Re: new to cnc, need help with meshcam
You need to scale the stl by 25.4x when you bring it into MeshCAM, and make sure the units are all in mm's when working in MeshCAM.
You may need to reset the default settings in MeshCAM to mm's.
But you really shouldn't need to do this. If Mach3 is set up in mm's, loading G -code with a G20 should run correctly, as Mach3 will scale the code.
I still think it's a Mach3 setup issue, and nothing is wrong with the g-code.
Re: new to cnc, need help with meshcam
this code is in inches mesh cam is writing code in inches in this chase. not mm
use inch measurements when you define stock in mesh cam not 36mm but 1.41732283 inches 1 inch =25.4 mm The stock is probably not 1.41732283 inches thick your probably entering the wrong size thickness.
the code says the stock is .079 thick that's just over 1/16 of an inch. .0625 ?
in mesh cam the program will make the change to mm or inches by selecting the dot in define stock you don't enter new numbers.
before the job starts all the dro should read 0 {X Y Z} and the tool should be where you want to start cutting.
after you have the tool where you want to start cutting hit regen tool path and it will reset to start there
Re: new to cnc, need help with meshcam
is there an easy way to change mach3 to just work in inches? i think thats the only solution, this will break the machine. i think meshcam has problems translating it. the stl file is in inches, the machine/mach3 is in mm's, and meshcan support is a joke they don't even reply yet want to sell software...alternatively can anyone suggest a better software for a novice?
Re: new to cnc, need help with meshcam
Quote:
i think meshcam has problems translating it.
No, you just aren't doing something right.
Quote:
is there an easy way to change mach3 to just work in inches?
Config > Select Native Units. Select Inches, close and restart Mach3.
Config > Motor Tuning
Foe each axis:
Multiply Steps per by 25.4
Divide velocity by 25.4
Divide Acceleration by 25.4
Save Axis Settings.
Close and restart Mach3.
I'd recommend creating a new profile, and modifying that one.
- - - Updated - - -
Quote:
alternatively can anyone suggest a better software for a novice?
Try Deskproto maybe?
Re: new to cnc, need help with meshcam
i was choosing mm in meshcam but the gcode looks like it has mm and inches. apparently others have had the same issue. i switched to vectric aspire and now i have no problems. thanks for the input though
Re: new to cnc, need help with meshcam
I am not that familiar with Mach3, but it looks to me like the problem program was not calling a tool height (G43 H...) or a work offset (G54 - the offset may have a default, so that might not be an issue). The program you showed that you said did work had both callouts, so maybe that is the problem?