pass 1 of however many....

[studysession]

I am trying to understand what I am looking at on mach3. Because it is easier on the eyes, I usually use the tool path view.

I export my gcode from VCarve and then copy it to the computer that controls the cnc machine and import it into mach3. It usually takes a few passes to cut anything out - How do I know which pass of how many it is currently on when looking at the mach3 screen?

Thanks

[Hood]

Double click on the toolpath view.
Can also click with the left, holding it down then move the mouse.
Hood

[Hood]

Oh BTW best not mess with this when code is actually running as it may screw things up, the next Rev of Mach will handle the graphics better.
Hood

[studysession]

While code is running is what I am talking about...

I start a job and check on something else and then come back into the room. The code is still running and I want to know what pass of how many while it is running.

Thanks again Hood!! You are always answering my questions and I greatly appreciate it.

[Overloaded]

You can zoom, pan and tilt the image to where you want it before you start the file, then you wont have to move it while running.

[studysession]

Maybe I am not asking this correctly.

I cut an item that is 1/8" thick. It might take 2 passes to cut through the 1/8" thick thing..... How do I know if it is on pass 1 or 2? While it is running the code?

Thanks!!

[Hood]

If you do as I said or as RC said then you will see the toolpath rotated and see where the cutter actually is.
You mat need to alter some of the settings on the Toolpath window options from Config menu, one that is handy to have chosen is Lines from Current to Last.
Hood

[studysession]

aaahhhh -
Sorry I misunderstood at first...

Thanks!!

[Overloaded]

Here is a pic.
the path is blue, the vertical magenta line represents the cutter. the dots show the progress.

[Hood]

On my mill I have made a page in my screenset that has the toolpath almost full screen, thinking it will be needed the older I get
Hood