I want to learn G code in a practical useful way. I don’t want some dry theory, I want real world, this does that and how to arrange it, in practical terms with cnc mill based lessons. Any suggestions would be helpful. I know a lot of you are gcode geeks that know what is useful and what is dreck. thanks for your time and effort.
I started here: https://gcodetutor.com/cnc-machine-training/cnc-g-codes.html and just scrolled through the basic g and m codes, and read the quick definitions. I’d open up a .nc file Fusion 360 created, then try to understand each area of the code, looking them up one at a time on the website. After a few applications of the basics, like when I needed to initiate a tool change (M6 T111), for switching to the laser module, for instance, and then looking up the relevant data again on this and similar websites, then editing a file on the fly on the Masso, it stuck. Woodwork doesn’t require the master knowledge of machine shop engineers , but it is useful to be able to read a little of it, and know how to look up the rest. I would benefit much more in developing my CAD drawing skills, and better understanding CAM techniques; the things that slow me down while designing a project. That’s my take on the subject, but any way you earn a better knowledge of how these complex tools work is beneficial. Good luck!
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The Masso Manuel has the list of G-codes and M-codes the machine uses. You can find it on the Masso website under documents. It is not very exciting read but it gives you the codes and explains the code below the list of codes. I did download it but I don’t remember were I found the download link for the Masso Manuel.
WouldWork Will gave a good website to learn G-code and his brief explanation of using code is spot on. You will learn as you go through trial and error but hopefully you don’t crash the machine along the way. For the most part you really can’t really hurt the machine to bad, it does has its alarm system to save itself. I think you will most likely break tools more than anything else which can get expensive but each time you fail you should try to figure out why so ya don’t do it again.
Cheers and Happy Carving
Joe
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It is a bit hard recommend something appropriate without understanding the background and interest of the person but I would recommend starting with the following, it is only 39 pages, provide a basic overall perspective to G code programming, if there is a deeper interest on a specific topic you can do some research related to that G code. Back in my early days you add to program every line manually, calculate every coordinates. For milling, this is why the G80S code were great as it would significantly cut down to amount of programming for drilling, pecking and taping. G40S code where great as too often the cutters were reground and not the same diameter as the one programmed. With Aspire, all that coding is done for you and easy to rerun your tool path if you have a cutter diameter that is different. So I would stick to the basics, x,y,z, G00 to G03, m3, m4, m5 and feed rate. You should have to do only minor edits to your program. Hoping this will help.
Sorry, the link disappeared, here it is.
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Great little PDF on CNC programing and code. It looks like a good starting point for someone who never wrote a program before. I like the diagrams and explanations of using code especially understanding your zero point for the program.
I have been writing programs for over 35 yrs for industrial CNC machines and this PDF tells the story of programing very well.
If you are new to G-code I highly recommend to read this PDF to help you understand what the software is doing for you. It may also help you understand the variables in the software when it ask for details about depth and arcs and such.
Cheers and Happy Carving
Joe
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