Do I need to be a G-Code Expert?
In a word, no. You will probably need to know how to quickly scan your G-Code if you are having problems during your machining simulation. Other then that G-Code and a CNC program are throwaway programs for the most part. What do I mean by that? Let me explain.
Lets look at a specific design. Lets say a 12 by 12 square. You build your model, run it through your CAM Software and create a CNC Program made up of G-Code instructions to your machine. Say tomorrow the job requirements change to a 24 by 24 square. Do you go into your G-Code line by line and change the code? Most people wouldnt. They would go back into their CAD or CAM program and scale the square up to 24 by 24. Then post-process the job again to get their new G-Code program.
There are some people that would do this editing line by line because the design is simple. Now think of a complex shape and what scaling it up or down would entail.
This would include massive changes to the G-Code and reviewing it line by line. We are talking thousands of lines here vs. going back and quickly scaling the model and spitting out some new G-Code. And that is why G-Code is...