Newbie. What am I doing wrong?

[No1Daemon]

Hi all

Can someone give me a run down on creating a gcode please?

I am using cut2d which I have used to create a dxf file and I then use lazycam to open it and post gcode to mach3.
When I open it in mach3 it looks totally different to what I created.

Do I need to set up the tool details and material details in lazycam as well as specifying them already in cut2d?

Thanks
Steve

[Overloaded]

Hey there Steve, welcome to the group !
Using Cut2D, there is no need to go through LazyCam. You would be best to just create the code right there with Vectric.
Cut 2D does it all, I think it will even post directly into Mach if it's running ... not sure tho, I do know SheetCam does.
There are some Vectric users her that are sure to help ya more,
Russ

[No1Daemon]

Hi Overloaded

Thanks for the welcome.
I guess I need to rtfm again.
I never realized cut2d could output to other than dxf files.
i have now tried .gc and .tap as well however it is still opening oddly in mach3.

Should I be able to see the same shape as the file I created in mach3?

I made a sign with my daughters names on it and when I input it into mac3 it looks like a weird corkscrew shape.

[Hood]

Could be you need to change the IJ mode, its on General Config page.
Hood

[No1Daemon]

It is set to inc at the moment.

[Hood]

Try it in Abs and see if the toolpath looks better.
Hood

[Overloaded]

STeve, have you selected the proper Post Processor in Cut2D ?
Use this one. (or mm)

[No1Daemon]

I tried exporting as .txt for mach3. It is nearly right.
Changing from inc to abs in general config didn't work.

I can now see like a quarter of the item and it is miles away, I need to zoom in a lot to pick it out. I thought nothing was there to start with.

I also tried as an exercise to export it to .ngc and open it with linux's emc2 and it opens and displays perfectly.

I am positive the cut2d part is done correctly because I followed their tutorial to create it.

It must be a setting I haven't quite mastered in mach3.

[Overloaded]

Post the file if you dont mind.
Inch or MM ?
Where do you have the 0,0 origin placed ?

[mlk1950]

I use Cut2d and I always save mine as GCode Inch /Tap , and it always works fine.