Look what I have at work! I need *.ncd files to make it sing!

[Mugzilla]

A CNC machine, which I can use to cut MDF! I have already built my CP, computer, trackball hack, and have all my logos. I want to use a CNC to build the main part of my cabinet.

I know that someone is selling cabinets pre-cut for $299, but I can do this for myself.

I need to find a few CAD drawings of cabinets. I want to find a drawing that has all the grooves (For holding smoked glass), and drills small holes to put mounting pegs in. I have done an internet search, but turned up donuts. Any leads?

[fredster]

www.jakobud.com my man.  

[Stingray]

What a sweet toy you have access to!

-S

[Mugzilla]

There are perks to my job!

In the future, when I get the bugs worked out, I MAY be allowed to do some work for others.

NO PROMISES on this. No waiting lists. No requests taken at this time. If this ever does happen, I am certain there would be some fee for electricity, machine upkeep, etc. I would need permission from my boss, which may be hard to get.

Thank you for the link. I am trying to find a place that has *.ncd files. I MAY be able to convert the *.png files over, but I am uncertain if it will work.

Anyone else have links to a place that has *.ncd files?

[Mugzilla]

Anyone have NCD files for arcade cabinets? Friday is the last day this machine is available....

[fredster]

You have to make NCD files dude.  NCD I assume means "Numerical Control DATA".  You take the dwg files and then make the cutter paths from some type of machining software.  Either that or you write them by hand.

NCD files are usually controller specific, like fanuc or whatever type of control this thing has.

Print out the file with the dimensions and get with your programmer guy there and I'm sure he'll make some for you.

[Mugzilla]

I was hoping to find someone who had already done this. Our programmer is a good friend, but he is bogged down currently.

[RandyT]

I'm not sure if you realize this, but depending on the complexity of the design, creating cut files for that machine could take hours upon hours to do.  Raw dimensions are a good start. but it's just a start.  

In a nutshell, it's nice to have toys like that at your disposal, but unless you are skilled in using both it AND the design software AND have time to kill, conventional woodworking tools might be an easier approach.

Now if you were making 50 of them, that's a different story .

RandyT

[AmericanDemon]

I've got a buddy of mine who has access to one, been ages since I talked to him.  He does all of the programming and drawing himself.  He uses Autocad and then AlphaCAM for the CNC programming.  It can take a lot of time to do the drawings as you have to set the tool paths and everything else.

Also the CNC in the picture is a 2D CNC.  Meaning that it will only cut on one plain.  You will have to manually move the boards around to get what you want.  Also a very good question to ask is how many tools does the head allow you to use.  This will directly affect how much can be done by the machine.  Ask what tools are on it too.  You may only be able to get the shapes cut, and have to manually do all of the grooves.

[RandyT]

Also the CNC in the picture is a 2D CNC

It's a 3D machine.  I think some of the parts are just cropped by the photo, but I see all 3 axis.

RandyT

[Snarbald]

Does your job use software that can convert dxf (or some other standard cad format) into tool paths? Back in highschool when I had access to cnc mills, I could draw a part out in cadkey, open it in master cam and then convert it into a tool path for for several different machines for instance.