Opinions, everyone has one.
Here is an opinion on the subject.
I am interested in hearing your opinion as well.
I have read many threads about learning to program G-Code for mills and lathes. I have been working with CNC machines for about 15 years now and have programmed by hand and used software to create programs.
Would you consider writing a word processor to print a document on your printer? If I had the need to write a document and print it, I would find a word processor program that had features like, spell checking, and grammar checking, and formatting option. Then I would use the software to craft my document. I use the power of the software to view my document in an easy to understand format. The software ensures I am using a standard for spelling and grammar.
This is how I choose to write instructions for my CNC machines as well. I use software to input parameters of my design. I view or proof read the g-code out put by the software visually before cutting on the machine. If I see an error in the g-code I choose to fix it with the use of the software. I choose not to edit the text of the g-code file. I have found that editing the g-code by hand leads to human error.
Please share your ideas on the topic.
Thanks
Jeff Roark
www.simplecnc.com