[holymackerel]

Hi, I just started using MadCAM. my problem is - that the retract height is going above the stock box too much, My CNC has a very limited Z depth, and it is going about 30mm above the stock, which I set so it doesn't go across the unmachined areas when it moves to the next stage. Does the program have an option for a higher retract from a machining step and not go above a certain height compared to the stock box also?

My machine is an Oozenest Workbee Z1, I am using a 600mmx600mmx60mm foam board for a guitar cut prototype (I heard I could lower the baseboard to below the frame, although I really would like getting this done in the software.)

[williamsmotower]

Safe Z. Unchecked that box in settings. Settings is in toolbar gear icon.

[holymackerel]

No luck, I recalculated it after changing the settings and it was exactly the same. Anything lower than a 35mm safe clearance and it cuts through the stock material harshly, so I can not reduce it either.

[williamsmotower]

Not there. Click on gear in Madcam toolbar. There is a box safe Z.

Also, when post processing you type in XYZ. I have my model in correct location in CAD... type 0,0, then put my Z height a safe number so it won't gouge part in retracts and moves. This Z value isn't the 0 of part... but distance above part for safe movements

[holymackerel]

I recalculated it on both. Safe clearance above the model box does not change it to adding or removing a safe clearance above the model box.

[williamsmotower]

Check box, view your code... then uncheck, view code. It should change.

[holymackerel]

The post-processed code showed z65 after both saves. Do the changes show in the GUI?

[holymackerel]

Fixed!

I thought that the options menu was for restricting it to the box or not, it was for retracting to the top instead of a distance from the drill down.

I set the safe clearance to 1mm and 'set the safe clearance above the model box' setting on, and now I have the retract going 1mm above the box every time.

Thank you for nudging me in the right direction.