Hi all

Can someone give me a run down on creating a gcode please?

I am using cut2d which I have used to create a dxf file and I then use lazycam to open it and post gcode to mach3.
When I open it in mach3 it looks totally different to what I created.

Do I need to set up the tool details and material details in lazycam as well as specifying them already in cut2d?

Thanks
Steve

Hey there Steve, welcome to the group !
Using Cut2D, there is no need to go through LazyCam. You would be best to just create the code right there with Vectric.
Cut 2D does it all, I think it will even post directly into Mach if it's running ... not sure tho, I do know SheetCam does.
There are some Vectric users her that are sure to help ya more,
Russ

Hi Overloaded

Thanks for the welcome.
I guess I need to rtfm again.
I never realized cut2d could output to other than dxf files.
i have now tried .gc and .tap as well however it is still opening oddly in mach3.

Should I be able to see the same shape as the file I created in mach3?

I made a sign with my daughters names on it and when I input it into mac3 it looks like a weird corkscrew shape.

Could be you need to change the IJ mode, its on General Config page.
Hood

It is set to inc at the moment.

Try it in Abs and see if the toolpath looks better.
Hood

STeve, have you selected the proper Post Processor in Cut2D ?
Use this one. (or mm)

I tried exporting as .txt for mach3. It is nearly right.
Changing from inc to abs in general config didn't work.

I can now see like a quarter of the item and it is miles away, I need to zoom in a lot to pick it out. I thought nothing was there to start with.

I also tried as an exercise to export it to .ngc and open it with linux's emc2 and it opens and displays perfectly.

I am positive the cut2d part is done correctly because I followed their tutorial to create it.

It must be a setting I haven't quite mastered in mach3.

Post the file if you dont mind.
Inch or MM ?
Where do you have the 0,0 origin placed ?

I use Cut2d and I always save mine as GCode Inch /Tap , and it always works fine.