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Saving Tool Paths

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Robert Ferguson
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I just purchased Maker yesterday - I'm trying to save a model that has multiple tools.   I'm getting an error "The toolpaths 'Area clear - [1] End Mill 1/2 Inc' and ' Area Clear - [2] End mill 1/8 inch' use different tools and the selected postprocessor does not support toolchanging".

I use mach3 for my controller. and it's a 3 axis CNC.  I don't have an auto tool change so only manual tool changes.

Telling the controller is a simple to go to a tool change locations and disable the spindle motor is simply a matter of gcode.  Is MAker not able to do this or did I miss this setup step?

I'm sure I'm not the first to ask this question but I couldn't find it on the community board.

 

Thanks in advance.

-1

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    Carveco Support

    Hi Robert,

    Please confirm the:

    • manufacturer and model of your CNC machine;
    • exact Mach post processor option you're selecting from the Save Toolpaths dialog's Machine file format list in Carveco Maker; and
    • exact version and build of Mach3 that you're using alongside your CNC machine.

    In addition, if you want to share your Carveco Model file (*.art), please use the free WeTransfer service's Get Link option and include the download link when posting here: https://wetransfer.com/

    Thanks in advance for your time and cooperation.

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    Robert Ferguson

    Carveco Maker
    Version: 1.18
    Build: 2020-09-28-1034-ea87433f

    I'm choosing Mach3_4 (inch)(*.TAP) for the machine file format.

    4-Axis CNC Mach3 USB Motion Controller Card Interface Breakout Board
    USB Interface Board STB4100

    mach3 version r3.043.066

    https://we.tl/t-CzC5HBqDX6

    Thanks - and I hope this helps.

    Robert

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    Carveco Support

    Hi David,

    Many thanks for sharing that information along with your LilBearPause-Finial.art file.

    Where your machine does not have a tool changer, you need to save each toolpath which makes use of a different bit separately; the Save Toolpaths dialog's Save toolpaths to separate files check box provides for this.

    You would start by machining your Area Clear - [1] End Mill 1/2 Inch toolpath, manually change your bit and then machine the Area Clear - [2] End Mill 1/8 Inch toolpath, change your bit and then machine both of your Profile toolpaths.

    If you want the CNC machine to travel to somewhere other than 0,0 between each toolpath, you must specify your preferred Home Position when calculating each of your toolpaths.

    If you have any further questions or requests, please do not hesitate to ask.

    Thanks again for your time and consideration.

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    Robert Ferguson

    Thanks for replying - Other software I've used - specifically I'm thinking of Fusion 360 - it would create a single file, stop the tool and allow you to do a manual tool change then restart the machine.  To me, that's easier than loading another file in to mach3.  Also, I'd say there was a higher degree of loosing 0,0 when you load another file. I'd submit this as a feature enhancement.   

    All in all, I like Maker.   It has the features and ease of use, at a price, (as a hobbyist) I can afford.

    Thanks,

    Robert

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    Carveco Support

    Hi Robert,

    Many thanks for your response, and for your feedback regarding Carveco Maker.

    If you'd like to submit a feature request, you're most welcome to post to the Community's Feature Discussion area.

    Thanks again for your time and consideration.

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