Help with Line Art for MACH3

[K3HTK]

I am trying to create a line art design to be cut with MACH3 similar to the Roadrunner code someone posted on the exmaples area of the forum. I just want the machine to follow the pattern to cut and not go back and forth the whole peice of material. I think that is called spiral cutting but not sure.... Anyway, I am looking for some guidance on doing this so I can mill a design at one depth. I am pretty new to this, but have done other milling using the back and forth X Y method over the whole peice of material.

If I need to be more clear on my question, I will try to as much as I can...

Thanks!

Ed

[Sam]

"Contour" tool path is the term your looking for. Could be called something different depending on the software your using.  Make sure tool compensation is off if your wanting to trace the lines.

[K3HTK]

Okay sounds good.... I am using MACH3 for controlling my mill. Is this a setting in a different peice of software like LazyCam or something?

Thanks again!

Ed

[Sam]

Is this a setting in a different peice of software like LazyCam or something?

Yes.
I am not familiar with LazyCam, so I can't tell you the steps to achieve a tool path.

have done other milling using the back and forth X Y method over the whole peice of material.

I am now assuming that you don't have a CAM program and used something like "picture to G-code" or something similar. Is this correct? If you DO have a CAM program, tell us what it is, and somebody with the proper experience can help you better.

[K3HTK]

Sam,

     I am using BMP2CNC to do my conversions from JPG to G-Code so I do not have a CAM program......Yet I guess... Ha Ha! Sounds like I need one to do what I am trying to accomplish. I tried using LazyCam which I am sure is great, but have not had good results. You have any suggestions?

Thanks again!

Ed
 

[Sam]

I would be willing to bet that more than one person will help you out with Lazy cam. There are free programs that will do what your wanting to do, however the learning curve would be just as great, or greater, as learning how to use Lazy cam. Your time would be better spent learning Lazy cam, too (in my opinion). Maybe you could post a drawing of what your wanting to do, so people can visualize your intentions better. Maybe create a new post in the "G-Code, CAD, and CAM" section, under "Lazy Cam (Beta)" and entitle it "contour with Lazy cam" or similar.  If you still don't get any help, consider giving away free doughnuts. Sometimes that will get peoples minds working. 

[K3HTK]

Ha Ha! Sounds good.... I will post what I am trying to do and see what happens... Thanks! Hopefully I don't have to resort to th doughnut method! They ay be a little stale by the time they make to everyone..... Ha Ha!