Need Help!- BobCad-Cam V21.5 is confusing

[jessey]

Hello Everyone,

This is my first post here and I sure could use a little direction for the BobCad-Cam software.

A friend of mine just purchased the BobCad-Cam V21.5 with training CDs and I'm using an example on CD4 video-62 that shows configuring a simple program to drill holes in a circular pattern and I thought it would be a complete program if I completed all the steps in that video lesson, well I completed the example exercise substituting our own specifications for material size, hole size and selecting a different post processor i.e. the Fanuc 6M which I know will run on a Taig CNC Mill using Mach 3..

When I check the file that's generated in BobCad-Cam for that exercise it's a .cad file but the Mach 3 program is running .TAD files. I haven't gone through all the tutorials yet and was wondering if anyone here could tell me how I get BobCad-Cam to convert the .cad file to a .TAD file so it'll run in the Mach 3 program? I've never operated a cad program before and all the information is somewhat confusing, I sure could use some direction if anyone has the time.

Thanks
jessey

[Kipper]

Jessey, When you insert the NC object and create your program click the file/save copy as in the right hand screen...and save it as a .txt file (I believe you had a typo when you said .TAD.....I think you meant .tap?) Stick with it and try not to stress too much...it gets a lot easier generating code....once you've gone bald and grey etc

[jessey]

Hi Kipper,

Many thanks for your help, it now loads into Mach3 ok, although I have a long way to go, it's beginning to look very promising.

I do have a problem setting the right R value in the G81 Parameters box. If I set it to what it shows in the video to .1 I end up getting an error saying "R less than z in cycle in xy planeLine 7". I tried selecting G73 and other drills and get the same error.

I'm not sure but maybe I need to contact tech support to get a customizable script for use with our taig mill?

Thanks Again
jessey

[Kipper]

Originally Posted by jessey Hi Kipper, Many thanks for your help, it now loads into Mach3 ok, although I have a long way to go, it's beginning to look very promising. I do have a problem setting the right R value in the G81 Parameters box. If I set it to what it shows in the video to .1 I end up getting an error saying "R less than z in cycle in xy planeLine 7". I tried selecting G73 and other drills and get the same error. I'm not sure but maybe I need to contact tech support to get a customizable script for use with our taig mill? Thanks Again jessey

I had the same issue...until I realised I needed to have -23 etc in the Z section....Some cool features are in it (I haven't seen the later versions so have no idea what they are like) I think I'd struggle with any other software now.