Machsupport Forum
Mach Discussion => General Mach Discussion => Topic started by: Keith on June 07, 2006, 01:37:16 PM
-
Hi,is there a simple way to reverse the direction of the cut that Mach3 chooses when it converts a .dxf to G-code(like for a clean up cut).Right now I go in and reverse the order by editing the G-code which is fine but a bit tedious.-Keith
-
Is this in LCAM?
-
Nope,plain ol' .dxf conversion in Mach3 file choice
-
It can not be done in that importer :( Lazy Cam is free in the development version of Mach3...
-
Oh well. YEah I figured LCam did it but I've been wating to finish this long group of pieces before I finally get to LCam. Next week...next project.Thanks Brain
-
Hey guys:
A little confused about LCam. I have Mach3 (not yet registered). Is LCam part of it already or do I need to download it.
I also had the same question about the direction of cut being different from one DXF conversion to the next.
Thanks
-
Yes LCam is in Mach3 in the last few releases. Depending on how you save your .dxf(uh...and sometimes not depending on how you save it)sometimes a line can be dropped or the like in which case you'll get different approachs to the cut. Make sure your tolerances are correct when generating the g-code from the .dxf(compared to how you drew it) and also which version and the other parameters you choose when saving your .dxf in your CAD program and take a good long look at the display and g-code to make sure all is well. Otherwise the basic importing of a .dxf in Mach3 I find quite valuable.-Keith
-
Thanks Keith.
I will keep this in mind, as I am new to Cad & Cam stuff.
I currently use TurboCad v7.
Later.
-
I am here if you have any problems in LazyCam :)
-
When coverting .dxf's, the direction the line is drawn usually determiines direction of cut (unless the converter is joining lines, then all bets are off). try to make sure all your lines are drawn in the correct direction. Redraw if necessary.
-
I wonder if that holds true for the direction of circles and rectangles generated by 'center/diameter,etc.' Most any time I use a conversion I've 'built' the drawing using simple shapes such as mentioned and trimmed each shape using one another for the trim. I'll have to try a circle first generated from center to a negative radius and then one drawn using center and a positive radius ; although many times I will type in radius or diameter as a number,which in this case I suppose if I stuck to using 'radius'(versus diameter) as the second parameter,I could use a negative number.-Keith
-
Circles drawn in a CAD program don't usually have a direction, unless they are made up of line segments. If your drawing actual circles, and they are cutting the wrong way, you're probably out of luck. One way around it would be to convert the circle to a polyline arc, if your CAD program supports them. This should give it a direction.