Machsupport Forum
Mach Discussion => General Mach Discussion => Topic started by: studysession on December 22, 2010, 07:09:57 PM
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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
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Double click on the toolpath view.
Can also click with the left, holding it down then move the mouse.
Hood
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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
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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.
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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.
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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!!
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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
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aaahhhh -
Sorry I misunderstood at first...
Thanks!!
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Here is a pic.
the path is blue, the vertical magenta line represents the cutter. the dots show the progress.
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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 ;D
Hood
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Cool! Thanks!
On the netbook I am using the screen is 10.5 inches which is insanely small but works - It would be nicer to have the tool view bigger.
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And if you want a solid line instead of the dots you can choose that option I mentioned above. It can get cluttered though with it but a click in the toolpath window will clear them and shouldnt cause any issues, its usually just rotating or zooming that will.
Hood
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Cool! Thanks!
On the netbook I am using the screen is 10.5 inches which is insanely small but works - It would be nicer to have the tool view bigger.
Easy enough to make an additional page in the screenset and have a bigger toolpath :)
Hood
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:D
I dont have any fancy enclosures or super floods of coolant.
So ... I just look at the part. :)
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:D
I dont have any fancy enclosures or super floods of coolant.
So ... I just look at the part. :)
Obviously you just do light cuts then, mine is usually under 1m depth of chips ;D
Hood
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:D
I have let them build up a bit, but rarely to 1m.
Most of mine get blown to the floor. When I have to dig a pit to change the part, I clean up a bit. :)
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I just normally look at the Z axis dro to see where it is at(;-) I came from an era that did not even have a display just 3 neon displays XYZ. and before that 3 mechanical dials 1 per axis.
Just a thought, (;-) TP
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when VCarve does the code - I do not see how many passes it programs. it just spits out the code and it works.
So knowing where z axis is a good thing but that doesn't tell me what pass of how many it is on.
Thanks!!! Merry Christmas!!
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There is no other way other than looking at the code? All MAch3 knows is what line of gcode is currently being executed. It has no concept of "passes"
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Thanks!!!