Hi Pete,

> I'm beginning to get the picture. I believe that most Cad software does exactly
> what you explained.

Yup! Although there are some programs that do combined CAD + CAM.

> Produce the model or design then the CAM software converts this to codes so
> the EMC in this case can read to make the piece. or something like that???

Hi Michael you wrote:

Yup, that is exactly right - the EMC itself cannot directly take surface data. Instead it takes instructions on how to move its cutting tools ("toolpaths").

The CAM software reads in your model surface data and analyzes it and outputs instructions on how to move a cutting tool to produce that shape.

A couple CAM programs you might check out are:

MeshCAM : http://grzsoftware.com/std.php (pretty inexpensive, looks like it might be pretty easy to use).

and FreeMill: http://www.mecsoft.com/Mec/Products/FreeMill.shtml (A free version of their VisualMill program)

I think that you should be able to use both of these together with MoI. After you create your design in MoI, you save it out to the .stl file format. Both of these programs can take in data in that format.

Great.....as soon as I am get the PC together & configurated as discussed Moi will be my first attempt at Cad design. I'll be sure to check out the links you posted and see what I can come up with for starters.

Thank you for your prompt posting & outstanding leads concerning Moi. I guess the ball's in my court for now.

Cordially,
Pete