Homebrew PCBs

On Wed, 28 Apr 2004 00:44:35 -0000, ballendo <ballendo@...> wrote:

> Stefan,
>
> I appreciate your comments, and the posts prior to this. I've snipped
> them to get us back on track...
>
> Okay, there's more info in those "short lines" than you think. For
> instance they have location obviously, but also a layer, and a
> filetype. And a width.


So you say:

I have to program either a tool that converts gerber to "dispenser file 
with 3d data"
or i have to edit the g-code myself and add the macros.
Second approach needs editing for each pcb you make.

There is no (free) solution where i can simply open my 2D gerber file and
then some already existing software adds the 3D information, letting me 
edit
parameters like depth and milling speed.


As i have no cnc experience i might just not get the point.
Currently it seems to me that the software would definitely take me longer 
to get
right than the hardware takes to be built.
I DO NOT LIKE that too much...


Is there any possibility i can test / try that without having a cnc mill?
When i have done cnc programming last i remember there was a simulator, 
which
showed you what it will be like.

Is there a free simulator? Which software do i need to download to try 
this?
Is there a good introductional page to cnc, showing the code commands and 
all?

thanks


ST