Topics

1

General Mach Discussion / First time engraving question

« on: November 24, 2011, 10:03:26 AM »

Hello all.
I have just done my first engraving test.
Everything appears fine on the CAD drawing and in the gcode that loads into mach3.
I have the word TEST in 25mm letters, centered on both X & Y
But. On the toolpath display only EST is showing. When I start the run, thats all that the machine engraves and it is certainly NOT in 25mm letters.I feel it is something to do with scaling, but cannot see anything in config that fixes the problem.
BTW when it stops engraving partly through the "E" there is still plenty of Gcode not run. This makes me think that the gcode is correct.
Any hints?

Thanks, in advance.
Muddy0409
(up the bush, in outback Australia)

2

G-Code, CAD, and CAM discussions / PCBs and mach 3

« on: November 22, 2011, 02:42:21 AM »

G'day everyone. A strictly new member here.
I use Protel Advanced PCB 3 for my board designs.
I assume I have to produce a G-code file from the drawing to give to the mach 3.
Can anyone suggest just how to convert protel .PCB files to G-code??
I am so new that I am only in the middle of setting up the Mach 3 program and connecting to my CNC.
I have had about 30 years at drawing PCBs, so I dont think there is any need to worry about the actual board design(s).
Thanks, in advance.