[DRD]

The visual quick code is pretty much a waste, it will do very basic programs.
If you plan on getting into to cnc, you will need to know G code.

CNC is really neat stuff, for sure. If you plan on making parts, and not wasting alot time, find a cad cam system, that you like, and can afford, and master it inside and out. A good cad cam system will let you cut the part the way you want.


I have master cam, and know it really good, I can get G code on a part pretty quick. The cad cam will be your best best friend for sure.

Good luck with your venture making chips.

[ckirchen]

The gap between moving from a manual mill to a CNC is way bigger than the manufacturers claim, or so it seems.

I feel that the gap is quite small. While there are a lot of G codes (and M codes and the syntax that goes along with each) to memorize, only a handful required to start your transition.

For example, if you want to cut a square pocket with a manual mill, it may look something like:
- move the cutter to one corner of the pocket (call it 0,0)
- set the spindle speed (gears, belts, VFD)
- turn on the coolant
- turn on the spindle
- plunge the cutter to the proper depth
- move to X = 1
- move to Y = 1
- move to X = 0
- move to Y = 0
- retract the cutter
- turn off the spindle
- turn off the coolant

On the CNC, it would look like:
G00 X0. Y0. (rapid to start point)
S2000 (set spindle speed)
M08 (coolant on)
M03 (spindle on)
G01 Z-.1 F5. (feed down into material, F is feedrate in ipm)
(next 4 lines, cut pocket)
G01 X1. F20.
G01 Y1.
G01 X0.
G01 Y0.
G01 Z.1 (retract cutter)
M05 (spindle off)
M09 (coolant off)
M30 (end of program)

By learning only a few of G codes and M codes, you will quickly be able to do the same on a CNC as you can with a manual.

Canned cycles are great. G81 (drilling), G83 (peck drilling), G84 (tapping), G85 (reaming), etc. For example, G83 X1. Y2. Z-2. R.1 Q.05 F5. will peck drill a hole at X=1, Y=2 that is 2" deep, starting at .1" above the stock, with pecks that are .05", at 5 ipm. No more plunging/retracting the quill by hand.

After that, learning the rest of the G codes help to make you more efficient (among other things). Work offsets and tool length offsets are indespensible.

I started on a manual, but quickly moved to CNC. I have never looked back.

I only used VQC once, because I forced myself to try it. I didn't find it particularly useful, but that's because I use CAM for almost everything.

While I was typing this, fuzzyracing1967 and Geof got their replies in. Memorizing what G codes are is like learning what the certain keys do in different Windows applications. If you can remember CTRL+C and CRTL+V, G code will come quickly.

Good luck,
Chris Kirchen

[Donkey Hotey]

To add to what Chris just posted: when I'm planning a part on the lathe, I start the program by writing out the comments in plain English but I put everything in parentheses. Anything inside parentheses is ignored by the control.

I script what I want to do in plain English to get my thoughts straight. Then I go back and one line at a time, add the G & M codes. After a few lines, you start remembering the codes and just editing away. It reinforces the learning as well as keeps your thoughts straight.

As the program is executing, you also have line-by-line comments on what it's supposed to be doing.

One more plug for the VQC though. It is still handy. If I walk up to the control and want to drill & tap a dozen holes in a straight line, one inch apart, I could write it manually. I could also call up a template that will build the program for me by just answering a few questions.

For me, it means that I'm starting to use the CNC for even the most basic operations. For the few extra minutes it takes to program a faced, drilled and tapped holding plate, I save it by not scattering chips all over the shop with the manual mill.

VQC still has its place and it's still valuable but it's not a substitute for learning G code.

[Geof]

....If I walk up to the control and want to drill & tap a dozen holes in a straight line, one inch apart, I could write it manually....

Or you could use the G72 canned cycle on the mill.



And I admit I cheated...I had to consult as manual to confirm it was G72 not G71; I guess the old brain is getting old.

[zedzero]

Funny but whenever I manually G code on the lathe,my right index finger seems to follow what the tool should do!

[Donkey Hotey]

Or you could use the G72 canned cycle on the mill.

Hey, now don't go confusing me.

Just the other night, I thought I had a slick solution for a problem on the lathe, only to discover that there is no incremental positioning (G90/91) on the lathe. :withstupi

[Geof]

Hey, now don't go confusing me.

Just the other night, I thought I had a slick solution for a problem on the lathe, only to discover that there is no incremental positioning (G90/91) on the lathe. :withstupi

Correct, G90 and G91 are not lathe codes. Lathe incremental uses U for X and W for Z; G01 U3.3 moves the X axis incrementally 3.3.

[Donkey Hotey]

Correct, G90 and G91 are not lathe codes. Lathe incremental uses U for X and W for Z; G01 U3.3 moves the X axis incrementally 3.3.

