I am new to the world of CNC and could use some help to develop a reliable way to get usable files into Mach 2 or 3. The machine and the Mach interface work fine. My problem seems to be from LazyCam to the demo version of Mach. The software used to create and generate the DXF and files is Corel Draw X3. The DXF files have been exported as AutoCad 2004 files.
When opening/importing files to LazyCam, the preview looks fine. When the g-code is generated and opened in Mach, I get nothing that even resembles what I was able to see in LazyCam. Reading the g-code in Mach, although I am no expert, it is very obvious that a good number of the coordinates/lines are missing. I originally that this was due to trying to start with a somewhat complex 2D file that was just too many lines (and too many arcs) of G-code for the Mach 2 demo. I also that that the problem was possibly related to the file being an incorrect scale that was out limits. That is definitely not the case. I then tried some simple files (square, circle, triangle, all separate and combined) , and it still seems to be a hit or miss situation when it is converted to g-code.
I presumed that because I was able to preview the file in LazyCam, that the DXF file had no issue with the original DXF from Corel. Just to be sure and eliminate any possibility of a DXF issue, I did use the DXF converters, which changed nothing, regardless of which version of DXF I used. I do not have AutoCad loaded on the machine, although I know I can purchase an older version of r12 or r13, if it gives better assurances.
Using Mach's jog controls, the machine works properly and I am confident with the Mach Controller interface.
The current budget does not allow for the investment of thousands in software, but I do not mind investing a little bit into some software to start. I also have SignLab from Cadlink, which can generate NC files specifically for Mach (Cadlink recommends to keep using the Mach interface), but that method did not work either, and I am not even concentrating on that, for the sake of simplicity and minimizing confusion. I also have no problem purchasing the Mach license, if this is related to the "demo".
Any help from the much more seasoned people here will be greatly appreciated. I just want to have a reliable way to get g-code to Mach.
In advance - Thank you.