Tool Selection?

[herbk]

Hi Josh,
after exporting the gcode File contends the correct values.

005.jpg (77.1 KiB) Viewed 1302 times

Im not sure, but think to remember, that linuxcnc ignores values for the rapid move and takes allways the values stored in the machine.

[sliptonic]

I betcha you're generating your gcode by selecting either the operation or the job and using the File->Export.. menu option.

Try just hitting the post-process button.

[JoshM]

I wouldn't take that bet as I'd lose it... Yes, thanks...

On that file I posted, on the Pocket operation, if I ask for Spiral and drop from 67% down to 33%, Freecad hangs every time...

Thanks,
-Josh

[sliptonic]

On that file I posted, on the Pocket operation, if I ask for Spiral and drop from 67% down to 33%, Freecad hangs every time...

Known bug.
Several of the alternate offset patterns that Path.Area uses are...shall we say....'experimental' Best to stick with zigzag and offset for real work.

[JoshM]

Thanks Brad--will do.

Herbk, thanks for your reply. I'm still confused--I get the same as what I posted when I open in GWizard's simulator--am I being dumb?

Regards,
Josh

[JoshM]

OK--just tried out Path Output and cut some Delrin. I separated out Facing and Cutting to use a 3/8" bit for facing, a 3/16" for pocketing, helixing, drilling... The result isn't bad--I didn't run break anything in hardware at least....

Couple notes:
1. Facing operation would miss the first pass if I didn't extend the Material Allowance from 4mm to 8mm. You can see the missing first pass in Freecad, I just didn't notice it...

2. The final pocket cut is wrong on the 2nd pocket I did, but correct on the first... It misses a pass.

3. I wanted to pocket a floor depth, then helix holes into it, but with because the holes exist in the 3d-model, the pocket operation cuts around them, leaving a fraction of a mill column. Did I miss the intended method to allow me to sweep over the holes that I want to cut after pocketing? In this case, I helixed first to clear that spot, then pocketed....

Attached is a picture showing the missing pass and the remainders around the helix hole...

Not bad for first try. Thanks for the hard work and help with driving.

Regards,
Josh

[herbk]

Hi Josh,
which postprozesser did you select?
I'm wondering, if i export the gcode i get shown a .tab extension for the file. Linuxcnc uses .ngc, but with a own file i got no extension preselectet.

[JoshM]

Hi Herb,
I used LinuxCNC as the post processor. My guess is I'm veering away from intended use somehow.
Thanks,
Josh

[herbk]

Hi Josh,

intended by the preselcted .tap file extension i get if e try to save gcode from your FC file, im in mind: there is something wrong with your installation...

[GeneFC]

I used LinuxCNC as the post processor. My guess is I'm veering away from intended use somehow.

Josh,

I doubt that you are "veering". I never see an offered extension when I use the linuxcnc postprocessor. I always need to add the .ngc to my files. I do not believe any of the postprocessors automatically provide an extension. No big deal.

The behavior you are seeing with the pocket operation reflects the long-standing traditional method. In the past pocket operations would always keep the entire cutter inside the bottom flat surface. The result was missing corners and missing holes. An open-ended slot would not be fully completed by a pocket operation, for example.

There have been a huge number of changes recently to allow extensions and other modifications so that a lot more "cleanout" is now possible. Be sure to keep up with the latest versions on a very frequent basis.

Gene