Only will save as" VectorArt 3D Machinist files (*.v3m)

[mach3vectric]

I purchased custom modeled art. It opens and can be modified. Steps 1 through 7 have be done...
But it will only saves as " VectorArt 3D Machinist files (*.v3m)".
I use Mach 3 software on my 5' X10' Multicam wood router.
The " VectorArt 3D Machinist files (*.v3m)" file will not load in Mach 3.
I tryed some old vcarve files and they all load and are "tap" or "txt" files.
How can I load the " VectorArt 3D Machinist files (*.v3m)" file??????????
Thank you.
Don
San Diego
tamediasd@yahoo.com

[Gc3]

So can't you create the toolpath for Mach3 in your software...are you using Vector Art Machinist?

[P.Passuello]

I am assuming you are using the free VectorArt 3D Machinist software downloaded from the VectorArt site or Vectric Cut3d.
In 3D machinist step 7 select your required post processor then click the button 'Roughing toolpath save' of in my case 'Finishing Toolpath Save' or 'Cutout Toolpath Save' etc depending on which type you want.
This will output the GCode file you want.

Cheers
Peter

[mach3vectric]

Thank you for the reply's.
On page 7 under "Post Processor" I loaded "Mach2/3 Arcs (inch) (*.txt)...I've even tryed other Posts to see if they would save as they are listed...
All I came up with is... All posts will only save as"VectorArt 3D Machinist Files (*v3m) only.
Also, no pull-down options (to direct to Mach3 or Tap or Txt files).

I should ad this... when I first received the model from Vectric, I loaded into Mach3 via Flash drive and cut-air as a test run... It worked just fine... now, I can't get the G-Code.
Don/Mr Puzzeled
San Diego
tamediasd@yahoo.com

[Gc3]

where are you saving the files.....i just toolpathed a v3m file in your PP and saved with no problem....maybe try reloading v3m software...

[mach3vectric]

I saved the file in a portable flash drive, then over to the cnc router table, pluged it in and attempted to load it into Mach 3.
I have tryed to reload the Vector 3d Machinist free software from the vectric site with no results.
When saving the data, the Flash drive appears to accept in info, however when loaded into Mach 3 (cnc machine), the code appears briefly (split-second) then nothing appears.
It will only save as " VectorArt 3D Machinist files (*.v3m).... not a tap or txt file.
Don
San Diego
tamediasd@yahoo.com

[ssflyer]

I may be way off base here, but there can be issues when trying to save directly to a flash drive. Try saving it to your hard drive, then transferring...

Ron

[Mark]

Hello Don,

Talk us through the exact steps that you are taking to save your toolpaths.

Cheers,

Mark.

[mach3vectric]

Hello,
I'd be happy to walk/talk through the steps but first I have a question that may save some time...
When you reach step 7 and save a roughing toolpath (only) and go down to the box that says "Save V3M for VCarve Pro/ Cut2D"
A Save As box appears>> under "File name: mine says
" BootsandHelmmet-Bmasterfile-TP" which is OK with me...
Under that it says " Save as type: mine says
VectorArt 3D Machinist Files (*.v3m)

Question is: Shouldn't it say (tap or txt.) instead of VectorArt 3D Machinist files (*.v3m)?
txt opens in Mach3 as G code and works.
I've tryed saving it onto the destktop then to the two different flash drives I have, but with no results.
I've tryed to reload the VectorArt Machinist File also.
Thank you
Don
San Diego
tamediasd@yahoo.com

[Burchtree]

I don’t use this program, but it looks like you are saving it so it can be imported into a Vectric program so you can add it to, say a VC Pro project. You need to save the toolpaths so you can machine it
Dan

[Burchtree]

Hi
You will need to select your PP from the list and click on the toolpath you want to save.
See pictures.
I hope this helps
Dan

[mach3vectric]

Hello,
I have loaded the Post Mach2/3 arcs inches before... even tryed loading other Posts...even reloaded the VectorArt3D Machinist Files from the Vectric site again... then loaded the correct Post again.
I have tryed to open with Vcarve Pro 5.5, Vcarve only opens crv, dxf, dwg, eps, ai, pdf....no listing of my VectorArt 3D Machinist file (boots and helmet model).
Interestingly, my older VCarve files load and will cut.
I just un-pluged power to the CNC and to Mach to see if thats it (maybe locked up).
Thank you
Don
San Diego
tamediasd@yahoo.com

[Burchtree]

Hi
You said open. Do you mean import or are you trying open it? There is a difference. You want to import it into VCP
Dan

[Adrian]

Hello,
When you reach step 7 and save a roughing toolpath (only) and go down to the box that says "Save V3M for VCarve Pro/ Cut2D"
A Save As box appears>> under "File name: mine says
" BootsandHelmmet-Bmasterfile-TP" which is OK with me...
Under that it says " Save as type: mine says
VectorArt 3D Machinist Files (*.v3m)

Are you clicking on the "Roughing Toolpath Save..." button? It sounds like you're selecting the Post Processor and then clicking on the "Save V3M for VCarve Pro/Cut2D" button instead.

[mach3vectric]

Hello,
I'm go'in back to Michigan... you are the man!
Load vs. Import appears to be the answer.
I got to go make some chips now.
Thank you
Don .............(lived in New Buffalo)
San Diego .....(now)
tamediasd@yahoo.com