Cnc programming

[ben]

hi there buga's

im starting to study CNC programing because i want to build a cnc router/wire cutter capable of routing foam/ shaping foam for fibreglass moulds. will be useful for making custom bedford parts too:)

anyone got experience with cad, cad/cam autocad? looking at doing a course next year but its like 3 hours drive to get to it.

would be great to chat with someone with some experience in this area.

ben 0430053679

[Bedfordcrazy]

Hey Benny, mate i dont have any experience with cads, BUT, do you have a HARE & FORBES store near you, they have started selling small home workshop CNC machines + they sell manuals & dvds. Give them a call they MAYBE able to help you. PHN: 03  9212 4422.

  George.

[mezzmo]

Theres a hare and forbes in dandenong ben, turn left into south gippy hwy from princess highway and its about 500 mtrs down on the left

[Mattty]

There is some great info on www.garagejournal.com

[MaTTe]

I've designed a few things for CNC cutting and am currently awaiting having them completed (may be faster to build/buy a machine at this rate..)

I use solidworks and could not recommend it more highly.
Its very easy to use and logical in its processes. The program contains tutorials plus there are MANY youtube links to help you with specific tasks.

The program is worth around $22,000 to buy, tho with a little forethought can be found in a more affordable manner

My last job used a variety of different cad software, they all suck. Solidworks is way more comprehensive.

The software can export your work in whatever format the cnc mill needs, tho my engineers asked for parasolids.

Do some research then check it out.

Cheers,
Matte

[Sundownernz]

I'd go along with what Matte said. Solidworks is the way to go for CAD. Excellent CAD program, very intuitive, easy to learn and plenty of add-ons depending on what your requirements are. You can get it much cheaper than $22K. I think the basic version is around $12 ish then depending on what features and add-ons you need it ramps up from there. I use it for all my engineering design work producing either paper drawings, CNC files and 3D printing requirements.

Good luck with your venture.

Cheers,
Garry.

[ben]

thanks for the very helpful responses.

do you guys think i need to do a course to develope my skills? the course ive been looking at is 2.5 hr drive and the course doesnt start till feb next year.

cheers
ben

[MaTTe]

Nah, download solidworks, do the tutorials, then start making what you want.
Anything you don't know how to do, search youtube.

[mezzmo]

For my 2 cents worth i reckon its always worth doing a course in the basics (if available) for 2 reasons 1) you get practical experience with a professional and 2) you create a network of like minded people that you can then exchange phone numbers and idea's with.

always worked for me.

[ben]

i contacted them george. they said over 80k for what im wanting. i said i think ill build one to suit my needs. will be much much cheaper.

thanks matte and mezzmo.

ben