There are wizards in the Mach4 set that do circular pockets, rectangular pockets and 'dog bone' or link pockets.

The wizards also save a job file, so you could create the job file with one size tool, save the gcode, change the tool selections and save the gcode again. One job would create many gcode files.

ron ginger


On 5/11/2021 3:43 PM, spencer@... wrote:

I am looking for a simple solution. I am using a 1/4" router bit to cut slots d shaped pockets and holes i would like to use a bigger cutter for various reasons. especially for testing i would like to do as little reprogramming as possible.

i have read about cutter compensation but can not make sense of it. is there a way to apply a cutter compensation and switch to a 3/8" bit and make the same sized slots holes pockets etc. Do i need to turn compensation on and off for each arc of a circle, for example or can i just make a 3/8" bit behave like a 1/4"? there are no features with a minimum inside dimension of less than 3/8"

I have emailed you a zip that has the source and the exe. Depending on your email server it may not allow you to receive something with an exe in it.
John

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of spencer@...
Sent: May-11-21 1:48 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [MachCNC] tool offset

thaniks, i think cambam does similar things but is quite old and maybe i
should try what you use. a zip file would be good.

On 5/11/2021 1:33 PM, John Dammeyer wrote:

I haven't done D slots yet but I do have circular arcs.

Either IJ or Radius mode G-Code is generated. The code is written in Pascal via Lazarus IDE which means write once, compile

anywhere. The attached photo was done on a MachineKit BeagleBone Black. I've run it on Raspberry Pi, LinuxCNC and of course
Windows.

I can send you the source code and you can get the free Lazarus or I can send the EXE in a zip file.

You can also use metric parameters as the attached windows version of the program shows.

John

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of spencer@...
Sent: May-11-21 1:07 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [MachCNC] tool offset

i am trying to be lazy at least for initial testing. my code is a mess
developed over time. i also wrote it a long time ago using various tools
and do not remember how they work but certainly can learn again if
forced to.

so the last question is: if i have circular pockets using arcs is there
any simple change to the arcs that can effectively compensate for a
larger cutter? i have been making my pockets with something like cambam?
so i never really learned the syntax for arcs.

I know there are all sorts of wizards for mach4. i will look soon but is
there something for creating simple shapes like circular pockets and a d
slot which is two straight moves and two arcs?

On 5/11/2021 12:55 PM, Ken Strauss wrote:

Read the description for G41/G42 carefully since there are leadin/out requirements related to cutter diameter. If you were not

previously using cutter compensation it is doubtful if your CAM follows those rules for an even larger cutter. Why not simply redo

the

CAM?

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of spencer@...
Sent: May 11, 2021 3:43 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [MachCNC] tool offset

I am looking for a simple solution. I am using a 1/4" router bit to cut slots d shaped pockets and holes i would like to use a bigger

cutter for various reasons. especially for testing i would like to do as little reprogramming as possible.

i have read about cutter compensation but can not make sense of it. is there a way to apply a cutter compensation and switch to

a

3/8" bit and make the same sized slots holes pockets etc. Do i need to turn compensation on and off for each arc of a circle, for
example or can i just make a 3/8" bit behave like a 1/4"? there are no features with a minimum inside dimension of less than 3/8"

--
Best regards, Spencer Chase
67550 Bell Springs Rd.
Garberville, CA 95542 Postal service only.
Laytonville, CA 95454 UPS only.
Spencer@...


(425) 791-0309

--
Best regards, Spencer Chase
67550 Bell Springs Rd.
Garberville, CA 95542 Postal service only.
Laytonville, CA 95454 UPS only.
Spencer@...


(425) 791-0309

--
Best regards, Spencer Chase
67550 Bell Springs Rd.
Garberville, CA 95542 Postal service only.
Laytonville, CA 95454 UPS only.
Spencer@...


(425) 791-0309

I am looking for a simple solution. I am using a 1/4" router bit to cut slots d shaped pockets and holes i would like to use a bigger cutter for various reasons. especially for testing i would like to do as little reprogramming as possible.
i have read about cutter compensation but can not make sense of it. is there a way to apply a cutter compensation and switch to a 3/8" bit and make the same sized slots holes pockets etc. Do i need to turn compensation on and off for each arc of a circle, for example or can i just make a 3/8" bit behave like a 1/4"? there are no features with a minimum inside dimension of less than 3/8"

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of spencer@...
Sent: May-11-21 1:48 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [MachCNC] tool offset

thaniks, i think cambam does similar things but is quite old and maybe i
should try what you use. a zip file would be good.

