new and hopeful

[JAZZCNC]

Ahh there lies another problem i have to over come. i once tried using cad and not having the faintest idea what i was doing, gave up very quickly
thank for the welcomes BTW

Like Bruce (motoxy) says paper and pen will get you the machine done just not has efficient or convienant when it comes to the counless design changes you will want or have to make.! . . . . BUT I suggest you start learning ASAP because without Cad skills the machine will be of little use.!

The software is a very often under estimated aspect when building a machine and in reality it's one of the hardest and most time consuming aspects to CNC.
To succesfully use a CNC machine then you will have to learn and master what is affectively 3 pieces of software.!! . . . I say effectively because 2 can be combined into one piece of software but they are still affectively 2 separate process's.?

2D CAD or vector line graphics creation is the first in the process of creating 2D toolpaths or G-code files containing all the toolpaths required to cut the complete part.
The process for 3D part machining is similiar but requires 3D solid models from which the surfaces are used to define 3D/2.5D toolpaths from.

CAM comes second and it's here were the toolpaths for each process or operation of the finshed part are defined. Toolpaths are paths and instructions that the tool for that particular operation of the part IE drilling etc will follow.? . . Here things like tool size and depth of cut, feed rate, spindle RPM etc are set.
When all toolpaths have been defined and setup, of which there will typicly be several per part, they are ouput to a single G-code file or they can be output individually has G-code files.

Lastly comes the control software which runs and controls the machine by following the instructions in the G-code file and monitoring various input signals. It also handles other areas using output signals to control things like spindles, vacuum, coolant etc.

The CAD and CAM can be combined in 1 piece of software or done individualy in different packages. Often the separate softwares are more powerful or versatile.

So get learning CAD and if possible Cam ASAP has it will be a massive help when the machines built and you'll hit the ground running so to speak.!!

Hope this helps more than confuse's.!!!!!