Machsupport Forum
Mach Discussion => General Mach Discussion => Topic started by: mig29 on September 21, 2006, 03:38:07 PM
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How do you import a dxf file, convert it to gcode, and assign depths to it?
When I import a dxf file, I get a window that I don't really know what to do with exept hit the convert to gcode button. What are layers? I am just trying ti mill some simple rectangular pockets. I would use the conversational wizard, but my Mach3 did not come with them.
Thanks
Mike P
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The conversational wizards are licensed seperately by New Fangled Solutions.
Have you tried importing the DXF with LazyCAM?
Hood
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I use turbocad to design the things to be milled. I import it into mach3 as a dxf file. After that I don't really know what to do. Is there a tutorial for mach3 that teaches how to assign depths etc..?
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Are you using LazyCAM (its in Mach3) to import? I dint use LazyCAM but I had a look in the beginning and it looked good and has come a long way since. There should be a video on the downloads page showing the basics of LazyCAM.
You can access LazyCAM from the File menu in Mach3.
Hood
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I didn't know it existed. I am using a library computer that can't seem to access that particular tutorial. All of the other ones work fine. I don't have internet on my computer. Do I open the lazy cam window, then import dxf? Or do I import dxf, the open lazycam?
Thanks
Mike P
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You open lazyCAM then along the top of the screen you will see a button to import CAD files, click on that and browse to your file and import it. I cant be much more help as I have not used LazyCAM but you may be able to work it out easily. Try and get the video downloaded sometime as it should show you the basics. This is a direct link to the video, that might help you get it http://www.machsupport.com/LazyCam/LazyCam.swf
Hood
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The conversational wizards are licensed seperately by New Fangled Solutions.
Have you tried importing the DXF with LazyCAM?
Hood
Can I jump in here with a question?
I bought the New Fangled licence and am happy I did but aren't the rest of the individual wizards included with Mach?
Example: Pocket Cutting, CircularBolt Pattern, Circular Pocket, Cut Arc, etc
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Yes all the individual wizards are free, just the conversational from New Fangled Solutions that you pay a small extra for.
Hood
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Yes all the individual wizards are free, just the conversational from New Fangled Solutions that you pay a small extra for.
Hood
And well worth it too :)
So getting back to Mig29's question, shouldn't he have the wizards. Can't he use the Rectangular Pocketing wizard?
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Yes he could, also if its a bit more complex than a single pocket he could create the code from one wizard, then another and cut and paste them all together to make up a complete program. When things get a bit more complex LazyCAM might be easier though.
Hood
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I hooked up lazycam. It imports image files ok, but crashes when I import a dxf file.
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Hi, Mike
I use Turbo Cad Ver. 8.1, Works just fine hear with LC, hears a DXF file to try.
Chip
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I should prbably start a new thread but my question deals with this subject.
When you import your dxf file, can you import the g coding in inches? or in Mach 3 is there a conversion wizard to convert metric to inches?