Machsupport Forum
G-Code, CAD, and CAM => G-Code, CAD, and CAM discussions => Topic started by: TMan on November 13, 2008, 06:37:32 PM
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I'm totally new to the CNC world. My interests has lead me to this site.
I have ViaCad V6 and have taken sometime with it, now I'm looking CAM. My interest is turning. I hope to pair all with Mach3 /LTurn in the future. Not looking for high dollar stuff, just a good reliable program highly compatible with the mentioned. Thanks!
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Hi TMan,
If your intersted in turning and want to try out of your software, why not practice some with it and post some profiles for testing. There is a thread on LazyTurn ( which is different than Lazy CamTurn ) just in the early making which you can fool around with.
Turning is also available in LazcamTurn which comes with Mach but requires a license for gcode generation. Lazycam turn will be replaced by Lazyturn. Hmm....... sounds like to many turns .
RICH
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Thanks. Been doing a lot of reading. Much more to it than I expected, but, I'm all for a challenge!
Biggest hurdle I've got to cross at this time is a computer...my new laptop has no parrel port....so, I'm researching what can be done.
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One option would be to use the USB port using a Smooth Stepper ( SS ) or find a tower but suggest not one with on-board graphics because you "may" end up needing a SS.
RICH
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Thanks! Yeah, I don't think my new laptop would be a good choice. Vista done fine until the updates got to coming. It went from steady to very erratic...plus, I do have a lot of graphic stuff on it I need.
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TMAN
Take a look in FAQ thread as there are number of posts relating to computer requirements there.
RICH
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Ok, made a solid piece on my ViaCad and exported as a dwg file V12. Tried to inport into lazycam. No dice. What am I missing? Do I need a CAM program to go along with lazycam?
I'm in the trial version of Mach3...
Would I be better of to go ahead and download lazyturn? Will lazyturn digest the dwg file from ViaCad?
Yeah, I'm new, and don't understand a lot of this stuff....BUT, I will!
Thanks!
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Lazyturn is just in the development stage but i would suggest you follow along and help out if you wish as it will
be a neat program and will replace LazycamTurn.
Lazycam Turn will only import a DXF file. Post the DXF file if you have a problem and i will take a look.
RICH
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Thanks Rich! I went back and made the file DXF. Still won't load. I get a message saying program not responging, send error report...
Wouldn't be suprised if the problem goes back to cad, being I'm still learning that too!
Thanks!
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Hi, TMan
Your dxf is 3-D, You need to draw the profile in 2-D for LCam to load it or use a Cad/Cam program to work with it as is.
edit: Draw it in std. X Y view, LazyTurn will post the G-code in X Z for turn/lathe use.
Chip
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THANK YOU!
I've always had the tendency to over complicate things....HA!
This new venture is really making me use my noggin for a change....
Thanks Gentlemen!
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Went back and done a 2D...
Now when I load up to lazycam, my curvature lines between points 1/2/3 straighten out.
I'm in trail version of Mach, is this the reason? OR, do I need to go back to ViaCad...?
Thanks!!
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TMan ,
her is a link to some basic info on lazycam that will help you. http://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php/topic,8426.0.html
Your dxf file shows no curvature and also note that with the additional lines drawn you will have a hard time
with it in lazycam so take a look at the manual.
I don't know anything about Viacad so can't help you on the dxf which it produces..
RICH
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Thanks Rich!
Already downloaded the manual there. Benn going over it...think I'm trying to take too much info in this old head to quick....
Really think those additional lines added will be a problem? Really something that I need....
Thanks Again!
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Hi, TMan
Hear are some pic's of your dxf
# 1 is as you drew it, to much Info.
# 2 is as needed to generate a profile.
# 3 is pic of code generated.
# 4 is G-code to load in Mach3 Turn.
Getting late no time to exp further, tonight, Chip
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Thank you Chip!
I see what I done wrong, I'm still adding too much 3D info. Need only the outside demensions. Was very suprised to see the text box show up in my referance points 1/2/3 I added to try and explain where the curvature lines should be and show on my end. I need to spend more time finding out why this is...and what to do about it.
Thank You again Gentlemen! Thank You!
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Hi, TMan
Hears the DXF file of profile I used. Used LazyTurn to generate the Rough path and LazyCam to generate the Finish path.
Then combined the 2 post's and edited them into 1 post "G-code" File.
It's a pretty steep learning curve, The DXF's you use for generating your G-code need to Only have the Final Profile.
Hope this Helps, Iet us Now.
Thanks, Chip
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Thank You Chip!
Yeah, I contacted ViaCad about the curvature turning to lines. I was told that I would have to go with Shark FX @ $1795 to avoid that....WAY to steep for a hobby...being all I need is something that can do a few curves in 2D...
So, I'm going to have to search for something else....I'm sure the $100 I wasted on the ViaCad and time spent to learn what I did won't be the last in this journey..
SO, does anyone have a suggestion where I may look to find a program that will do 2D with curves and work with Mach3 Lazycam Turn? Really don't need anything high end, just do what the above files show, w/a few curves. The files posted is as complicated as I have need for. No milling, just lathe in mind. Nothing more. I won't be designing transmissions for a dump truck....
Fellas, I really appreciate your time! It means more to me than you know!
Thanks!
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Have a look at CAMBAM, its free to try and only $149.00 to buy if it fits you needs.
It is mainly for mill work but will produce lathe profiles and export as DXF for LazyCAM.
http://www.cambam.co.uk/
Graham
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Gentlemen, the problem has been solved! It was as simple as converting the splined curvature to polyline!!
I say simple...it kept me awake last night!!
I can't express how happy I am!!
Thanks to all of you that responded to my post! There was a lesson learned in each and every post here for me!
Thanks Again!
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Keep in mind that polygonal lines are segmented. This may or may not be of any concern to you. If you have a profile with curves, segmented arcs are not ideal.
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Keep in mind that polygonal lines are segmented. This may or may not be of any concern to you. If you have a profile with curves, segmented arcs are not ideal.
That appears to be something I ran into last night. Not sure what to do about it...but I'm not giving up. Always seems to be an answer or solution, just have to find it.
I noticed in one place where the polyline changed into about 75 bits of information in a place the size of a pencil eraser and adout the same rate of curvature if one was to 1/4 it.
Anyone got a suggestion to reduce this?
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On some cam systems you can curve fit, this will produce arcs from many small lines to a approximation of the original.
Graham
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Thanks!!!
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I think almost every software has it's own methods of madness. Some give options for exporting methods to different formats, while others may not. If you can convert your splines into nurbs, that might be of help. Exporting as an .IGES, .STL, 3dm, or solidworks file, might work. Usually when I find a method that works, I write it down, so as not to go through the madness to find the method again.
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Thanks Sam!
I've been spending a lot of time with the program. Trying different things, writing stuff down, just as suggested.
I'm moving forward.
Thanks Again for the help fellas!