Machsupport Forum

Mach Discussion => General Mach Discussion => Topic started by: krugshouse on November 10, 2012, 10:47:50 AM

Title: Which post processor
Post by: krugshouse on November 10, 2012, 10:47:50 AM

I have a DIY CNC machine I built from "Build your own CNC machine", I have Vcarve Pro 6.5 and I use Mach 3. My question is which Mach 3 post processor should I use from the list offered in Vcarve? I have just been using the G code which is a .tap file. It works but my engraving is a little off and I am thinking it's cause I am not using the right post processor.  Thanks for any help.

Title: Re: Which post processor
Post by: ger21 on November 10, 2012, 10:53:54 AM

It's unlikely that the post is your problem, but you should be using one of the Mach2_3 ... posts. Usually the ATC posts, if you want to do tool changes.

Title: Re: Which post processor
Post by: krugshouse on November 10, 2012, 11:04:20 AM

what do you mean tool changes? what during the middle of a cut? whats the difference between the ATC posts and the ARCS?

Title: Re: Which post processor
Post by: ger21 on November 10, 2012, 11:12:39 AM

You always want to use the arc posts.
Use the ATC posts if you're using more than one tool in your g-code. The ATC posts add a toolchange command for mach3 to stop so you can change tools.

Title: Re: Which post processor
Post by: krugshouse on November 10, 2012, 11:18:32 AM

thanks. so far i have not figured out how to save more than one tool path at a time. does saving my tool path as an ATC automatically save all the tool paths i have generated?

Title: Re: Which post processor
Post by: ger21 on November 10, 2012, 11:22:46 AM

Yes, but you need to select them all, and check the box that says "Output all visible toolpaths to one file"

Title: Re: Which post processor
Post by: krugshouse on November 10, 2012, 11:26:35 AM

Thanks vey much