SketchUcam Help

Homing??Before starting is to high for Z

invalid@example.com (knotplayin) — Thu, 09 Jun 2022 14:47:23 +0000

I just installed the newest version of Sketchucam. When i create gcode the first operation is to go to X0,Y0, and a Z height that is higher than my machines travel. I cant find the option to change this. Seems like the older version would start from where ever the machines current position is and just start the code. Thanks in advance.

Create a single 3d path?

invalid@example.com (Jesse_S) — Fri, 17 Apr 2020 16:41:26 +0000

I have a cutter with a large z axis, but a limited cutting tool. I'd like to be able to cut a 3d path based on a single line or surface, similar to the normal 2d cutting paths.

I tried changing the shape of a path generated in 2d, but it just projected the new path down to the normal cutting plane (which is great error handling). Is this possible? The 3d contouring generates a lot more paths than I need, I just need to cut an outline that moves in 3d, but still a single cutting path....

Create a single 3d path?

Generated Gcode produces 2 level of cut Z axes

invalid@example.com (skunky) — Mon, 18 Mar 2019 21:09:41 +0000

Im new to CNC, playing with China engraver.
Using Sketchup V8 and V16 with version 1.4d sketchucam.
Have test file that puts gcode out for 2 levels of cut. Cuts a plain bax, moves to a pocket and tries to cut at wrong Z. Have tried many different options but all come out the same.
Il try and post code I get.
Newbe, so probably a simple thing Im doing wrong.
Thanks in advance.
====================
%
(Generated by SketchUcam V1.4d-80c0152)
(File: test01-V8.skp)
(Bit diameter: 0.2000mm)
(Feed...

Generated Gcode produces 2 level of cut Z axes

Free or paid?

invalid@example.com (Ben Lockett) — Fri, 25 Jan 2019 08:44:26 +0000

Does it matter if I use the free or paid version of sketchup??
Also, any recommendation for a cnc to cut 1/32 balsa up to lite ply??

scale probs

invalid@example.com (matt james) — Mon, 12 Nov 2018 10:46:57 +0000

Ok, So been learning sketchucam and seems ok, especially on osx and inside sketchup, dream coming true, nice. But am having some troubles getting exact drawing to reality scaling. the skp jpeg shows a test piece with 2.5mm bars with 2.5mm spacing, when tool path generated as shown it does show exactly the tool offset, in this case the bit measures 2.2mm (checked with quality calipers)so a 1.1 path distance, all good. but when cut as shown in photo jpeg the bars are measuring 2.2mm and a 2.8...

scale probs

CNC Plasma Cutter support?

invalid@example.com (Matt Espinoza) — Tue, 06 Nov 2018 14:25:38 +0000

Hello! A friend of mine picked up a CNC plasma cutter table that takes g-code, and can cut steel up to 1/2" thick. Pretty cool!

I loaded up sketch-up, and drew a flange but i'm wondering if SketchUcam supports non-3d type drawings yet. I saw someone mention a beta that is in the beginning stages of supporting laser engravers which would be very similar. Would love to join the testing. I've posted shots of my flange, what the CNC viewer looks like with the g-code (looks wrong lol) and my...

CNC Plasma Cutter support?

problem with outside cuts

invalid@example.com (Ringo Davis) — Mon, 01 Oct 2018 10:53:57 +0000

in my file I have a octogon'ish shaped object with an outside cut done with multipass.
in the gcode viewer it looks fine. But when I open the file with CNCjs the outside cut is shifted off to 1 side in the 2nd pass. And both passes are circles, not straight lines.
The round part above it was doing it but I redrew it and it works now. Any idea what is wrong with this part?

problems with routing text (letters)

invalid@example.com (Danny Dillen) — Sun, 23 Sep 2018 19:15:39 +0000

Dear, if I use a 3 mm bit on my router and I want to route a text which I've written in Sketchup which letter type I use best?
If I use the Phlatboyz Inside Cut Tool for example the letter "a" is not well routed because the whole letter is inside cut out.

Modify feature attributes

invalid@example.com (mycellphonerepairman) — Fri, 14 Sep 2018 08:21:47 +0000

Is it possible to change the depth of a plunge hole after after it has been created? Can attributes of feature such as a plunge hole be modified?

