toolpath trouble

[Ronin 646]

Had the toolpaths working
Then I got some new bits so generated a new set of toolpaths for the new bits
Used the same vectorart 3d machinist version 1.204
using the same v3m file changed to the same proportions and size using the same tool
parameters 1/4 inch mill cutter and the generated G code file went from 45000 lines to
31000 lines and will not run
generated finish toolpath for 1/4 ball cutter but cant get the rough to run to even try it out.
Have a file of a combined toolpath for an unaltered v3m file that will run but is not the proportions that I want

What am I doing wrong?
PS got past the Mach 3 license problems.

Rick

[DanielBEE]

Where exactly are you running into an error and what does it say?

[Ronin 646]

It will just go to line 4 gives a pulley too fast for max
hit reset and start goes to line 26 no error given
hit reset and start goes to line 44 and trips the breaker on the control box
no error
other times will just travel to the top of z axis and give tool limit error
have tried resetting the offset does not seem to make any difference
rick

[metalworkz]

Hello Rick,
It sounds like the spindle setting being used in Mach3 will not allow the rpms being used for the tool in the toolpaths. In Mach3 under the Config tab along the top toolbar select the 'spindle pulleys' option and go thru the list to find an appropriate spindle speed for your machine. After selecting the correct spindle pulley setting try the program again and see if it gets past the pulley/speed error. I hope this helps.

[Ronin 646]

wes;
thanks for the reply
I will try that
Just finished a run with a combined toolpath
that was generated by cut3d
did fine except when it tried to go outside the lines
(limit switch) and had to be jogged back in
was a rough cut because it used the end mill all the way through
so I guess I need to try to reset the start point so it will stay inside the lines

rick

[metalworkz]

Hi Rick,
I'm wondering how the combined toolpath was made? Was it generated entirely by the program or did you manually edit both toolpaths into one? The fact that the toolpaths went outside the limits makes me think perhaps the second toolpath began where the first one left off as if it was at the Home position? Did you preview the combined toolpaths and what was the preview like? You might want to try running the toolpaths separately and at least you will have a better idea which one the problem is in.

[Ronin 646]

Wes;
the toolpath was generated by cut3d
if you are using the same tool for all it will save as a combined toolpath
found out that I was making a big newbee mistake
I was indexing off the wrong end of the workpiece
so the programs had nowhere to go.
corrected the problem and have made 2 runs
one with the separate toolpaths generated by cut3d
and another with the toolpaths from 3d machinist.
the only problem is that sometimes the program will stop in the middle of the
workpiece and give a limit switch error then on the reset and restart it will
track across the workpiece without regard to z axis cutting a grove across the piece.
I think it is because on reset Mach3 will skip 20 lines in the g code so it is missing the
z axis commands in those lines.

Rick

[Ronin 646]

see if this will attatch the file
Rick

[metalworkz]

Hi Rick,
Which axis is getting the limit error? I wonder if you are reaching soft limits and getting an error? Did you set up soft limits for your machine in Mach3? You may want to check to see if the soft limits are being used and what they are set at. The dragon looks good except for the depth looks like it may not have finished, and kind of looks like a texture in some areas? Is this related to the toolpath problem?

[Ronin 646]

This is a "Zen Dragon Sai Stand"
made as a 3D applique to the cantilevered base of the
stand.
It is balanced there for the reference to Zen
The sai are a type of Martial arts weapon.
as to the limit stop
the toolpath is running on a 45 degrre raster
the stops are not near the edged of the workpiece
are right out in the center of the carving?
do not any soft limits set other than what may have come with the default settings

Rick