On 5/11/2021 1:33 PM, John Dammeyer wrote:

I haven't done D slots yet but I do have circular arcs.

Either IJ or Radius mode G-Code is generated. The code is written in Pascal via Lazarus IDE which means write once, compile

anywhere. The attached photo was done on a MachineKit BeagleBone Black. I've run it on Raspberry Pi, LinuxCNC and of course
Windows.

I can send you the source code and you can get the free Lazarus or I can send the EXE in a zip file.

You can also use metric parameters as the attached windows version of the program shows.

John

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of spencer@...
Sent: May-11-21 1:07 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [MachCNC] tool offset

i am trying to be lazy at least for initial testing. my code is a mess
developed over time. i also wrote it a long time ago using various tools
and do not remember how they work but certainly can learn again if
forced to.

so the last question is: if i have circular pockets using arcs is there
any simple change to the arcs that can effectively compensate for a
larger cutter? i have been making my pockets with something like cambam?
so i never really learned the syntax for arcs.

I know there are all sorts of wizards for mach4. i will look soon but is
there something for creating simple shapes like circular pockets and a d
slot which is two straight moves and two arcs?

On 5/11/2021 12:55 PM, Ken Strauss wrote:

Read the description for G41/G42 carefully since there are leadin/out requirements related to cutter diameter. If you were not

previously using cutter compensation it is doubtful if your CAM follows those rules for an even larger cutter. Why not simply redo

the

CAM?

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of spencer@...
Sent: May 11, 2021 3:43 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [MachCNC] tool offset

I am looking for a simple solution. I am using a 1/4" router bit to cut slots d shaped pockets and holes i would like to use a bigger

cutter for various reasons. especially for testing i would like to do as little reprogramming as possible.

i have read about cutter compensation but can not make sense of it. is there a way to apply a cutter compensation and switch to

a

3/8" bit and make the same sized slots holes pockets etc. Do i need to turn compensation on and off for each arc of a circle, for
example or can i just make a 3/8" bit behave like a 1/4"? there are no features with a minimum inside dimension of less than 3/8"

--
Best regards, Spencer Chase
67550 Bell Springs Rd.
Garberville, CA 95542 Postal service only.
Laytonville, CA 95454 UPS only.
Spencer@...


(425) 791-0309

--
Best regards, Spencer Chase
67550 Bell Springs Rd.
Garberville, CA 95542 Postal service only.
Laytonville, CA 95454 UPS only.
Spencer@...


(425) 791-0309

--
Best regards, Spencer Chase
67550 Bell Springs Rd.
Garberville, CA 95542 Postal service only.
Laytonville, CA 95454 UPS only.
Spencer@...


(425) 791-0309

I haven't done D slots yet but I do have circular arcs.

Either IJ or Radius mode G-Code is generated. The code is written in Pascal via Lazarus IDE which means write once, compile anywhere. The attached photo was done on a MachineKit BeagleBone Black. I've run it on Raspberry Pi, LinuxCNC and of course Windows.

I can send you the source code and you can get the free Lazarus or I can send the EXE in a zip file.

You can also use metric parameters as the attached windows version of the program shows.

John

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of spencer@...
Sent: May-11-21 1:07 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [MachCNC] tool offset

i am trying to be lazy at least for initial testing. my code is a mess
developed over time. i also wrote it a long time ago using various tools
and do not remember how they work but certainly can learn again if
forced to.

so the last question is: if i have circular pockets using arcs is there
any simple change to the arcs that can effectively compensate for a
larger cutter? i have been making my pockets with something like cambam?
so i never really learned the syntax for arcs.

I know there are all sorts of wizards for mach4. i will look soon but is
there something for creating simple shapes like circular pockets and a d
slot which is two straight moves and two arcs?

On 5/11/2021 12:55 PM, Ken Strauss wrote:

Read the description for G41/G42 carefully since there are leadin/out requirements related to cutter diameter. If you were not

previously using cutter compensation it is doubtful if your CAM follows those rules for an even larger cutter. Why not simply redo the
CAM?

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of spencer@...
Sent: May 11, 2021 3:43 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [MachCNC] tool offset

I am looking for a simple solution. I am using a 1/4" router bit to cut slots d shaped pockets and holes i would like to use a bigger

cutter for various reasons. especially for testing i would like to do as little reprogramming as possible.

i have read about cutter compensation but can not make sense of it. is there a way to apply a cutter compensation and switch to a

3/8" bit and make the same sized slots holes pockets etc. Do i need to turn compensation on and off for each arc of a circle, for
example or can i just make a 3/8" bit behave like a 1/4"? there are no features with a minimum inside dimension of less than 3/8"

--
Best regards, Spencer Chase
67550 Bell Springs Rd.
Garberville, CA 95542 Postal service only.
Laytonville, CA 95454 UPS only.
Spencer@...


(425) 791-0309

--
Best regards, Spencer Chase
67550 Bell Springs Rd.
Garberville, CA 95542 Postal service only.
Laytonville, CA 95454 UPS only.
Spencer@...


(425) 791-0309

Are your arcs defined in R or IJK format? If they are in radius mode it should be as simple as changing the radius. With IJK it is a little more complicated. See for a pretty good tutorial on how things work and possible pitfalls.

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of
spencer@...
Sent: May 11, 2021 4:07 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [MachCNC] tool offset

i am trying to be lazy at least for initial testing. my code is a mess developed over time. i also wrote it a long time ago using various tools and do not remember how they work but certainly can learn again if forced to.

so the last question is: if i have circular pockets using arcs is there any simple change to the arcs that can effectively compensate for a larger cutter? i have been making my pockets with something like cambam?
so i never really learned the syntax for arcs.

I know there are all sorts of wizards for mach4. i will look soon but is there something for creating simple shapes like circular pockets and a d slot which is two straight moves and two arcs?

On 5/11/2021 12:55 PM, Ken Strauss wrote:

Read the description for G41/G42 carefully since there are leadin/out requirements related to cutter diameter. If you were not previously using cutter compensation it is doubtful if your CAM follows those rules for an even larger cutter. Why not simply redo the CAM?

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of
spencer@...
Sent: May 11, 2021 3:43 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [MachCNC] tool offset

I am looking for a simple solution. I am using a 1/4" router bit to cut slots d shaped pockets and holes i would like to use a bigger cutter for various reasons. especially for testing i would like to do as little reprogramming as possible.

i have read about cutter compensation but can not make sense of it. is there a way to apply a cutter compensation and switch to a 3/8" bit and make the same sized slots holes pockets etc. Do i need to turn compensation on and off for each arc of a circle, for example or can i just make a 3/8" bit behave like a 1/4"? there are no features with a minimum inside dimension of less than 3/8"

--
Best regards, Spencer Chase
67550 Bell Springs Rd.
Garberville, CA 95542 Postal service only.
Laytonville, CA 95454 UPS only.
Spencer@...


(425) 791-0309

--
Best regards, Spencer Chase
67550 Bell Springs Rd.
Garberville, CA 95542 Postal service only.
Laytonville, CA 95454 UPS only.
Spencer@...


(425) 791-0309

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of spencer@...
Sent: May-11-21 1:07 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [MachCNC] tool offset

i am trying to be lazy at least for initial testing. my code is a mess
developed over time. i also wrote it a long time ago using various tools
and do not remember how they work but certainly can learn again if
forced to.

so the last question is: if i have circular pockets using arcs is there
any simple change to the arcs that can effectively compensate for a
larger cutter? i have been making my pockets with something like cambam?
so i never really learned the syntax for arcs.

I know there are all sorts of wizards for mach4. i will look soon but is
there something for creating simple shapes like circular pockets and a d
slot which is two straight moves and two arcs?

On 5/11/2021 12:55 PM, Ken Strauss wrote:

Read the description for G41/G42 carefully since there are leadin/out requirements related to cutter diameter. If you were not

previously using cutter compensation it is doubtful if your CAM follows those rules for an even larger cutter. Why not simply redo the
CAM?

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of spencer@...
Sent: May 11, 2021 3:43 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [MachCNC] tool offset

I am looking for a simple solution. I am using a 1/4" router bit to cut slots d shaped pockets and holes i would like to use a bigger

cutter for various reasons. especially for testing i would like to do as little reprogramming as possible.

i have read about cutter compensation but can not make sense of it. is there a way to apply a cutter compensation and switch to a

3/8" bit and make the same sized slots holes pockets etc. Do i need to turn compensation on and off for each arc of a circle, for
example or can i just make a 3/8" bit behave like a 1/4"? there are no features with a minimum inside dimension of less than 3/8"

--
Best regards, Spencer Chase
67550 Bell Springs Rd.
Garberville, CA 95542 Postal service only.
Laytonville, CA 95454 UPS only.
Spencer@...


(425) 791-0309

--
Best regards, Spencer Chase
67550 Bell Springs Rd.
Garberville, CA 95542 Postal service only.
Laytonville, CA 95454 UPS only.
Spencer@...


(425) 791-0309

Are your arcs defined in R or IJK format? If they are in radius mode it should be as simple as changing the radius. With IJK it is a little more complicated. See for a pretty good tutorial on how things work and possible pitfalls.

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of spencer@...
Sent: May 11, 2021 4:07 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [MachCNC] tool offset

i am trying to be lazy at least for initial testing. my code is a mess developed over time. i also wrote it a long time ago using various tools and do not remember how they work but certainly can learn again if forced to.

so the last question is: if i have circular pockets using arcs is there any simple change to the arcs that can effectively compensate for a larger cutter? i have been making my pockets with something like cambam?
so i never really learned the syntax for arcs.

I know there are all sorts of wizards for mach4. i will look soon but is there something for creating simple shapes like circular pockets and a d slot which is two straight moves and two arcs?

On 5/11/2021 12:55 PM, Ken Strauss wrote:

Read the description for G41/G42 carefully since there are leadin/out requirements related to cutter diameter. If you were not previously using cutter compensation it is doubtful if your CAM follows those rules for an even larger cutter. Why not simply redo the CAM?

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of
spencer@...
Sent: May 11, 2021 3:43 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [MachCNC] tool offset

I am looking for a simple solution. I am using a 1/4" router bit to cut slots d shaped pockets and holes i would like to use a bigger cutter for various reasons. especially for testing i would like to do as little reprogramming as possible.

i have read about cutter compensation but can not make sense of it. is there a way to apply a cutter compensation and switch to a 3/8" bit and make the same sized slots holes pockets etc. Do i need to turn compensation on and off for each arc of a circle, for example or can i just make a 3/8" bit behave like a 1/4"? there are no features with a minimum inside dimension of less than 3/8"

--
Best regards, Spencer Chase
67550 Bell Springs Rd.
Garberville, CA 95542 Postal service only.
Laytonville, CA 95454 UPS only.
Spencer@...


(425) 791-0309

--
Best regards, Spencer Chase
67550 Bell Springs Rd.
Garberville, CA 95542 Postal service only.
Laytonville, CA 95454 UPS only.
Spencer@...


(425) 791-0309

Read the description for G41/G42 carefully since there are leadin/out requirements related to cutter diameter. If you were not previously using cutter compensation it is doubtful if your CAM follows those rules for an even larger cutter. Why not simply redo the CAM?

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of
spencer@...
Sent: May 11, 2021 3:43 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [MachCNC] tool offset

I am looking for a simple solution. I am using a 1/4" router bit to cut slots d shaped pockets and holes i would like to use a bigger cutter for various reasons. especially for testing i would like to do as little reprogramming as possible.

i have read about cutter compensation but can not make sense of it. is there a way to apply a cutter compensation and switch to a 3/8" bit and make the same sized slots holes pockets etc. Do i need to turn compensation on and off for each arc of a circle, for example or can i just make a 3/8" bit behave like a 1/4"? there are no features with a minimum inside dimension of less than 3/8"

--
Best regards, Spencer Chase
67550 Bell Springs Rd.
Garberville, CA 95542 Postal service only.
Laytonville, CA 95454 UPS only.
Spencer@...


(425) 791-0309

Read the description for G41/G42 carefully since there are leadin/out requirements related to cutter diameter. If you were not previously using cutter compensation it is doubtful if your CAM follows those rules for an even larger cutter. Why not simply redo the CAM?

