Jack,
I was raised on conventional (non-numeric controlled)machines. The punched paper tape and plastic tape were the main NC machines of my machining days. When I was getting out of the biz, CNC and later DNC were becoming common. A primary advantage of these machines is their ability to do very complex tool paths. Another big advantage is the ability to repetitively produce close relatively tolerances. I say relatively because the machine is only as capable as the operator/setup man/programmer. Cutting tool flex, fixture rigidity, and the programmer's ability is always key and don't forget machine condition/maintenance. One of the first machines I ran in a leading aerospace company in 1974 had a tag on it from the U.S. Army dating as far back as 1931. It was loose as a long neck goose and you had to hold your tongue just right to get it to make accurate cuts, but it could be done. Later, I ran some machines I think are in that link to the evolution of gun making.
Last edited by Chuck H; 11/23/06 02:40 PM.
