitations and frustrations. I use Mastercam, but there are other good ones. Delcam is very good also expensive. Surfcam is good, but I thiink a few years behind Mastercam. A lot of people like Gibbs. I leanred Gibbs but I don't like it much.

I could go on and on, but better you ask specific questions and I would be glad to help.

Thanks garyceng:

I have seen quite a few of your posts on CR4 and it looks like you've been around the block on this CNC technology. Thanks for weighing in on this subject. I myself have been a mechanical (automotive) designer for 20 years and do my own light machining and welding for my hobbies (racecars). I have been designing high performance production cars for years and I would like to take my knowledge and apply this to customer spec racecars. I will be doing alot of R&D (engines, gearboxes, roll cages,chassis development and aerodynamics). I would like to start out by just learning, but like you said there are literally hundreds of CNC programs on the market and plenty of institutions willing to teach. From the learning stage I would probably develop small components (air intakes, engine mounts, etc) and source out any large components (engine blocks,transmission cases, transfer cases, etc). No exotic materials but I would be machining 4340, 6061-T6, Plain carbon and possibly titanium (small parts only) on a regular basis.

I'm sure you've advised many newbies like myself and they always go out and by the cheapest available. I would like a fair-to-good quality machine that can be upgraded as my skills progress. Currently I have a full version of CATIA v5 with CNC processing modules and I have a full version of Solidworks 2008.

What would be your suggestion as to any entry level machine (Shifter1 below mentioned Haas and Mazak which I have seen in alot of shops I deal with)? With the machines you suggest what features/accessories should I be looking for as a beginner and what CNC programs work the best with each machine?

Sorry about all the questions but the shops I deal with aren't very helpful with this kind of info. I think they would rather get the business from me then have me do it on my own, not sure.

If there is a thread that you have explained this on, could you please send me a link.

Your help is much appreciated.

Thanks

UFG

As always it depends on what you would like to produce, the volume and tolerance of the work as well as the type of material to be machined. Haas has some light duty machines that are reasonably priced and good quality. Bust out the wallet if you want to do production work on exotic materials, this requires something along the lines of Mazak or Okuma quality. As far as software is concerned the sky is the limit. In it's simplest form you should look at something like Bobcad. The other end of the spectrum and my personal favorite is Esprit, it is user friendly and as it claims the most power software ever. I have programed on Master Cam - Gibbs - Edge Cam - and used Solid edge - Solid Works - Pro E. The old saying you get what you pay for is true for the most part when talking about CNC machines and programming software.

to know more about cnc programing pls vosit- www.cncinformation.com