Unsigned extension?

invalid@example.com (philip storm) — Mon, 27 Aug 2018 16:58:06 +0000

Sketchup is not allowing me to use the extension because its unsigned. Not sure how to remedy this.

how to NOT cut a part

invalid@example.com (Ringo Davis) — Fri, 24 Aug 2018 12:52:16 +0000

I'm cutting dollar tree foam, when I get to a very sharp point it tears the paper on the foam. I would like to skip 1 cut on the outside edge. Is there a way to do that? I did an outside cut then just deleted that 1 part but when I generate the Gcode none of the part gets generated. I also tried doing all Fold cuts at 100% for that part except the 1 line and the part still didn't show up when I generated the gcode. I thought that would have worked for sure. Any thoughts? I included a pic to...

how to NOT cut a part

Error generating CNC file

invalid@example.com (Ringo Davis) — Mon, 09 Jul 2018 07:56:00 +0000

When I generate the Gcode in a new drawing, I get the error "number expected on line 1".
Gplot will not show the drawing, but Mach3 takes it ok. Any idea what I did to break the drawing? It was working until recently.
Thanks

Sharpie ARt

invalid@example.com (Ringo Davis) — Thu, 28 Jun 2018 13:09:43 +0000

How do you do sharpie art? I found the spyvsSpy and want to make it, but I need to rotate it. Do you do a pocket and set the depth very low or something?
Thanks
Ringo

Wrong Gcode

invalid@example.com (Jose Silva) — Wed, 27 Jun 2018 10:25:15 +0000

I'm trying to cut this piece (image 1) but the gcode that was generated (image 2) it's not equal.
I couldn't find any equal problem in forum , so i'm trying to get some help.
Thanks.

Image 1 - https://prnt.sc/jzwhff
Image 2 - https://prnt.sc/jzwh7z

Error when using UGS

invalid@example.com (Ringo Davis) — Thu, 19 Apr 2018 06:58:27 +0000

I have a New CNC that uses a GRBL controller. I'm trying to use UGS (universal Gcode Sender). I can drop in some gcode files I make with but on a couple others I get the following error.
"Problem opening file: Invalid gcode in handleGCode 91.1"

Any idea whats wrong?

Circles milling bigger than CAD drawing

invalid@example.com (Jim_in_Maine) — Sun, 01 Apr 2018 00:05:08 +0000

Hello, I'm trying to mill a simple circle using my CNC running gcode from Sketchucam. When I send a 5" square, I've calibrated my machine to mill a perfect 5" square. When I try the same thing with a circle it doesn't start from the correct place and then it tries to mill beyond the safe zone. I tried using the centerline tool and the outside tool with the same results. Is there something special about routing a circle?

Thanks!

-jim

reversing tool path direction?

invalid@example.com (rotccapt) — Wed, 24 Jan 2018 22:40:15 +0000

Hello all, I am working with thin plastic and using a vacuum hold down system. I decided a down spiral bit is the best bit for the job. I am finding that the surface finish is better on the scrap side of the cut. Is it possible to revers the tool path direction? Im thinking about reversing the faces on my model so that the inside cut tool creates out side tool paths. will this work?

Setting Tool Diameter

invalid@example.com (Zander48) — Tue, 16 Jan 2018 07:16:11 +0000

I change the diameter of the tool on Parameters menu and save that file however, when I load that file, it shows what I presume is the default size again (1/8").
It shows a character before the 1/8 that looks like an "S" laying on its back.
Anyone have an idea how I can change this "default"?
Alex

Laser

invalid@example.com (Ringo Davis) — Tue, 09 Jan 2018 15:42:26 +0000

I'm trying to test out a laser module. I drew a little happy face. When I generate the gcode it looks ok in sketchup, but has a bunch of circles in Mach3. What Am I doing wrong?
Thanks
Ringo

Gcode generation

invalid@example.com (Flint1962) — Fri, 15 Dec 2017 10:35:23 +0000

I have used sketchucam quite a bit but am having an issue with a gcode generation of an outline of deadpool for a sign as a gift. I can use the outline tool and get it to generate the outline and I can mark the center, but when I go to generate the gcode I do not get anything. It says gcode generation ok and the it comes up with the preview but the is nothing there and the gcode is virtually non existent in the left hand box. Is there an limitation as to the lines of code that can be generated?

Problem with outside and inside cut tools

invalid@example.com (MaksimP) — Mon, 11 Dec 2017 09:18:46 +0000

I'm using a laser cutting plug. And I need to set the tool thickness from 0.04 to 0.02 mm. When setting such a thickness of the cut, the line on which to build the g code replaces the line of the figure. How to fix this situation? Is it possible to work with such thin cuts?

Is it possible to set the zero thickness of the instrument?

http://prntscr.com/hlk757

Pocketing curved depth?

invalid@example.com (Veydron) — Fri, 27 Oct 2017 14:54:54 +0000

Hi guys, Im totally new to this. A total newbie. Just learned how to use Sketchup 2 months back and now SketchUcam. Got myself a chinese cnc machine. Now trying to figure out how to create a toolpath for my sketch with sketchucam. The end result should look like the file I attached. Can someone shed me some lights or giving me some pointers? Just cant seem to know where to look It will be greatly appreciated. Thanks a million.

SketchUcam Feed rates and plug rates - help with Dewalt 26200

invalid@example.com (jumans) — Thu, 12 Oct 2017 14:00:04 +0000

Hello all I am new the CNC, but have been cutting some materials, but I would like a good setup.

I have a Dewalt 26200 which has a max speed of 27000 rpm

I would like to cut MDF - 10mm plywood 20mm and Masonite 13mm,

I am using a 6.35 mm square bit with 2 flute.

I would like to know what is the correct settings for spindle speed, feed rate and plunge rate.

Currently, the Masonites cuts but then jumps.

Please advice

Regards

Julian

Newbie here... what am i doing wrong?

invalid@example.com (moshel) — Mon, 09 Oct 2017 20:03:24 +0000

Hi,

I have designed a hinge in openscad (see attached as stl as can't attache openscad), exported it as dxf and loaded it into sketchup using freedxf (which worked well). So far so good.
However... I have added a line to define the area that needs to be milled lower. after doing that, my part was divided into two parts and I cant tell sketchucam to do the outside of both and pocket the area that needs to be lowered.
when I choose the outside cut tool and touch inside the round area, it...

Newbie here... what am i doing wrong?

Parameter window too long

invalid@example.com (Beejay) — Fri, 25 Aug 2017 13:33:16 +0000

Please forgive me if this is a stupid question. I have just installed the latest version of SketchUCam on Sketchup 2017 (I have been using a previous version on Sketchup 2016). When I open the parameter window it is long and thin and the OK button is off screen so I can change parameters but cannot accept them. By clicking and holding the top of the window it will move up slightly but still does not show the OK button. Any suggestions would be welcome. (screenshot below)...

Parameter window too long

Cut optimization

invalid@example.com (davdue) — Mon, 14 Aug 2017 18:38:52 +0000

I have been playing around with SketchUcam while I wait for the school year to start. I am going to build a Joes 2006 CNC and plan on using the school's 48" X 96" router to cut out the parts. I have laid out the parts on a 47" X 97" piece of 1/2" MDF. It appears the generated code is jumping around all over the sheet. There are several places where the tool path goes from one spot to another spot on the material over a long distance. I can't really tell the order of the tool paths. Is...

Cut optimization

after downloading sketchucam to sketchup 2017 I cant find it

invalid@example.com (bruceb) — Tue, 11 Jul 2017 06:54:40 +0000

the installation instructions say go to the Window,Preferences,Extensions menu but I dont have an Extensions menu under {Preferences

Outside cut problems

invalid@example.com (john bell) — Mon, 19 Jun 2017 06:44:55 +0000

I'm cutting out a rectangle with a tapered side. The cut produces a piece smaller then the drawing. 7mm comes out as 5.11mm and so on.
I thought it might be the calibration so I adjusted it by jogging 100mm and measuring it and changing the settings until its perfect, exactly 100mm movement.
I'm using a 1/8 bit and have a big ox cnc with tinyg 8 and chillipeppr
Is there some settings that I might have overlooked?

Thanks

Missing Code

invalid@example.com (52Gary) — Thu, 01 Jun 2017 19:15:31 +0000

Recently downloaded both SketchUCam and Mach3 and have been using Sketchup since V8 and now run V15, have watched the tutorials and thought I had mastered the three components, but, when I looked closely at the tool path in Mach3 the tools path shows a ramp out of the material.
What have I one incorrectly?
File attached.

Thanks for your advice...

Peck drilling

invalid@example.com (arc1980) — Thu, 01 Jun 2017 19:13:13 +0000

Good day! I used sketchucam to cut a part yesterday and curiously half of the peck drilling holes were left out of the g-code. Please see the attached image. Any ideas? I was thinking of making the cuts as two separate operations. First step peck drill the holes--Second step profile cut. I haven't tried radbones or dogbones yet either.

Thanks for any input

No G-Codes for 3 Centerline Tool paths

invalid@example.com (WillN) — Thu, 18 May 2017 08:28:00 +0000

Not sure why this Sketchup file will not produce G code for 3 cut lines created using Centerline tool while holding down Shift key to select single edge. Files are attached.

What' the 3d Checkbox for?

invalid@example.com (inventorArtist) — Tue, 09 May 2017 07:28:23 +0000

I noticed it in the setup screen but I don't see an explanation when I press help.

Any ideas?

rounding or angling corners

invalid@example.com (inventorArtist) — Tue, 09 May 2017 07:20:33 +0000

So I know there's a countersink to make a hole that has an angle for a screw.

But what about making an edge have rounded corners? Is there a way to turn the countersink inside-out and have outer edges chamferred or rounded? I can round parts on a router or sand them but why not let the cnc do the work?

Anybody have any luck with this problem?

multiple plunge holes

invalid@example.com (rotccapt) — Wed, 26 Apr 2017 23:01:25 +0000

hi all, i have been using sketchup and scetchucam for a while now and realy like it. however i came upon an interesting problem i would like some help with. i am going to be cutting some parts out of plastic that need to have lots of holes in them for assembly later. so i decided to use the plunge tool because i only need them to be the diameter of the tool. after laying them all out i grouped the whole object and created the g-code. the code works but the order the program made the holes in...

multiple plunge holes

Creating G-code from an imported DXF file?

invalid@example.com (Patrick Rodriguez) — Thu, 13 Apr 2017 06:25:21 +0000

New user to SketchUp and SketchUCAM, I have a CNC router and I am trying to cut some parts out of some thin aluminum plate stock (1/8"). The parts were drawn up in SolidWorks and have been saved as DXF files. I am able to import the files into Sketchup and locate them accordingly; however, the DXF imports as a zero-layer object (this makes sense for a DXF) and I am unable to make it into a component to create tool paths and ultimately create g-code to send to my CNC router.

Has anyone...

Creating G-code from an imported DXF file?

Mesurement fault

invalid@example.com (Richard Watson) — Wed, 29 Mar 2017 07:48:19 +0000

Hi
I am having some issues with measurements, I am not looking for high accuracy. to give an example ,I tried a simple slot in sketchup ,it measured
from the margin 1.3/8 cut 1.3/4
slot 7/16 cut 7/16
length 6.1/4 cut 7.3/4
height from zero 4.11/16 cut 5.1/4
my work safe area is 12"x12" and always keep close to the zero corner because it places the work shape over the 12"x 12" safe area margin.
although I have had some successes'.
thanks
Richard

Open door error code

invalid@example.com (Richard Watson) — Sun, 26 Feb 2017 16:49:47 +0000

Hi
I am a Noob at this ,I have built a c-machine all went well with the tests ,my first project cut was a simple circle
it made the cut ok but during the step cuts at the same point the program stopped with the error code ( open door ) after clicking resume it jumped a point about 1/8th and kept repeating this at the same point . I dont have a door and allways makes this stop without any interaction from me.
thanks for your time.
Richard

Gplot generates only rectangles even when part is a circle

invalid@example.com (abiodun Ogunribido) — Wed, 15 Feb 2017 07:09:29 +0000

I am having problem with the g code outputted by Sketchupucam. I only get rectangular profiles no matter the shape of the actual design. I have attached a screen shot of a circular profile and the GPLOT that shows up as a rectangle any help will be appreciated please

Nothing appears on the screen

invalid@example.com (G Marquez) — Mon, 13 Feb 2017 06:55:42 +0000

Hi guys, I have a problem and I need help. When installing sketchucam and modifying the parameters, nothing appears on the screen. What should I do? I leave the attached image.

Note: I am using windows 7

Thanks!!

Unable to save a profile.

invalid@example.com (estes53) — Thu, 19 Jan 2017 06:52:08 +0000

When I hit I get "Tool Change Options" window at which whether I select cancel or OK, the window closes and does nothing else.

I am assuming at this point that it worked, but nothing is saved and there was never a dialog asking for a name. Btw, I am using a Mac.

Alan

How to input bit size ?? Error

invalid@example.com (Tuan) — Wed, 18 Jan 2017 00:21:30 +0000

I got a very small end mill bit dia size .055 inch.
The sketchucam doesn't let me input .055 instead it automatically changed back to 3/64" ??
I use all inches. Not mm

removing SketchUcam

invalid@example.com (azerty) — Tue, 20 Dec 2016 17:12:56 +0000

Hello all,
Sorry, I searched for removal, uninstall, ... and I didn't find any clue for uninstalling SketchUcam from my computer.

I found the plugin directories inside C:\Users\Admin\AppData\Roaming\SketchUp\SketchUp 2016\SketchUp\Plugins and, after I disabled the plugin from the preferences, I closed Sketchup and renamed the two phatxxx subdirectories, No warning from Sketchup when I reopened it. This lets me thinking that a simple deletion would do the trick.

However this way to...

removing SketchUcam

Warning message after instaling sketchucam

invalid@example.com (STAMOS Panagiotis) — Fri, 02 Dec 2016 06:54:29 +0000

Helow! instaled sketchucam. When oppening sketchup i have the folowing message: see images below...
And when i'm trying to "plot g code" i have the message of the second image... Can somone help? i dont have many knowleges about all this
thinks"... Thanks in advane!
Capture2.JPG...

Warning message after instaling sketchucam

Fold/Centerline and cutter size

invalid@example.com (generalsocial) — Wed, 30 Nov 2016 07:09:58 +0000

Does either the Fold or Centerline tool subtract the cutter radius so it doesn't go over the line?

What I mean is if I draw a line that is 1" and do a Fold or Centerline, will the cutter width make the line longer?

Second question. What's the difference between Fold and Centreline?

Cannot orbit view Gcode plot

invalid@example.com (Peterthinks) — Sun, 27 Nov 2016 04:21:53 +0000

No matter what I do it just pans the view. Can't orbit the view to see toolpath. I just have a top down view. I'm sure it's something simple like a control key but no matter what I press it remains firmly top down. Any clues?

Pocket contour on outer side

invalid@example.com (risros) — Mon, 21 Nov 2016 07:27:29 +0000

I'm trying to create a pocket, but the contour is always generated on the outer side of the face.
On your help video, it generates correctly on the inner side.
Is this a bug pr am I doing it wrong?

BTW, noticed that outside and inside cut are also swapped. The outside cut makes the contour on the inner side and vice versa.

Plunge limiting to min_Z

invalid@example.com (KX-5) — Sat, 12 Nov 2016 09:57:24 +0000

Where do I change the min_z (or @min_z)? I want to cut 2" foam, but the Z gets limited to -1.4. Here's the gcode. Thanks!!
%
(Generated by SketchUcam V1.4-22ee)
(File: PoleSeparator.skp)
(Bit diameter: 1/4")
(Feed rate: 2' 1"/min)
(Plunge Feed rate: 1' 8"/min)
(Material Thickness: 2 5/16")
(Material length: 1' 11" X width: 3' 11")
(Overhead Gantry: true)
(Plunge Depth first)
(Optimization is ON)
(www.PhlatBoyz.com)
G90 G20 G49 G17
M3 S8000
G00...

Plunge limiting to min_Z

help noob

invalid@example.com (Arlen) — Thu, 27 Oct 2016 14:21:01 +0000

erro como resolver? Warning: you have a character other than the "." defined as decimal separator, but this confuses sketchup and sketchUcam, please set it to . (point) in windows regional setting.

Displaced Gcode

invalid@example.com (Robin Mosedale) — Tue, 27 Sep 2016 16:07:49 +0000

I'm milling a circle (shallow cylinder).

It's centred on the origin of sketchup axes and flat on the horizontal surface.

The safe area is set at a generous distance around the piece and enough clearance for the milling bit (slot drill).

The code generated displaces the origin a few inches away from the drawn origin.

Why?

Very confused.

Robin

No Plot GCode window - MAC

invalid@example.com (SteveRan) — Wed, 21 Sep 2016 19:10:33 +0000

Sorry in advance - bit of a nubie to this. I'm running Sketchup 2015 on a Macbook Pro with Mavericks.
SkechUcam installed OK and I can generate what looks like valid GCode when viewed in an editor - but when I try to launch the Plot GCode window from Sketchup nothing happens (no window visible) Plot GCode is reading the GCode file "gcode_out.cnc" because if I delete it Plot GCode complains its missing. I've fiddled with the SketchUcam misc options to no avail. Any clues?