Here is the table of contents to the book I recently wrote about CNC Basics. The book’s title is "Learn CNC Secrets."
Learn CNC Secrets Table of Contents
CNC Safety. 9
A few ideas to keep you safe in the shop: 10
Foreword. 11
CNC Knowledge Levels 11
One last note before we get going: 12
CNC Intro. 13
Questions, Questions and a few more Questions. 13
My CNC Story 13
My Initial Thoughts on CNC 14
Little Did I know 15
Other things I had to learn along the way: 15
So, where am I at today? 16
CNC Machines I own today: 16
CNC Hobby Growth Story 17
Why do people get into CNC? 17
Production CNC – Professional CNC - Manufacturing CNC. 18
Here are a few jobs on the professional side of the house: 18
Hobby CNC 18
Here are a few elements that have brought people into the CNC Fold: 19
What personal attributes will help you with CNC?. 20
CNC Process Overview: 22
Quick Explanation of the Process. 22
There are basically five elements to a CNC Project that you need to know: 22
Design 23
Here are some important elements of design that need to be answered: 23
CAD 25
3-D Design 25
Here are some examples of 3-D drafting/design software: 25
2-D Design 25
Here are some examples of 2-D drafting/design software: 26
CAM 26
Here are some examples of CAM software: 26
Using CAM Software 27
Here is an example of some G-Code: 27
Control 27
Here is a brief description of the two types of motors generally used in CNC: 28
Machine Controllers 29
Machining 30
Here is a list of common tooling: 31
CNC Process Conclusion 32
The five things to master with CNC are: 32
Design. 33
Introduction to Design 33
Where do good design ideas come from?. 33
Know what you want before you build it 34
What are the limits? 34
Part vs. Art 35
Designing on Paper 35
Designing with a Computer 35
My Design Computer Setup 36
Design Software. 37
What I used to do 37
Why use Design Software? 37
Here are some advantages of using Design Software: 37
Here are some disadvantages of using Design Software: 37
My Definition of Design Software 38
Here are some examples of work for “Creative” Design 38
Commonly used Creative Design Software. 40
What is your Vector, Victor? 40
Vector Images: 41
Raster Images: 41
Raster to Vector Software 42
File Types You Will Deal With 42
Examples of Different File Types 43
What do I really need to know? 44
CAD. 45
What is CAD? 45
Print Reading and Drafting 46
How do I translate my design into the computer?. 48
Different Design Views 48
The main print or design views are: 48
Here are some photo examples of the different design views: 49
Tools in CAD 51
How do I choose the right CAD program for me?. 53
Types of CAD 53
2D CAD 53
2.5D CAD 54
3D CAD 54
2D, 2.5D and 3D Photo Examples 54
CAD Design Process 56
Designing Parts 56
Designing Sub Assemblies 57
Designing Groups 57
Designing the Machine 57
FMEA Analysis? What? 58
CAD Software Price Points 59
Hobby CAD Software 59
Professional CAD Software 59
Examples of Commercial CAD Software Programs. 59
What is CAD/CAM? 60
CAD/CAM Article 60
CAM.. 64
What is CAM? 64
How do I pick a CAM program? 65
The different types of CAM Software. 65
Here are the most common types of CAM Software. 66
What are tool paths and how do you create them?. 66
Process of CAM 67
Here are the CAM Steps: 67
Define Material 68
Define Stock Size 68
Define Coordinates 69
Define Tool 70
Define Feeds and Speeds 70
Simulate Machining 72
Tool Paths 73
Post Process 75
So what does CAM Software cost?. 76
Hobby CAM Software 76
Professional CAM Software 76
CAM Software Photos: 77
CAM Programs 78
Art CAM Programs 78
Art CAM Program Examples 79
Machining Simulators 79
CNC Simulator Examples: 79
G-Code. 80
What is G-Code? 80
You will see many variations of the G-Code name like: 80
Are there other “Codes?” 80
Here are some examples of G-Codes. 81
Why does G-Code Change? 81
What is an M-Code? 82
G-Code Example 82
2” Square G-Code 84
Do I need to be a G-Code Expert?. 84
Post Processing??? - Now you have me worried. With all the variations in G-Codes and M-Codes, how will I ever keep it straight?… 85
Here are some screen shots of lists of post processors that you can select in your CAM Program 86
Controlling. 88
Definition 88
Control Computer 88
How is the Control Computer used?. 89
CNC Control Software 89
Quick List of control software 90
Machine Controllers 91
Here are some example controller prices. 92
Prices 92
Buying a completed CNC Machine. 93
Here are some examples of some Machine Controllers. 94
Internal Machine Controller Parts. 97
Control Pendants 98
Photos of Pendants 99
Machining. 101
Machining Overview 101
Machining 101
Here are a few of them: 101
Different types of machining 103
Here are a few examples: 103
Chips? 105
Different Sources of Tooling: 106
Photos of Different Types of CNC Machines: 107
Keeping your shop clean 115
Here are some examples: 115
Tool Offset 116
Zeroing the machine out 117
The final “Part” 117
CNC Mainstream.. 120
How do you know we hit the mainstream?. 120
End Results of CNC. 121
CNC Glossary. 126
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