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of spencer@...
Sent: May 11, 2021 3:43 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [MachCNC] tool offset

I am looking for a simple solution. I am using a 1/4" router bit to cut slots d shaped pockets and holes i would like to use a bigger cutter for various reasons. especially for testing i would like to do as little reprogramming as possible.

i have read about cutter compensation but can not make sense of it. is there a way to apply a cutter compensation and switch to a 3/8" bit and make the same sized slots holes pockets etc. Do i need to turn compensation on and off for each arc of a circle, for example or can i just make a 3/8" bit behave like a 1/4"? there are no features with a minimum inside dimension of less than 3/8"

--
Best regards, Spencer Chase
67550 Bell Springs Rd.
Garberville, CA 95542 Postal service only.
Laytonville, CA 95454 UPS only.
Spencer@...


(425) 791-0309

?

[Edited Message Follows]

Let me be very clear... the problem is NOT IN ANY WAY PMDX! The 411 is sitting in the bag, brand new, and I only mentioned the PMDX because I was planning on buying Mach 4 to use with the 411. I have a PMDX 125 from many years ago and had a recent conversation about expansion and other topics which was awesome! PMDX CUSTOMER SERVICE IS TOP NOTCH! I will continue to do business with PMDX when the opportunity allows me to.

My grievance is exclusively with the vendor of Mach3 for not providing better assistance in recovering the license file, in not sending me the license file because my email changed, for a sales manger suggesting license files are not transferable, and my memory fading after 10 years. I assume responsibility for not having the details and not having a copy of the file. I am only disappointed in the response and stance the vendor's sales manager took in the matter, their interest in selling me a new license, and apparent lack of interest in helping me resolve the problem. They have no clue about my use of the license since purchase, and I didn't even get a request for a phone call before emails went quiet.

Anyhow, I was just looking for a reasonable solution on the board, and really didn't want it escalate beyond my request for a possible solution. PMDX IS AWESOME! Their customer service is top notch and far exceeded my expectations. I would not hesitate to recommend PMDX to anyone.

?

Yes sir... that probably is illegal, and is certainly against the vendors terms of transferring licenses. I do appreciate the offer, but bad karma from my perspective.

Ironically, I was going to buy Mach4, but wanted to get Mach3 back up and running as I hadn't used it in many years. Sadly, I also purchased a PMDX 411 in anticipation of this, but the absolutely atrocious customer service has me rethinking my intentions. I purchased a Mesa 7I76E last night, and intend to spin up a LinuxCNC controller. I experiment a lot with technology, so guess it's time for me to check out a new controller. It's really to bad, I did like the Mach3 product, but really hate funding a company with shitty service.

Anyhow I'll have some time to work on trying to recover the license file tomorrow, so maybe I'll get lucky.

?

It’s hard to believe you got poor customer service from PMDX. I have used their products for many years and they have always been helpful and courteous.

?

?

Yes sir... that probably is illegal, and is certainly against the vendors terms of transferring licenses. I do appreciate the offer, but bad karma from my perspective.

Ironically, I was going to buy Mach4, but wanted to get Mach3 back up and running as I hadn't used it in many years. Sadly, I also purchased a PMDX 411 in anticipation of this, but the absolutely atrocious customer service has me rethinking my intentions. I purchased a Mesa 7I76E last night, and intend to spin up a LinuxCNC controller. I experiment a lot with technology, so guess it's time for me to check out a new controller. It's really to bad, I did like the Mach3 product, but really hate funding a company with shitty service.

Anyhow I'll have some time to work on trying to recover the license file tomorrow, so maybe I'll get lucky.

?

Yes sir... that probably is illegal, and is certainly against the vendors terms of transferring licenses. I do appreciate the offer, but bad karma from my perspective.

Ironically, I was going to buy Mach4, but wanted to get Mach3 back up and running as I hadn't used it in many years. Sadly, I also purchased a PMDX 411 in anticipation of this, but the absolutely atrocious customer service has me rethinking my intentions. I purchased a Mesa 7I76E last night, and intend to spin up a LinuxCNC controller. I experiment a lot with technology, so guess it's time for me to check out a new controller. It's really to bad, I did like the Mach3 product, but really hate funding a company with shitty service.

Anyhow I'll have some time to work on trying to recover the license file tomorrow, so maybe I'll get lucky.