Messages

1

LazyCam (Beta) / Press "S" for "rat" Is there a way to slow down the "rat"?

« on: June 26, 2008, 12:43:44 PM »

Once a cut path is plotted, pressing the "S" key activates the "rat", a small blob that follows the cut paths.  Problem is, on a simple 2d cut like a rectangle, the rat goes so incredibly fast, one cannot tell if the cut path and those of nearby entities is / are correct. is there a keystroke(s) that will control the rat's speed?

Thanks Luv2cCNC

2

LazyCam (Beta) / Re: Lazycam making multiple passes when only one desired

« on: June 19, 2008, 09:11:04 AM »

Thanks for the advice !  My speed problem is with the "rat" (which is called forth by pressing the "S" key when viewing an lCam file). the rat traces out the tool path so you can visuall verify the path.  Speed with the machine in G-code is fine fine. 

The advice with plunge depth and safe Z worked perfectly. Thanks Chaoticone.

My continuing problem is when Lcam plots a tool path for a rectangle (for example) it will cut one side, do a qick traverse in the oposite direction (right over the previous cut) cut the next side, do a quick traverse...etc etc...    In lcam, the rectangle will appear to be, and highlight as,  1 chain.  If open the chain there a re many many moves (entities) to cut it. re ordering entities does not seem to solve the problem.  I would like the tool to trace out the object (chain) in one continious cut.   

I do see the little yellow arrows that indicate cut direction, but often they are pointing in a direction that is not optimal.  Is there a way to change them?

Thank you again
Bill

3

LazyCam (Beta) / Lazycam making multiple passes when only one desired

« on: June 18, 2008, 05:27:03 PM »

Brand new at this, So please laugh loudly if applicable.

Using a plasma table with no Z axis. Mach III is up and running well (I think).   Tried Lazy cam for the first time today. Imported a DXF (simple rectangular parts).  I can't seem to get LCam to plot a sensible tool path. It will cut and recut the same line several times over before moving to the next. Between each cut, LCam has generated code that raises the Z axis 6.0 in. then lowers it before peoceeding. How can I eliminate this unnecessary pausing while moving a nonexistant axis? setting all Z axis parameters to 0 in LCam does not fix the problem. Also, the relay for the plasma turns on and remains on during the Z axis cycle.   Last question: How can I slow down the "rat"? it goes so fast there is no way to see what the tool path is.   What am I doing wrong and how do I fix it? 

Thanks in advance for any help. 

4

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: New people welcome !! Come in here and introduce your self!

« on: June 18, 2008, 04:35:31 PM »

Hello, My name is Bill. 
After a 22 year career in Naval Aviation, I bought a used, poorly fabricated cnc table to make some parts for my many automotive projects.  Wound up making many improvements to the table (live and learn) , upgraded the software, and replaced the computer etc. Used the machine sucessfully for about a year and a half.  Moved cross country and built a new house and shop (myself) took almost 5 years.
Just dug my machine out of mothballs, added a new computer and MachIII.  Learning curve was steep at first, but i have thus far gotten the machine sorted out and operating as it should. I am now trying to learn to use LazyCam to turn my DXF's into g code so I can actually cut something