First attempt at G Code

[aerodan]

Recommend picking up GWizard. Cheap, multi platform and really useful for editing and understanding g-code. Not many CAM packages generate clean code right off the mark. There's usually some post tweaking to get it "just right" for different setups. I've been a OneCNC user for some time, and while it's great, it still routinely needs gcode review prior to sending to the machine. The debug features in GWizard are most useful. Good luck OP.

[DamMan]

I don't have any advice to add but want to thank Germz for starting this thread. I have ghost gunner and used Fusion 360 to create G-Code. The G-Code from Fusion is so much longer and more complicated than this handwritten code. I will follow this thread closely and thanks again Germz.

[Lostsheep]

I’m a big fan of knowing G-code, even though I’ve used a bunch of different CAM systems over the years…… Then again, I started back in the 70’s, print hanging from the wall, calculator in one hand, punching G-code into a teletype machine with the other.

I agree, knowing G code is not just important, it's mandatory. OP did mention that he is learning so I guess hand writing is good to do for setting the foundation.

That being said, I have to admit that I learned to read the code after I started programming. FWIW, I can edit at the machine no problem but I will only do that for minor changes. I have a secondary laptop with my CAM software bolted to the side of my machine for more complex editing and running DNC if I need to.

In this day and age, not using a decent quality CAM program is doing it wrong. I think it's analogous to using a typewriter vs using Word.

ETA: We run Surfcam, HSMworks, and Mastercam here. They all have their strengths and weaknesses.

Admittedly, I do hate some of the toolpaths CAM creates. I'm a job shop guy though so I have to balance time saved programming vs time saved running. At my quantities, programming time is more important.

[grymster]

I agree, knowing G code is not just important, it's mandatory. OP did mention that he is learning so I guess hand writing is good to do for setting the foundation.

That being said, I have to admit that I learned to read the code after I started programming. FWIW, I can edit at the machine no problem but I will only do that for minor changes. I have a secondary laptop with my CAM software bolted to the side of my machine for more complex editing and running DNC if I need to.

In this day and age, not using a decent quality CAM program is doing it wrong. I think it's analogous to using a typewriter vs using Word.

ETA: We run Surfcam, HSMworks, and Mastercam here. They all have their strengths and weaknesses.

Admittedly, I do hate some of the toolpaths CAM creates. I'm a job shop guy though so I have to balance time saved programming vs time saved running. At my quantities, programming time is more important.

I know lots of guys, and a few girls who learned G-code after

[Lostsheep]

I've been in and out of my family's shop since I was a kid and when they first started having me around we still had an old Shizuoka (sp?) that had been converted to CNC and originally ran on tape (that too was eventually upgraded). I kinda came in around the time that a lot of manual stuff was still being done daily but the writing was on the wall and most manual stuff has been phased out. I guess I am lucky because I was forced to learn how to run things on a manual before my older brothers would let me do it the easy way. For some reason they let me skip the manual code generation. Knowing the basics always makes for a better machinist in the long run. A lot of the older guys I talk to complain about how they're not really making machinists anymore, they are making CNC programmers. I have to admit that the majority of my power comes from my CAD/CAM skills but I can still turn the handles when I need to lol.

ETA: I am sitting here programming as I type, I really should get back to work; it sure is nice not getting paid by the hour lol.

[eaglemike]

Understanding what each particular G code means is surely helpful.

Manually creating pocket clearing routines - I would offer that doing this manually is a huge waste of time. CAM stuff usually doesn't make a typo either........ Maybe I'm the only guy that ever did this or forgot the put a minus sign when I should have....... and either broke the end mill or put it through the pocket wall.

Each control is a little different, but I've found the Haas pretty darn friendly.

I started sweeping the floor and deburring parts a loooong time ago. We had manual machines,and some old cam-driven automatic screw machines. How I wish we had a CAM system and cnc mill to make the camshaft plates for those old Brown and Sharp machines. I even used a lacer to repair and make leather belts to drive some of the machines from an overhead lineshaft. Most people have only seen those in a museum.

OP, you have a new window opening. Make the most of it. The fire control pocket is only the very beginning.