I bought the licensed version of Mach3 and according to the manual I can perform a direct import of a BMP or JPG and of course DXF etc.... But in the manual, it stated the "Import File" option is under the File menu... I only have Load G-Code, Lazy Cam (which I do have as well), Close Files, and Exit.... Under File in my program. Am I mis-understanding something? I tried to import an image in Lazy Cam but I was under the impression I could just import into Mach3. Any help is appreciated!

Thanks,

-Ed-

Hi, Ed

When LazyCam came out, BMP, JPG and DXF importing was transfered to LazyCam.

There is a standalone importer that the earlier ver. of Mach3 used that should still work I think.

Maybe someone nows what Ver. it was in, I'll look around some.

Thanks, Chip

Chip,

     Thank you for the reply and info. I am sure LazyCam is good, but seems difficult to understand given I am kinda new to all this. I was hoping for something like the BMP2CNC program I have seen others talk about. Maybe I should sit down and read through the documentation for LazyCam as I am sure it has way more features and capabilities. I need to learn all I can anyway! Ha Ha!

     Are there docs yet for LazyCam? I did not see any in the documentation list on the site. I did watch the basic tutorial video, but that did not help me figure out how to successfuly import images. I did learn a little about chains, entities, etc.....

Thanks again!

-Ed-

Hi, Ed

The old file is Mach1Filter for hpgl, jpg and bmp's, Below.

It's probably better to learn LC, It's not bad.

Thanks, Chip

It is Mach3 version R1.84.000 that will allow the direct import of HPGL,BMB,JPG and DXFs

Great! Thank you for the file Chip!

I will give that a shot until I get more familiar with LazyCam.....

-Ed-

What's a reasonable step-over for creating a detailed tap file for photos?  It appears to default at 0.001". I was just wondering if that was a bit of overkill.

Thanks,
Vogavt

Depends on the resolution you wish to achieve and how long you have got to complete the project but for postcard sized Lithophanes I use 0.5 mm as standard and 0.25 mm for best.

I use inches format and typically I get good results with a .01" step over. I base my step over on the size of my bit used to cut but find .01" is at least a good place to start and adjust as needed from there after a test run.

Ed

just what i need, thanks.