Can anyone recomend the best books for learning CNC milling?

[JAZZCNC]

Ok well first I'll say forget Lazy cam it's hard work, outdated and unsupported.

With auto cad your half way there which is good and if you can use it all the better.

Next get some Cam software sorted ASAP. BobCad cam is Ok-ish and I do have it thou don't use it much these days but it will help you as I know it very well and it's a quirky program to use so having some one show the quirks will help.

To be honest half the battle with any Cam software is adjusting to how the actual software works rather than learning how individual cutting stratergies etc work.!


Like Ian says forget learning G-code at the minute. In practise you'll only want to learn G-code so you can monitor what's happening in Control as the G-code is ticking away or maybe the odd MDI (manual data input) command for setting up etc. Very rare do you write G-code for actually cutting anything these days.

[suesi34e]

Hi Jazz,

Thank you for that. I see you have bobcad is it v24? Is there a better software for me to go with without spending silly money? I can draw in AutoCAD 2D OK not so go good on the 3D side of things, I just don't get time to play with it enough. If you cant think of anything better than bobcad I will go for that and see what we can do. I really appreciate your offer to help me, it should dig me out of a very deep hole!

Many thanks

Suesi

[IanS1]

To get started why not look at one of the free packages, FreeMill is limited but OK to have a play with.

http://mecsoft.com/freemill/

As with any software, you will need to put some time in, it's the only way to learn I'm afraid.

[suesi34e]

Hi IanS1,

Many thanks for your msg and the link the software looks great for free. I am tempted to try that or bite the bullet and buy BobCAD. I guess Bobcad would be harder to learn as I imagine there is much more to it but I also think there would be more help with it. A tricky one!

Thanks very much for your help

Suesi