For persons needing CAD (Computer-Aided Design) and CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing) detailed information, this file provides a very few hints as to where to seek good help. When I started following CAD/CAM conversations, my intent was to retain some good ideas on file in case I ever computerized a machine tool. After several years it became apparent that almost everything gathered more than a few months ago was largely obsolete. Good programs had been updated so much that they became complex and unfriendly programs; inversely, programs that got users' thumbs down before were now updated and rehabilitated. Companies were coming and going; software and hardware were quickly obsolete. Consequently the group discussions that were kept in this file have been removed, as none were trustworthy anymore as to still being true or current. My suggestion to you is to keep private notes on good ideas you read in any of these groups. When you are close in time to making a decision to buy either software or hardware, do your own research and choose carefully from items discussed in then current -- or fairly recent -- postings. There are a few CAM tips that came up in conversations relating to specific machines or processes, and they remain in those files. While CAD/CAM and related discussions turn up fairly regularly on machine-specific user groups like sherline or taigtools on Yahoo, those groups cater primarily to users with manually operated machines. [The last statement was true until recently. Although I believe the vast majority of machinists in these machine-specific groups are still operating their machines completely manually, the Q & A by CAD/CAM enthusiasts is getting pretty voluminous. The new computerized setups have more problems, and have so many software and hardware issues, that any new user will likely need a great deal of study and help to get started successfully. And those who stay with their manual machines are now finding it difficult to search the archives for manual problems/ solutions, when so many CNC messages are filling the machine groups' mail.] If the CAD/CAM matter or question is complex, you will likely get a better response by joining CAD/CAM dedicated groups. BEFORE asking a question there like: "I'm new; can anyone tell me everything(!) I need to know about converting my Wizbang Milling Machine to CAM and also tell me the best programs to use and which ones are better and why?" the group will expect you to have the courtesy (and un-laziness) to first read the FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) and messages in the group archives that have already answered such general questions, over and over and over...already. Read all that and then,if you still have a question, now ask it. The following groups discuss home-built and modified CNC equipment. Newcomers will learn a lot at DIY_CNC The Yahoo CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO List is where many computerized machine users hang out: Addresses: FAQ: http://www.ktmarketing.com/faq.html FILES: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO/files/ Post Messages: CAD_CAM_EDM_DROx~xxyahoogroups.com Subscribe: CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO-subscribex~xxyahoogroups.com Unsubscribe: CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO-unsubscribex~xxyahoogroups.com List owner: CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO-ownerx~xxyahoogroups.com, wanlikerx~xxaol.com Moderator: jmelsonx~xxartsci.wustl.edu timgx~xxktmarketing.com [Moderator] URL to this group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO FOR SHERLINE USERS, there is a Yahoo group called sherlinecnc. You can also find CNC info and links through Sherline's home www.sherline.com FOR TAIG/PEATOL USERS, there is a great deal of CNC info available at Nick Carter's site www.cartertools.com along with current related CNC links. Users of either brand (or other brands of similar-size machines) will do well to check the other brand's resources for good tips that might be adapted to their own machine. And while on Sherline's or Nick's site, visit the links to their users' home pages; folks have included a wealth of info and pix and how-to's on CNC setups with those machines that do work. Not just theory, but practical experience. And perhaps you do not need full CNC operation but would like to automate one or more axes of a small mill or lathe or rotary table. See Tony Jeffree's device at http://www.jeffree.co.uk/divisionmaster.html If you got to this file directly from my HOME PAGE, return there by using your browser's back button. BUT if you came to this file as the result of a web search engine, see more than 70 additional files on my home page Machining and Metalworking at Home http://www.janellestudio.com/metal/ SAFETY WARNING BEWARE: DO NOT ASSUME that any subject matter or procedure or process is safe or correct or appropriate just because it was mentioned in a news/user group or was included in these files or on this site or on any other web site or was published in a magazine or book or video. Working with metals and machinery and chemicals and electrical equipment is inherently dangerous. Wear safety devices and clothing as appropriate. Remove watches, rings, and jewellery -- and secure or remove loose clothing -- before operating any machine. Read, understand and follow the latest operating procedures and safety instructions provided by the manufacturer of your machine or tool or product. If you do not have those most recent official instructions, acquire a copy through the manufacturer before operating or using their product. Where the company no longer exists, use the appropriate news or user group to locate an official copy. Be careful -- original instructions may not meet current safety standards. Updated safety information and operating instructions may also be available through a local club, a local professional in the trade, a local business, or an appropriate government agency. In every case, use your common sense before beginning or taking the next step; and do not proceed if you have any questions or doubts about any procedure, or the safety of any procedure. Follow all laws and codes, and employ certified or licenced professionals as required by those laws or codes. Hazardous tasks beyond your competence or expertise should also be contracted to professionals. Let's be really careful out there. 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