Geof...thank you.

I needed to touch-up a spherical surface. I just wanted to turn the spindle on, touch off at the base, then have the tool cut a spherical path from wherever the tool was. I had to touch off G54 each time to get it done.

I was looking for incremental positioning (mode) but totally forgot about U,W.

Luke: hang around here long enough and you'll pick it up.

[l u k e]

Thanks for all the tips. I really like the idea Donkey Hotey posted "writing it in plain English using (**) then adding the code. That really is right up my alley.

I'm actually pretty stoked about the whole thing. At least now I know that learning G code is not an option but a necessity. It makes it easier to move forward without the idea of learning it later. At least it won't be hanging over my head weighing down on me.

I'm dabbling in Solidworks and it's working for me nicely, can someone suggest a cam program that works well with it?

[Geof]

....I really like the idea Donkey Hotey posted "writing it in plain English......

That is the part I find difficult....writing in plain English.

Code is dead simple and the machine never complains about bad grammar or run-on sentences. The people who read my 'plain English' often do.

I predict that you will get very frustrated learning G code, and will occasionally look around for a concrete wall to bash your head against. Don't worry, it all becomes clear eventually.

[Donkey Hotey]

I'm dabbling in Solidworks and it's working for me nicely, can someone suggest a cam program that works well with it?

That's been discussed here at length:
http://cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=47860

[l u k e]

is the part I find difficult....writing in plain English.

Code is dead simple and the machine never complains about bad grammar or run-on sentences. The people who read my 'plain English' often do.

I gess plane englis dos not hav to nessasaruly b text buk geanus tu get ur punt acrost espsuly wen u ar writng nots to ur self. :withstupi

[Geof]

I gess plane englis dos not hav to nessasaruly b text buk geanus tu get ur punt acrost espsuly wen u ar writng nots to ur self. :withstupi

I find it fascinating how with english it is possible to do what you did, and it can still be understood. But you slipped up, there are seven words spelled correctly.

[l u k e]

Aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoetnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be at the rghit pclae. The rset can be a toatl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe.

I gesus tehre raelly is no scuh tihng as pilan Egnilsh!

[lilchico]

I'm new to CNCzone. And I agree that the best thing is to know G-code, however VQC when it is modified correctly can be a great tool for 1 to 2 piece orders for lathe or Mill. there are modified templates to profile ends of a part or mill keyways using comp. I found some to be useful. and as long as the correct information is given in the template the control will output the code you need.

Good Luck!

[l u k e]

Here's a solution: invest three days of your life. Drive out to Oxnard. Take the mill programming class (free). It'll cost you a hotel, some gas and some meals.

In the business world, three days of your time is a cheap investment to help you make an informed decision.

I intended to ask about this a few days ago and forgot. Can you give a little more on this? Is this something at the HAAS factory?

[DRD]

Call Haas direct, they can answer your questions.

[alteat]

Hi!

I read all the posts in this thread and they all talk about the need to master G-Code. I'm new to this world of cnc, but I already programed some cool stuff and even 3d pieces, but with the aid of a cam software linked to solidworks. Imagine that I want to go back to the begining of the cnc era. Where can I find info about the G-Code, so I could learn it and try to do something with it?

I use a SCM Record 110 al prisma, (5 axis) and I also know how to use their Xilog program nicely! I even manage to find errors, (most of the times in plane angles) in Xilog. But in my company there's an older cnc machine that operates on G-Code, I understand how it works, but I don't know the code itself. Can anyone help me on this?

[Donkey Hotey]

Can you give a little more on this? Is this something at the HAAS factory?

Yup. It's a three day class. The third day includes a walking tour of the factory (you won't forget that). It's not like traffic school. If you're thinking of spending this kind of cabbage, it's gotta' feel good learning all of the information up-front. I had a really good time and felt like it was time well spent.

The class helped me to understand the control. I got nice, color printed manuals out of it (you can download them for free but who can afford to print them in color?). I got to meet other guys in the class who had been using it. Some were owners. Some were operators. They all had opinions and experiences they shared during lunch. Haas feeds you lunch on-site. It's not gourmet but it was the best box lunches I've ever been served at a company.

I mean, really: for the amount of money you're thinking about spending, the time and money investment is small. You'll know what kind of machine and company you're buying in to. You'll know something about how to run it when you leave.

I took the class but didn't buy for another 6 months. I was able to run my VF-2 the night it was delivered. I didn't get any on-site training other than the installer helping me with a 15 minute refresher before he left.

I'm not hard-selling you on it, but for me: I have spent three days doing far-less valuable things in my life.

[l u k e]

That's awesome it's only and 8 hr drive (530 miles). I had no idea they had a class like this.
Is there any information on this on their website? I didn't really see anything about it.