[Pysiek]

I have finished my design in VCarve pro. Now I'm ready to save it and upload it to Mach3 . What post processor should I use if I need to use two tools to finish the job (one for carving and one for cutout). I do not have tool changer. Is it possible to save it so the program and router will pause for manual tool changing?

[ger21]

Use the Mach3 Arc ATC (inch or metric depending on how you're working).
In Mach3, in General Config, select "Stop Spindle, Wait for Cycle Start, and it will stop and let you change tools.
However, you'll need to zero the second tool, which can be a pain during the toolchange. So, you might want to just export them as separate programs, one program for each tool.

[Pysiek]

Is it gonna be hard to zero second tool even if I use zero plate?

[ger21]

Actually, I'm not sure if you can zero the second tool, since the g-code program is actually still running during the tool change. You can try it, but it's probably best to export them as separate programs.

[Pysiek]

Okay. I will try that

[tatinc2000]

I save each tool as a separate program. Then just zero the z between each program. Only zero x and y before the first tool. I name each file with the tool in the title. Makes it easy.

I use cut2d and vcarve pro with Mach3 also.

[Pysiek]

How do u like cut2d?

[Pysiek]

If I export each toolpath as separate program do I still save it as Mach3 Arc ATC?

[tatinc2000]

If I export each toolpath as separate program do I still save it as Mach3 Arc ATC?

I don't save each tool path, I save each tool. So if you have three tool paths that use the same tool, you can save all three and run them off one file in mach3. The only thing you need to watch for is if you need a different tool before hand. For cribbage boards I have a tool path for separated line between the holes, a vcarve name, and a design that all use the same tool. So I save them as one tool path. The only time I can't is if one of the tool paths fall into a pocket. Then you need to make sure the pocket gets cut before hand. I don't use the arc atc, I use just the arc. I figured atc meant auto tool change and I don't have one of them.

How do u like cut2d?

I started with cut2d because it was the only program I could just pick up the mouse and make it work. Without any other cam experience. Vectric has great tutorials and a YouTube channel. I haven't touched it since I got vcarve because vcarve does all the same stuff. I just stared with it because I wanted to make sure my machine ran before I spent a ton on software.

[Med-Pac]

Just start another layer on the vcarve program. You can run your first tool and the machine will stop between layers for tool change, zero your 2nd tool (make sure you lift z off the part), push go to start the second layer. At this point mach should prompt you with their rapid travel window. Hit OK, you should be good to go.

Mike

[ger21]

No, you can use the standard Mach3 Arcs post.

[Spk64]

Here is what I do to keep things straight.
In my cam program regardless of type, vcarve or HSMXPress.
I keep my tool paths in the order I want to run them. I prefix each with the sequence grouping each set by common tools. Then when post processing I select all the same sequences and output to a single file with the same prefix on the name of the file.
Then when I run the files I do manual tool changes after loading each new file. Makes it easier to keep everything correct.
Tool paths
Attachment 213850
Files
Attachment 213852



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[Pysiek]

It looks like I will have to mess with it first.