Messages

3761

G-Code, CAD, and CAM discussions / Re: questions about tool changes....

« on: February 15, 2012, 10:40:20 AM »

I don't use RhinoCAM, so can't really help there.

You may find it's easier to modify the M6Start macro to move to your safe Z height. Mach3 can be configured to stop and wait for Cycle Start in General Config, Toolchange section.

Generally, if you don't have an ATC, or fixed length tooling, you need to re-zero the Z axis. If you have fixed length tooling, and the values entered in the tooltable, then you should use tool length offsets, G43.

Your code should specify coordinates in either machine coordinates (with G53), or in the current offset. It's up to you how you want to do it.

3762

G-Code, CAD, and CAM discussions / Re: Choosing a CAM Software!?

« on: February 14, 2012, 06:02:21 PM »

Of the 3, I've only used MeshCAM so can't really compare it.

Here's my take as it relates to MeshCAM:
1) Toolpaths are overall very good. I see some strange things with arc fitting, but to be honest, they won't detract from the finished part. And Cut3D doesn't even have arc fitting.
2) Who's definition? Plenty of hobbiests use it, but also plenty of people are probably making money with it. Keep in mind that MeshCAM was originally developed for one thing. To create toolpaths from meshes. There are better options if you want to machine solid models, but they'll cost 10x more.
3) It doesn't get much easier, and it now has a wizard to do a lot of the work for you, if you want super easy.
4) Very fast, even on my 5 years old PC. But, speed is very dependent on many things. Model size, tolerance setting, memory available, and processor all come into play.
5) Limited in file types, as it was mainly designed to import .stl's only. It'll also import .dxf's, but you may need to know your CAM program VERY well to be able to use .dxf, as MeshCAM can only read 3D face entities in a .dxf file. If you don't know how to get your CAM program to create 3D faces, then .dxf import may not work for you.
6) Definitely
7) MeshCAM is in constant development. Cut 3D development stopped years ago, when it was released.

RhinoCAM is not really in the same class as MeshCAM, so it's not really an apples to oranges comparison.

3763

General Mach Discussion / Re: Getting Disillusioned with Mach3.

« on: February 13, 2012, 05:22:50 PM »

The Mach3 driver doesn't work on a 64bit OS. Without that driver, no parallel ports will work with Mach3.

3764

General Mach Discussion / Re: Getting Disillusioned with Mach3.

« on: February 13, 2012, 04:35:46 PM »

these problems need fix fast as win xp 32 bit will be gone very soon as in next 12 month a stable 64 bit version needs to be done now

It's more likely that parallel port support will go away then be ported to a 64bit OS. Plenty of people are using Mach3 right now on Windows 7 x64 with the Smoothstepper and KFlop, and probably other devices as well. It appears that the future is external hardware, and if it is, then it's already here.

3765

G-Code, CAD, and CAM discussions / Re: Meshcam Help!

« on: February 12, 2012, 01:27:51 PM »

My choice probably wouldn't be the same as yours.
I'd recommend keeping the PC you have to run your machine, and buy a new one for CAD/CAM.

I use a $20 PC to run my router, and I'm planning on spending about $2000 on a new PC for CAD/CAM.

When I build a new router next year, I'll probably use a Smoothstepper for that.

3766

VB and the development of wizards / Re: check username in a script

« on: February 12, 2012, 01:23:52 PM »

That's a very good idea. But, I don't think it's possible.

3767

G-Code, CAD, and CAM discussions / Re: Meshcam Help!

« on: February 12, 2012, 10:34:29 AM »

The RAM is most likely the issue. You really need 2 GB to use MeshCAM and have it be reasonable fast. My PC is about 5 years old, and would probably create the code in less than 1 minute with those settings.

If you uncheck 3D roughing, it should be quite a bit faster.

3768

General Mach Discussion / Re: Newbie needs help!

« on: February 12, 2012, 08:39:28 AM »

Another thing that I'm having problems with is Meshcam, my z's are always positive in my g-code so its cutting above the stock.  I'm sure its because I'm not really familiar with Meshcam yet and I'm on the 30 day trial period.  Anyone familiar with Meshcam or know where I could find help for this software?  

Make sure you're using a Mach3 post, and also make sure you set Z zero to the top of stock or top of model.
There's a MeshCAM forum here. http://www.grzsoftware.com/forum/

Where in Michigan are you?

3769

General Mach Discussion / Re: Circle centre V1 by German Bravo

« on: February 12, 2012, 06:46:06 AM »

Like this?
http://youtu.be/o88Hf6JQwvg

3770

G-Code, CAD, and CAM discussions / Re: Meshcam Help!

« on: February 12, 2012, 06:41:44 AM »

As for my tolerance setting I believe it is at .01 in. Should it be any lower?

If you're working in mm's, try .02 or .03
How large is the model?
What is your stepover?
Id it the roughing, or finishing that takes so long?
What kind of processor is in your PC?

The printer ports are on the Smoothstepper. But they aren't the same as real printer ports. Mach3 sends the commands to the Smoothstepper via ethernet, and the Smoothstepper sends the signals out of it's "printer ports". The reason you can't use Mach3 on a 64bit OS with printer ports is that the printer port driver won't work. The SS doesn't need the printer port driver, because the PC isn't using a printer port.