Hi Brian 2.66 it was with the download of mach 3 from artsoft site
i have found that if in the options when you ask it to make gcode plunge clearance is set to 0 if set it to 0.1 the it creates code with z at 0.1
if set 0 then it gives no z at all
it may be that i am missing somthing vital here as i am no expert and have only just started to try to de engraving with my equipment
thanks for you reply bill
sample of code
N5 (File )
N10 (Default Mill Post)
N15 (File Posted in Mill Mode)
N20 (Monday, December 04, 2006)
N25 G90 G80 G40 G91.1
N30 G0 Z0.0000
N35 X65.5851 Y99.7922
N40 M3
N45 Y98.7634
N50 Y97.7346
N55 Y96.7059
N60 Y95.6771
N65 Y94.6483
N70 Y93.6195
N75 Y92.5907
N80 Y91.5619
N85 Y90.5331
N90 Y89.5044
N95 Y88.4756
N100 Y87.4468
N105 Y86.4180
N110 Y85.3892
N115 Y84.3604
N120 Y83.3316
N125 Y82.3029
N130 Y81.2741
N135 Y80.2453
N140 Y79.2165
N145 Y78.1877
N150 Y77.1589
N155 Y76.1301
N160 Y75.1014
N165 Y74.0726
N170 Y73.0438