Errant Cuts

[Mindcore]

Probably not enough info, and I can post the code if it helps...but..

I generate a tool path in Meshcam ( only been playing with it for a week or so ) and it's paths sometimes defy logic, but I can live with that. What I can't live with is during a roughing cut it will mill down my "wood" to say 1.5" and then for some reason call a line that takes a path clear a across un-milled stock and my machine attempts to cut through 1.5" of wood. Needless to say it's bad news all around.

Is it a bug, is the responsibility on me to review the code line by line ( 4000+ ) and preview on other software to be sure that it doesn't do this.

My projects take 4 hours to cut, I'm afraid to walk away from the machine.

Thoughts?

Thanks

[ViperTX]

There is a "retract height" setting which is the height the z-axis will retract to, before moving.

This is probably not set properly.

Paul

[Mindcore]

Thanks, I set my retract height .2" above ( default is .1" ) and for a 1000 lines of code or so it moves up and down and has a good awareness of where it's been and what wood is left.

This, seems to me anyway, like a glitch in which it say ok, I need to get "there" and it just goes, forgetting there is a 1" tall barrier of wood in the way. There is no call in the g-code to raise the z at all, just X5 to X20 for example.

If the answer is..that's just the way it is, I can accept that. Being a newb, it would be nice if the software protected me from myself, but that might be asking too much

[Khalid]

post te gcode, we will see whats wrong..Also post the pictures of the rotten parts, if possible.. We are here to help you, so don't worry..

[ger21]

I'm not aware of any bugs like this.

Are you doing a roughing pass first, or just a finishing pass. SOunds like you need a roughing pass first?

Also, make sure you're using the latest version.

You might want to ask at the MeshCAM forum on their site if you're still having problems.

[Mindcore]

Thanks guys. The code is at home, so I'll post it tonight.

I do actually do a roughing pass first ( and usually get tired of waiting and pull the part before finishing and use good old sand paper )

I'll highlight the bad code so you can see what I mean, and it is visible on simulation software, or at least cut viewer that I use.

Appreciate the help, it's scary how much I've learned, and how little I still know!

[Khalid]

No problem.. Initially you will get problems in your way but later you will help others..We will wait for the Gcode..

[ger21]

Posting the g-code won't be of much help here. Can you post a screen shot of MeshCAM showing the gouging cuts?

[Mindcore]

I think I can do that, I can show a screenshot of the tool path, I don't know if it shows where it goes through. I usually catch it on Cut Viewer, or watch my machine start burning through the wood.

Let me see if I can show you somehow.

[robgrz]

If you can send me the code directly then I will check it out here. I haven't heard about any bugs like this still lurking but that doesn't mean that there aren't any.

Robert

[Mindcore]

Thanks Robert.

We're in the midst of a heat wave, and the power was out last night. I'll be able to get the code tonight.

The problem has happened on more then one program, so it really could be a case of user error. If so, then learning what the cause is will be equally beneficial.

[ViperTX]

I guess the Prince Edward's Hydroelectric power plant can't keep up with the demand?

Isn't that the name of the plant that runs off water from Niagra Falls?

Paul