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?
Any enlightenment would be appreciated.
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Regards,
Charlie
New Jersey, USA
MURPHY'S CONSTANT:?Matter will be damaged in direct proportion to its value.
