Anyone aware of something like this? I am considering investing in a small CNC machining center, and would like some sort of consultation on purchase, setup, and then a crash course in running the machine. Does anyone around outside the manufactures offer a more abbreviated course on CNC machining without going to a trade school for a year? I am not trying to suggest the year program isn't a good idea at all, so not trying to debate the value of that angle... I have drawn in auto cad and solidworks, but never used a CAM program to output code...
Thanks!
CAM 101:
The first thing you do before you ever consider pushing the green button is ensuring you have a rock solid Post Processor in your CAM system. The "Post" is the (layman terms here so everyone gets this) translater between the graphical interface that you interact with and the actual NC file that the system outputs to a machine.
For instance, and where this becomes a big effing deal.
G90 (G code) In a milling center that typically means "absolute positioning." Take that as you bang a probe off two faces and set your X/Y zero datum point. That value is hard coded into the offset page of your control.
With G90 any position in space is referenced from the location stored.
G90 in a lathe (FANUC control) is a canned turning cycle for removing material with minimal brain damage in programming.
Where this is relevant: If you had a CAM system and you programmed both a lathe and mill with it, you absolutely cannot use the same Post. It would likely just alarm and you'd scratch your head to figure it out, however, there could be some very costly, violent stuff that happens until it (the control) sees something it cannot process.
Posts:
Posts are very, very editable so that you can tailor the machine to do what you want/need. For example. My Kitamura Mycenter III has a Tsudakoma 4th axis. That 4th often has big fixtures in it. Combine this with long tool lengths and we have a train wreck waiting to happen. I paid north of $50,000.00 for the 4th axis alone, so it's in my interest to not bang stuff into it.
To save my bacon I edited my post so that during a tool change, the table rapids as far away from the spindle as possible to ensure adequate clearance. We do the same thing with our Haas that we do the stock work in.
Post editing does not come cheap if you hire someone to do it for you. They rip your head off and crap in the hole that's left. I don't advocate the "hold my beer" mentality when doing this BUT, you can do it yourself. You just have to be very, very methodical in your approach. First thing, learn how to archive your source code so that you NEVER edit the master. If you screw up, you can always go back to the starting point. This will happen, count on it.
This is just one small example of what the post does. You can tailor these things to do a number of things, almost infinite and it is to your interest financially to build your knowledge base.
This is a big deal. Don't underscore it and don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
CAM systems basically all work the same. You have basically a group of file formats that interact with another with the code output to the machine being the end game.
Graphical
Background graphical (another translator of sorts)
Post
NC
Do your self a favor and spend the time to define your tools well. It'll save you in the long run. ALWAYS, ALWAYS update your source code.
Example: Your under pressure to get a rifle wrapped up and a floor metal inlet is holding you up. You post a program and it's close, however you need to comp your tool. You could go and "fat finger" a tool wear offset value, but then the next job you run might not need it. Will you forget to set it back to zero so that the next part doesn't come out over/under size?
Count on it. The phone will ring....
So, make yourself sit back at the computer and bump your stuff there. Then save it. Then post it again.
This will save you thousands of dollars over your career. Ask me how I know...
25 years at it and I was doing it (in a custom rifle building environment) long before most. Get your head in it and it'll reward beyond your expectations. Just be prepared to work at it. It never comes easy, its the polar opposite of cheap, and it won't happen overnight.
As for your direct question. With You Tube, there is not one single reason to pay money or step foot into a classroom for this stuff. That is no shit and I'll lock horns with anyone till I pass out from arguing. Self Education is the best way to learn and the resources are plentiful and FREE.
Last, buy the absolute largest machine you can afford to put on your floor. You will always wish for more work envelope. That is no joke. Also, do not make the mistake of saying "I'll just get the basic one to get my feet wet." If you are in this trade to make money, then you must have tools to do that. If the machine is $100K and you put 10% down and float it for 5 years, you are looking at $2700/month in a payment. If we figure 20 days a month working, you gotta make just under $140/day with that spindle to make the nut.
If you can't make (at least) 5x that, you should have never bought the thing to start with. What I'm saying is don't plan your exit strategy when your just getting started.
This probably sounds like a load of shit. Take it for what it is. Its what has worked for me for a decade now under my own flag.
Hope this helps.
C.
My shop when I built it in 2011
LRI today:
