circle

[AngelT]

When cutting a circle with Mach2 on both sides,left and right, about in the middle of the arc it looks like a straight line instead of a circle. Is that Mach2 related or it is the resolution of the stepper motors, leadscrews...?Thanks for any imput.

[neilw20]

Not stepper motors, but maybe a loose coupling or belt.
You have backlash in one or both of your axis.
When cutting a circle each axis has to change direction during the cut.
If there is any backlash on an axis screw, that axis stops moving while the screw/belt/rack catches up to the backlash during changes of direction, hence the straight cut.

This can also be caused by an axis hitting the soft limit and causing a flat on one side only unless it happens to be a really big circle which could make more flats.