CAM Software for lathes

[M250cnc]

So... elucidate!

I have seen a lot of 'definitions' on the web - what is your definition?

Not my definition but industry definition

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2.5D_%28machining%29

With Easymill as far as I am aware the axis is rotated but doesn't cut while rotating.
When the part has been rotationally positioned, the cutting starts in 2.5D.

Isn't 5 axis work holding and machine stability beyond hobbyists' budgets? So why is 5 axis an issue for hobbyist software?

I need many clamps just to hold the small pieces I do in x,y,z - so with 5 axes I am not sure how the work pieces would be securely held - unless I get a very expensive machining centre.

So it is 2.5D

Phil

[M250cnc]

Have a look and you will see why the software is expensive

Phil

[El$syd]

Have a look and you will see why the software is expensive

Phil

That was impressive - thanks for finding it and posting.
I had seen a number of other videos but this one is excellent!

[El$syd]

Not my definition but industry definition

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2.5D_%28machining%29



So it is 2.5D

Phil

Reading that wiki definition is still not clear!

e.g.
This statement in wiki is very clear - In machining, 2.5D refers to a surface which is a projection of a plane into 3rd dimension - although the object is 3-dimensional, there are no overhanging elements possible.
This statement in wiki is confusing - A 2.5D machine possesses the capability to translate in all three axes but can perform the cutting operation only in two of the three axes at a time.

It seems to be saying that a 2.5D machine can only cut with 2 axes in operation, and the third fixed.
Yet the first statement indicates that it can cut at full 3D as long as there are no overhangs.

I'm probably misunderstanding - but feel the definition could be clearer.