Here is a Link to the "Profile Shapes Wizard" Screen it has quick pick buttons for:

Ellipse/Circle, Rectangle, Triangle, Octagon, Pentagon, Hexagon, and  Multi-sided Polygon (as long as the number of side go evenly into 360deg)

This Simple Wizard cuts the center of the tool along the shape, so if you want to offset it in or out, you will need to edit in your G41/42 depending on direction, or just make your Profile One Tool Radius smaller or Larger than the hole you want to cut.


EDIT!!!!  ****** 04Oct2010 ****

Graham noticed a typo in the compile code, so it has been fixed and reposed HERE, (with the tool offset options)!!!!


Scott

Here is the Profile Wizard updated with the ability to offset your Tool to the inside or outside of the profile.

Scott

EDIT :- attachment removed as it is no longer valid, see first posting for latest version.

Hello Poppabear

I just downloaded your wizard screen, but before I start, can you give me a brief instruction on inserting it into my Wizard program inside Mach3. This is going to be great because I need to cut a hex pocket. Thank you.

Fred

The download has a Readme for instructions, but it goes in your addons folder.

I would like to thank you for writing this wizard, but I don't understand the code this is outputting.  I am pretty much a CNC newbie...have read a lot and now trying to put it to use.

I wanted a hex shape with the center at X2.600  Y1.5538. 

It will generate code for cutting a hex, but I don't understand how to make it cut where I want it to.

Something I really don't understand is the calling out for G54, then G55 work offsets.
 
I kind of thought of these as using one as the offset for a mounted vise(knee mill) and another for a mounted
rotary table or such.

It's probably just me being thick headed, anyway here's the code generated(I tried 2 different computers with the same results).

Thanks,
Mike

o0001
#1=60
#4=0.5625
#5=0.6625
#7=0.375
#8=0.425
G40 G80 G69
G49
T1
M6
G54 X0 Y0 Z0
S 2200 F4
M3
G00 G55 X0.65625 Y0.425
G43 Z0
G01 Z-0.02 F2
#2=#1
M98 P2 L6
G00 Z0
G90 G00 X0 Y0
G49
G54 X0 Y0 Z0
M30
o0002
F4
G01 X[#4 * Cos[#2] / 2 + #7] Y[#5 * Sin[#2] / 2 +#8]
#2=[#2+#1]
M99

I don't think its you, I have had a look at Scott's code and it looks faulty to me, I have sent him a message so I can discuss it with him.

Graham

Thanks Graham.

Most appreciated.


Mike

See POST #1 above, the screen set has been fixed and reposted BACK in the #1 post........ it is the screen with the optional tool offset path as well....

scott

Thanks Scott for the fixed program.

Graham

Hahahhaha...........  Thank you Graham!!   

   I should quit whining........

Scott