[stevet47]

Sorry for the noob question, but obviously I am new to all of this.

I have used Rhino3d, and am thinking about purchasing it when I get my first cnc mill (I am a teacher, so it is only $195.. not $995, lol)

I guess I always figured it all worked through 'magic', but I keep reading that people use 1 software for CAD work, and another for CAM work, then a third to send it to the machine.

So what is the difference between CAD and CAM? Is CAM determining tool paths and stuff?

I thought I could just design the part, then have another program send it to the machine, but I guess I am missing a step.

[ger21]

CAD is drawing or modeling the parts. (Rhino)
CAM creates toolpaths and g-code from the CAD files.
The Machine Control reads the g-code and controls the machine.

[stevet47]

CAD is drawing or modeling the parts. (Rhino)
CAM creates toolpaths and g-code from the CAD files.
The Machine Control reads the g-code and controls the machine.

OK.. that makes sense.. I forgot about those G and M codes, I had to write a bunch of that in college.

So how much manual work is done in a CAM program and how much does it automatically figure out? I assume you have to tell it some basic info, and it figures out the paths and codes on its own?

[ger21]

Probably depends on the complexity of the project, as well as the particular CAM package you're using. Can be as little as a few mouse clicks.