Re: single axis positioner build
Welcome to CNCZone Slin99.
Having developed both CNC router systems and Tiger Stop like positioning systems for the wood products industry I would have to say that G code may not be the best choice for a cut to length system. Not to say that it's impossible to use G code, but it actually adds an extra and unneeded step in the process. But should you choose to use some off-the-shelf CNC software like Mach3/4, Acorn or whatever, then you would need to output G code because that is the only thing that the software will understand.
Standard CNC software would not really lend itself to easy operator use for this application. You really need a custom interface. Using a tablet as the operator input device should be no problem. The mechanics and the electronics of the system is pretty simple, the software is going to be where the bulk of the work is done. Excel can output a cutlist in any format you want, whether it is G code or any other format. It's just a simple VBA macro to format what you want.
You might also look at Dynomotion products for a controller, they are user programmable. My prefered controllers are from Galil Motion Control, they come as a blank slate and you need to write the operating code to make them do what you want. You would also need to write the operator interface.
None of this is difficult but requires some programming skills.
Jim Dawson
Sandy, Oregon, USA