Newbie- contour depth control

[George777]

I set out a simple graphic design on one plane with the intention of using a contour path to cut like an engraver. The compensation was set to "off" in case any of the lines overlapped during cutting. All other controls I left alone. I seem to have lost any depth control, is that related to the compensation, or something else?

[CNCRim]

hmmmm you need to put in the depth you want otherwise the default is 0.

[Limpan]

Here´s a simple illustration...

[JIMMY]

As Limpan said you just need to put the depth you want and then you have the ability to do depth cuts or ramp or just go to that depth in one shot.

[stk2008]

Hi just to add to this if I may you allso need to put it as minus eg

-0.025"
not
0.025"

this depends on your machine and how its set up but from the mach3 tuts Z axis should be - to go into stock.

[Superman]

Be also careful if using incremental or absolute depths

absolute depth is from your Z origin
( if your top face is Z-zero, then to actually cut material, your depth must always be minus )

incremental is from where your geometry is drawn
( this is good for 3D geometry, if you want the tool to move up/down along a profile, the placement of your geometry is critical in respect of the part surfaces, even the tool form has an infuence on the finished shape, that is to say the toolpath created is in respect of the tool tip setting)

[mike46]

I have mastercam 9 is it easy to learn
mikec