"Conversational" programming vs full cnc

[pugs]

I like to use both. For simple stuff like drilling the conversational is so easy and fast to just fill in the blanks and enter it in the program. I usually program out contours just as i like to be able to tweak things like adding a taper to a turned part to make it turn straight (program out taper). It all depends on how powerful the conversational side is, some machines it is quite good some it leaves a lot to be desired.

The newer machines that can import solid models into the control and program from that at the control are supposed to be the cats A$$ but alas I can't afford one of those yet. My Haas with VQC is handy for alot of simple parts but start doing arcs and angles it looses functionality and needs to be cam or hand written. The siemens 840C in my turning center has some pretty good conversational though I only use some of it, need to take some time and learn the rest someday.