[REM]

Hello, I am using Mastercam X3 and trying to do some simply engraving on a flat piece of steel. I went to (create) and then (letters) and then positioned the simple stick letters on my part. My question is how do I create a tool path to follow the simple stick letters? I'm wanting to use a 1/8 ball cutter. It's nothing fancy, just for idenification purpose. Any help would be appreciated.
thank Ron

[chakaloso]

The way I do it. I go to create letters first. Then I do a contour toolpath and select each letter. If you are using and end mill 1/8 got to XY stock to leave .062

That will do it.

[TheMadEtcher]

I chain all the letters then turn my cutter comp from computer to off. This way the tool path will follow the center of the line of your geometry. This way there is no need to change your X Y stock to leave. This way it keeps it simple.

[Superman]

use 2D contour

select the chains
select the tool

Contour parameter settings
Clearance = 1.0
use only at start/end = check ON
feedplane = 0.04 incr
top of stock = 0 incr
depth = ( say -0.01 ) incr
comp type = OFF
XY stock = 0
Z stock = 0
depths = OFF
Lead in/out = OFF

[WallyL7]

Create the letters like you have, then just click the contour toolpath. Window around the letters and then it prompts you to click a start point. Click where you want to start, and it will grab all the other numbers or letters that are inside the window.

Then set your compensation type to off (like the mad etcher kind of said). This is a simple way to get text.