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Author Topic: Which post processor  (Read 6181 times)

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Which post processor
« on: November 10, 2012, 10:47:50 AM »
I have a DIY CNC machine I built from "Build your own CNC machine", I have Vcarve Pro 6.5 and I use Mach 3. My question is which Mach 3 post processor should I use from the list offered in Vcarve? I have just been using the G code which is a .tap file. It works but my engraving is a little off and I am thinking it's cause I am not using the right post processor.  Thanks for any help.
Safe machining everyone

Offline ger21

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Re: Which post processor
« Reply #1 on: November 10, 2012, 10:53:54 AM »
It's unlikely that the post is your problem, but you should be using one of the Mach2_3 ... posts. Usually the ATC posts, if you want to do tool changes.
Gerry

2010 Screenset
http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2010.html

JointCAM Dovetail and Box Joint software
http://www.g-forcecnc.com/jointcam.html
Re: Which post processor
« Reply #2 on: November 10, 2012, 11:04:20 AM »
what do you mean tool changes? what during the middle of a cut? whats the difference between the ATC posts and the ARCS?
Safe machining everyone

Offline ger21

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Re: Which post processor
« Reply #3 on: November 10, 2012, 11:12:39 AM »
You always want to use the arc posts.
Use the ATC posts if you're using more than one tool in your g-code. The ATC posts add a toolchange command for mach3 to stop so you can change tools.
Gerry

2010 Screenset
http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2010.html

JointCAM Dovetail and Box Joint software
http://www.g-forcecnc.com/jointcam.html
Re: Which post processor
« Reply #4 on: November 10, 2012, 11:18:32 AM »
thanks. so far i have not figured out how to save more than one tool path at a time. does saving my tool path as an ATC automatically save all the tool paths i have generated?
Safe machining everyone

Offline ger21

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Re: Which post processor
« Reply #5 on: November 10, 2012, 11:22:46 AM »
Yes, but you need to select them all, and check the box that says "Output all visible toolpaths to one file"
Gerry

2010 Screenset
http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2010.html

JointCAM Dovetail and Box Joint software
http://www.g-forcecnc.com/jointcam.html
Re: Which post processor
« Reply #6 on: November 10, 2012, 11:26:35 AM »
Thanks vey much
Safe machining everyone