windows for
woodworkers
John Harrington reports on the latest generation of affordable
CNC routing hardware and Microsoft Windows-based software.
he development of computer
numeric controlled (CNC)
routing, using affordable
personal computers has already begun
to revolutionise all aspects of the
woodworking industry. In so doing it
has created new opportunities for
large and small businesses as well as
for individual craftsmen.
T
CNC is a technique whereby the
movement of a router head
is controlled by
instructions from a
computer. These
instructions come from a
computer program or list that
the user keys into the CNC
860 console or into a computer
as ISO standard commands called
'G' codes. As an example, the code
G01 X100 Y100, instructs the head
to move in a straight line to a point
horizontally and vertically 100mm
away from its starting position.
The CNC 860
The Trend CNC package is based
around the Elu/DeWalt CNC 860
Machining Centre, which has a
machining area of 860mm x 860mm x
8
INProfile
90mm. These dimensions relate to
the three axes, X,Y and Z (width,
length and height). Each axis is served
by a separate stepper motor,
controlling the movement of the
routing head. Two head options are
offered: a modified portable router or
a continuously rated, high cycle
motor, that provides improved
performance for intensive machining
applications.
Programming directly in G-codes
through the console can be time
consuming. To assist the operator, a
PC software application called
CNCTalk is included with the
machine. This is a basic computer
aided design (CAD) application which
runs under DOS, the original PC
operating system before Windows. It
is useful for intermediate applications
like cutting out irregular shapes.
However, to gain the maximum
versatility from the CNC 860,Trend’s
Open Sign System Software for
Windows is the most effective
solution.
OSS consists of two separate
software applications: OSS Draw
which provides the drawing tools to
create any shape or sign, and OSS
Work which handles all the routing
and tooling-related parameters like
depth and offset. Graphical
simulations are shown for all tool
parameters enabling the user to
perfect a design before routing any
material.
Sign-writing
As an example of how these products
work together, the method of
producing a simple sign is shown,
incorporating two different lettering
styles and a graphical logo.