CNC Training?

[JAZZCNC]

If you wasn't so far away I'd gladly come spend a few days helping out running you around the machine side of things. Thou Being totally honest you'll find the machine side the relatively easy part, it's the software that will be the steep learning curve and where all the time will be spent or lost.

The other thing that makes doing what you've thinking not so easy is the fact that most jobs and people have there own unique setup or layout which is often determined by machine design or type.
My advice would be start playing with the software NOW and wait for the machine to come. Then start basic just controlling the machine with simple moves etc or jobs to get a feel for it. If you can find someone local who can come to you and help you learn your actual machine it will be far more beneficial than you going to them.
Thou really it will be the software or more to the point getting out the software what you need that will fry your noodle.!. . .For the simple stuff like profiling doors etc this is realtively simple stuff, but when you want to get creative then it takes meny hours and lots of tweaking to achive what you want or need. This can only be gained by time using the software. Yes training helps but at the end of the day it's time using the software that learns you best.
This is then mixed or balenced with knowledge of the machine doing the cutting and it's weak or strong points to find the best approach or way of working. Again no one can show you this as it's very software/machine specific.
I'm still learning, tweaking and improving and I've cut hundreds of jobs and it's always the software side where I spend/waste most of my time and improving.

If you really struggle to find someone then I could maybe be presuaded to have drive down for the weekend if you provide dry shelter with beer and Hob-nob's (Yes John-S aint the only one who can be bribed with them:naughty:)



If Artcam is genuine and Pro version then you won't need to buy Aspire, it will do everything Aspire can then some.

[wizer]

Thanks for the quick reply. Yes I suspected it would be the software side that would be the difficult part. I was in IT for 15yrs, so I know computers, but having installed some of the demos, I'm a little lost. In the new year I am going to email ArtCam and see if they offer training. I know they offer some training videos, but there's nothing better than actually being shown.

But your advice has helped me work out what I need to focus on. The machine won't be here until the middle of Feb (at least). So I have plenty of time to get some software practice in. At the moment I open the applications and am lost straight away. I'm used to using SketchUP to design basic woodworking projects. For parts too complex for my SketchUP skills, I'm used to use designing on the fly, whilst building.

My machine will also have a turning axis, which complicates matters more. I already have a customer for some turned work, so that's high on my list to get my head around.

Anyone know of a proper comprehensive DVD type training programme, for either ArtCam or Aspire?

[jmb]

Hi Guys,
I came across this post and I have the same issue as Tom, I have imported a CNC machine from China. It has a working area of 1200x1200mm. This is my first venture into the world of CNC. I am looking for either a company or individual who can give me an overview of working a CNC machine. The machine comes with NCstudio and ArtCam10.
I have tried doing it myself but I'm like a headless chicken and realise could do with expert help.
So if anyone knows of such a service, or would like to volunteer. I'm located in Derby, I'm willing to pay a reasonable price in exchange for this.

Many thanks

Craig