[Metacom]

ok.....so i'm working on a project and through Aspire->Lcam->Mach3 have successfully made this.
2/23/15 - 1.mov - YouTube

Later I had made this in Vcarve.
*see attached .DXF

After RTFM i found out how to save as gcode using CNCRP's recommended MACH2/3 post. I ran the code and the Z dropped down about 3/4 into my spoil board which was properly zero'd. Then ramped up and over and began to properly cut the vcarve path that i had intended to, but did so roughly .125 inches ABOVE the spoilboard. Then when it went to the rapid height it dropped down and cut that out. I'm not ashamed to admit that it's probably something unbelievably simple that i overlooked but my brain is TOAST!!!!!! I've gotten this far on my own and i hope someone can help me out ! Thanks

[Metacom]

My best guess is that it is something in Mach 3. Something with IJ ? I even loaded the "open" sign sample dxf and posted it the same way. When i ran it i got the same results.

[Metacom]

Why does Lazycam not recognize the vacarve toolpath? Instead it just profile cuts on the vector...

[ger21]

You can't load toolpaths into LazyCAM. I'm assuming you loaded your .dxf file into LazyCAM.

The .dxf file doesn't tell anyone anything about your problem. You should post the g-code, and the V Carve Pro file.

Without that information, all I can do is guess.

And why are you going from Aspire to LazyCAM??

[Metacom]

I am completely new to this but know enough to get started. obviously i need to read a lot more. Here is the Gcode and pardon my ignorance.

[Metacom]

And yes i meant .DXF into lazycam and i'm not sure why i'm using it either as i've found out it's not too great.

edit* i'm guessing now after reading more that i don't need it?

[ger21]

Are you sure that your Z axis is not backwards? Z+ is up, and Z- is down.
Your g-code looks correct, but from what you're describing, you have your Z axis backwards.

[Metacom]

That's exactly what i was thinking but it sounded too crazy. I have a dual drive gantry and got X and A backwards but that was an obvious and easy fix. If the z is opposite would i have to change all of the values in Gcode for z to - instead of positive or vice versa ? or set it in Mach3 ? Thanks again for your help.

Edit* the video shows everything working fine the first time posting from lazycam. If i post from Vcarve; i get the possible polar opposite Z weirdness. It might be best to get to the shop and shoot a video of it actually happening. I know i zero'd the bit to the top of the board but the first thing it does is plunge really deep and then ramp up diagonally above the work area leaving only the rapids.

[ger21]

Just jog up and see which way the DRO is counting. It should count up as the axis moves up.

[victorofga]

Gerry


he has a very deep point in the logo
I think for the logo he should set depth limit..

the bit sink 5 times.. and deepest point is 0.5759

mightbe that was what he seen weird..

[Metacom]

That's about right. It happens immediately; but only once. I'll be in the shop tomorrow and take a video and now that I remember, when I jog the Z up I have to hit page down and i assume it should be page up.

[Metacom]

Just found these...

Basic Mach3 Setup - Marchant Dice Wiki
Reverse an Axis - Marchant Dice Wiki

[Metacom]

ALRIGHT !!!!! after many hours of reading and head scratching i can happily report that it was a stupid error that was right in front of my face. what i did was go into Mach3 ->config->homing/limits and reverse the Z. I ran that same code and all worked out well. Thanks

[ger21]

I told you that 3 days ago.