[Rob37]

Is there a setting that I am missing in Mach3 that raises the cutting head above the work surface before moving to the first cut area? When I zero out my work surface than hit cycle start the cutting head stays at zero to move to the first cut. This can cause big problems if the surface is uneven or clamps are involved. Is there some setting that I am not aware of in Mach3 to retract from zero for the first cut move?

Thanks
Rob 37

[WayneHill]

Rob37,

The first line of the program can be X0. Y0. Z.1

[ger21]

Once you hit cycle start, Mach 3 does what the code tells it to do. AS Wayne said, the typical way of doing things is for the first line of g-code to raise the tool.

Another thing you could do, is goto safeZ after zeroing. But you'll still be at the mercy of the g-code, so you're g-code really should be handling the issue.

[Rob37]

Thanks Lots

Hey you two, thanks for such good info and a quick response. I'm still such a newbie at this stuff that sometimes it makes me feel like a real bonehead.

Rob37