Messages

21

General Mach Discussion / Re: Workflow with Mach

« on: July 22, 2009, 12:26:22 PM »

I am not sure. When I was playing with it earlier, it would not let me save all the toolpaths to one file if different tools were being used. Just assumed by that, each toolpath (requiring a different tool) would need to be loaded and run separately.

Someone correct me if my assumption is wrong on this (will ask at Vetrics forum too).

Dave

22

General Mach Discussion / Re: Workflow with Mach

« on: July 22, 2009, 11:23:01 AM »

OK, thanks for the reply. I'll look through the code Cut2D is creating and see if I spot that code any where.

Dave

23

General Mach Discussion / Workflow with Mach

« on: July 22, 2009, 10:11:12 AM »

Hi,

As my post count shows, I am new here and just in the beginning stages of learning CNC/Mach3. I wanted to list out what I *think* my workflow should be and see if I am on track. This is a very high level view of the workflow.

I am using TurboCAD, Vectric Cut2D, and Mach3.

1. Create design in TurboCAD, save to DXF format.
2. Open DXF in Cut2D, assign tools and generate toolpaths.
3. Save toolpaths to Gcode.
4. In Mach3, open first toolpath (for objects with more than one toolpath) and run job.
5. Toolpath complete - change out tool (calibrate Z axis)
6. Open second toolpath and run job
7. Repeat steps 5 & 6 as needed for more toolpaths.

Am I missing anything? I realize that some of these steps will have quite a few sub-steps, but I am thinking "big picture" at the moment.

Also, when I assign a tool in Cut2D, should that information be passed along to Mach3 or do I still need to adjust the tool settings in Mach3? For example, if I assign a end mill with .25 diameter for toolpath 1 and a half round 30 degree cutter for toolpath 2, should the code Cut2D generates provide that information or do I need to specify it in Mach3 also.

Thanks!

Dave

24

General Mach Discussion / Re: Toolpath display problem

« on: July 20, 2009, 10:38:32 AM »

OK, I may have figured this out (I'm at work right now and cannot verify). I think I need to set my table size in the Homing/Limits parameters. It hit me when watching the video tutorial for the second time that I did not do this. It's really amazing when that little light bulb goes off!

Hoping it will be this simple.

Dave

25

General Mach Discussion / Toolpath display problem

« on: July 20, 2009, 09:11:38 AM »

Hi,

This my first post asking for help as I am brand new to the CNC world. I've just finished setting up my machine and configuring Mach3. Everything is working, but whenever I load Gcode, the toolpath is zoomed out extremely far. I have to zoom in more than a dozen times before I can make out the path.

I've loaded several Gcode files, with the same results on each. I loaded roadrunner file and after zooming in so that I could see, ran it and it had no problems.

I assume I have inadvertently changed a setting, but don't know what it might be.

Any help would be appreciated!

Dave

26

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

« on: July 20, 2009, 09:03:20 AM »

Hello everyone!

I'm a new Mach user.... actually, everything CNC is completely new to me! 

I've purchased one of the Probotix units to learn with and use mainly for hobby purposes. I also hope to use it for light business purposes as I own a part time photography business and want to offer custom products such as engraved or decorative frames. My plan is use this machine to learn with and then upgrade to a larger machine at a later time.

I have a lot to learn but am excited about it! I just finished the setup of my mill this past weekend and for the most part, I think I have it all set to go. Looking forward to the journey! 

Dave