[kolias]

The attached indicate the 3/4" thick base of a wooden clock I will make (all in plywood). In the center there a slot which will accept the 3/4" thick clock frame. I'm confused with the comp. direction but I will say for the base perimeter cut I should select Right direction and for the slot cut I should select Left direction. Am I right?

The other problem I have is that I only have a 2 flute 1/8" cut diameter end mill with a max cut height of 1/2". So I will cut up to 1/2" deep and the rest I will use my jigsaw unless there is a place you may know selling the right end mill

Many thanks

[Superman]

Your choice, you are the programmer...
So, I assume for wood you wish to "upcut" ?
And machine the inside of the slot ?

When chaining for an operation, look at the arrows when you chain (BIG arrow is the direction of machining, small arrow is the offset side). Chaining direction is governed from nearest entity endpoint along the selected entity.

Wood generally wants upcutting (spindle turns CW, toolpath steps to right of contour = right compensation)

[kolias]

Will give it a try soon on a pc of scrap and take it from there
Thank you

[kolias]

I do not see any BIG/Small arrows and looking in the config didn't help. I remember I used to see these arrows. Can you please tell me where the setting is?
Thanks

[Superman]

I do not see any BIG/Small arrows and looking in the config didn't help. I remember I used to see these arrows. Can you please tell me where the setting is?
Thanks

It's not a setting, it's at the moment of selecting the geometry (or when you go to edit the operations "geometry selection"). It is important which way the chain direction goes, as when the comp side is set, your path would be OK or it'll cut on the side you want to keep.
You do want the toopath to be on the inside of the slot.

So, as I asked, if you wish to upcut the inside of the slot, your geometry should be chained CW, and (as you suggested) Right compensation. The path should show inside the slot.
Now, if you want to climb mill, your geometry should be chained CCW and compensation is Left.

HINT... your path will be faulty as it starts/stops in a corner... turn ON "Lead in/Lead out" and set check ON the "Start at midpoint" at the top of the dialogue box.


Use "Backplot" to see how the toolpath would replicate on the machine. Backplot is not checking the actual G-code you post process. It does not use any values you have set in the machine control.... ie lenght or radius comps, or the actual tool you have in that tool number

[kolias]

Such a great help Superman, thanks.

I didn't understand "upcut" before but now I understand and I do want to use upcut for the slot.

Your "hint" is much appreciated and I will do as you say

I use the backplot often and I find it very useful

My thanks again

[Superman]

You should have interactive help ( help depending where the cursor has been placed )
You should also have a "Documents" folder in the shared area

Look at printing the Quick Help card (laminate it), keep it handy, shows shortcuts etc

You may have a "Samples" folder that show how some toolpathing strategies work... these samples are also used in the eMastercam online courses.

[kolias]

I cant find how to set interactive help but I do have the Quick Help Card printed and handy however its so much to remember, takes lots of practice!

[kolias]

The post processing of a Mcx5 file has the .NC extension but my CNC runs with Mach3 and takes files with .TAP extension. Any way to convert .NC to .TAP?

[Superman]

The post processing of a Mcx5 file has the .NC extension but my CNC runs with Mach3 and takes files with .TAP extension. Any way to convert .NC to .TAP?

That's easy
Open your system configuration [alt-F8]
L-click "Post Dialog Defaults"
Change NC extension from .nc to .TAP

Ta-da.... save as you exit out

The actual files are identical, just changing the extension would have also worked.

Interactive help... open an operation, place cursor into a field & hit the ? on that dialog box

[kolias]

You are a treasure of helpful ideas Superman....and so easy,

Thank you

[kolias]

I did what you said but now it says ....it does not match the control definition settings.
I do not want to open a can of worms, perhaps its easier to change the extension manually from NC to TAP?

[Superman]

Bugger.... X5 is so old (like me))

It would need to be edited by opening the machine file (this configures your machine to your control, to your post processor... sort of creates a link file to 'build" your machine)

You editing needs to be done on the .control file after opening the machine file for making the change permanent.

After opening the control file, select "Files", then go to NC file extension field, & change it

Limit the number of changes, so not to stuff it up.... maybe copy the .mmd & .control files before any changing occurs.

[kolias]

Sound too complicated, will first try to change the NC to TAP and see the results

[MAZAKINTEGREX]

The attached indicate the 3/4" thick base of a wooden clock I will make (all in plywood). In the center there a slot which will accept the 3/4" thick clock frame. I'm confused with the comp. direction but I will say for the base perimeter cut I should select Right direction and for the slot cut I should select Left direction.

are you spinning your end mill clockwise? and going clockwise? then as for compensation leave at LEFT and COMPUTER you would want the cutter to cut your shape from OUTSIDE if you don't know wear compensation and if it's just wood that you're cutting I wouldn't worry about it.

[MAZAKINTEGREX]

looks like you got help already good luck

[kolias]

looks like you got help already good luck

Thanks for the help, I have lots of scraps to practice before the actual cut, price of darn plywood here has skyrocketed here so I dont want to have any waste