Is there a way to "dry run" a program? Meaning run the g codes with the spindle (waterjet water) and coolant (abrasive flow) disabled?
Sometimes we need to trace cut the program once to make sure we have it positioned on the sheet correctly. Also is there a hotkey to turn on the spindle and a hotkey for the coolant? This would be handy for scrap cutting.
Thanks in advance.

Inhibit Z, then modify your M codes that turn on water and abrasive to recognize whether inhibit Z is on.

F5 is spindle I think

Let your CAM include the Skip Block function for the M3 and M8, \M3 & \M8 . To run dry then click on block delete and run the code. If all is well then turn OFF block delete and cut away.

I have a routine that is a button for dry runs. It turns on block delete and sets the scale for Z at .001. That way the Z really never moves much. It also steps up the Feedrate to 200 %. A second button sets it all back to normal.

Just a thought, (;-) TP

I am not sure if z inhibit will work as I only use x & y.

Then just add a button to turn on a LED.  In your M codes for water and abrasive, look at that LED.

Then just add a button to turn on a LED.  In your M codes for water and abrasive, look at that LED.

Could you expand on that? Would we modify the visual basic that operates the m codes? Would we add the button in the screen designer or will a hotkey turn on & off an led? Thanks

What Terry Said,

Scott

Add a button and LED in screen designer.  In the water and abrasive M codes, add some if statements something like....

If LED is on, turn on water and abrasive....else....turn it off.

The block delete method works also, but if you have employees running the machine who don't have a don't have a good understanding of CNC and Mach3, a button that says "DRY RUN" and an LED beside it is a lot more intuitive.   

I will try that! Thanks!!