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  1. #1
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    Default Computer Programming

    Would I be on the right path in assuming/saying that in order to understand and operate a CNC machine, be it a laser or router, one must have an understanding of computer programming.
    Experienced in removing the tree from the furniture

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  3. #2
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    Aug 2003
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    Conder, ACT
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    Default

    No but an understanding of 3d graphics helps.

  4. #3
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    May 2011
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    Murray Bridge SA
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    Default

    Hi Rod,
    I picked up a book "Make: Getting Started with CNC", yours to borrow if it's of any help, or you might be able to borrow from a local Library.
    ISBN: 978-1-457-18336-2 written by Edward Ford
    PM me with your address, if you want to borrow it, a few others on here have borrowed it, and found it helpful.
    Kryn
    To grow old is mandatory, growing up is optional.

  5. #4
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by rod1949 View Post
    Would I be on the right path in assuming/saying that in order to understand and operate a CNC machine, be it a laser or router, one must have an understanding of computer programming.
    Nope. While I studied computer science, when it comes to running my CNC router, I go from the design software (Cut 2D or Fusion 360) to Mach3 which controls the machine - the thing that moves between these two bits of software is the G-code, which you can program if you want, but I never do.

  6. #5
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    Programming knowledge is not required any more. Back in the day, you needed to memorise the G-code list and you were basically programming in text, now all you need to do is draw what you want and the software takes care of the rest.

    The main thing to remember is to make sure you've set your toolpath on the correct side of the line
    Getting your RPMs and feed speeds optimised is the next step; not only will it save machining time, it will improve your tool life by keeping heat to a minimum.

  7. #6
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    Oct 2002
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    No need to know programming

    You said you want to "understand", so you may want to learn about G-code, but you don't *need* to know it.

    Learn some CAD package(s) and CAM package(s) - I use CamBam for designing, and LinuxCNC to drive the mill, but there are other options out there.
    I second knowing about feeds and speeds, or getting software which will calculate them for you.

  8. #7
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    If you include 3D printers under the CNC umbrella, you need to know a 3D design package (or how to search Thingiverse.com),
    and a Slicer (software that takes a model, and generates the G-code).

  9. #8
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    Everybody has covered this already, but definitely not.

    The only programming I've done for my cnc machine is some simple scripts to spit out gcode for basic tasks that I can't be stuffed CADing. These typically just need a couple of parameters, and spit out things like gcode for a box jointed box etc. Even then I only did it out of interest, there are plenty of programs online to do the same thing. Websites too that provide you with the gcode based on your parameters.

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