I need a reset?, I messed it up somewhere. I'm sorry.

[Redpaw_Designs]

Im new PAID IN FULL proud owner of Cambam, Cutviewer is next. Ive read tons of the threads here and thought i was humming right along. Cambam is so freaking awesome, I definitely made a correct decision for my first CNC purchase. its actually amazing to see it all come together so quickly and its not that hard to follow unless you get curious and tinker before you know the outcome.

( edited in possible solutions )
What I think I did?:
I wanted the produced Projects ( .cb ) & Gcode (.nc ) to go to my desktop in a specific folder. I found what I thought ( Machining>outfile ) was the correct location to input a new directory to export files to. I followed the directory path to my folder and told it to save them there. It does, but only as .cb files and not .NC files. See new info below

Missing a file?
( There are two locations in the directory tree in Win 7 Pro install that has CamBam Files. You may need to check these locations for your files C:Program Files(x86)/Cambam or to find the templates folder C:/Program Data/Cambam. )

Next Issue: I renamed the "default" styles file, thinking it would keep the default and just give me a new styles...not so. I get nothing but "styles not found" on any project I try to create. I'm lost now, but still looking for a clue.

Solved: Right click on the host folder to create a new Cam Style, do not use or modify the Default is what I have found. Your mileage may vary.

Next issue: while following the example stepper motor tutorial, I get through the drill operation and generate tool paths...they show up, but.......... When I press "Produce Gcode" it blinks really fast, and then nothing. I try to edit the gcode I think I just produced, and it says I have to generate Gcode first.

(Unable to duplicate the issue after a new re-install. i'm of the opinion that it has to do with my destroying the default file found in Cam styles by way of Newbie Tinkering )

So Yeah, I have by my own admission messed up something somewhere and I'd like to reset Cambam, learned a valuable lesson, and never mess with something in a program they haven't taught you in a video somewhere.

I'm all ears, can I get a hand please. Just a reset to downloaded originality and start fresh.

[Redpaw_Designs]

added Footnote:

I was able to accurately produce the stepper example, it went right to the machine and was perfect. I was able to make random shapes as well and cut those too. things were going great, imported some art, messed with virtually nothing and it cut it all right out perfectly...

...and then I lost it somewhere.

[Redpaw_Designs]

Windows OS: Win 7 Pro

Latest Actions: Tried to do a restore from last saved known good point from "right click file>Repair" to a day earlier. No luck.

Used Control Panel to Uninstall Cambam, knowing full well I'd lose my tool inventory, I just said "I Can rebuild it" and re-installed Cambam.

Installation went perfect, opened CamBam and a small window pops up "Error at Root 1 Level 1" and I dismissed it, then another small window pops up asking to save "untitled" I said no. I have back the default file found in Cam Styles and surprisingly My tool inventory is still there.

BUT.

I create a new file, create a simple rectangle, define the Profile toolpath around it, generate tool path and then use ALT + Left mouse to view the toolpath and its shown as cutting in the air. I realize this is now just a simple fix, what causes that?

Standpoint: error file upon opening each time and toolpaths shown above grid and yes Im sure Ive set to negative values for depth. can you slap my tired brain and point out my failure here?

[Redpaw_Designs]

Ive since corrected the Root Level Error from reading a previous post solution ( search options here didn't give results ) by way of google, which did find the answer here in the forums.

Last question still persists: Perhaps I may end up answering this myself…

Is it necessary to define the stock thickness before ever applying a single simple shape to the grid?, because if I add a shape, then define the tool path to the shape, then isometric view ( alt + Left mouse )…it is showing the stock as see through and the cuts originating from the underside of the stock ( shape is on the grid ) and the tool paths traveling upwards into the stock from the underside.

I never set any of those parameters, the very first time I used Cambam, i just drew a pentagon, applied the profile, viewed it ( it viewed normal showing path down through the stock ) produced gcode and it cut just fine on a waste board….

now that Im trying to define the stock, its showing the tool paths climbing up through the stock and Ive checked positive and negative values and well a Z 0.

kinda tired here. a quiet machine is not good. suggestions?

[lloydsp]

kinda tired here. a quiet machine is not good. suggestions?
------------
Lest you think we're not watching and listening, we are.

We're just "thinking about it" (truly).

You've presented a mixed-bag of problems the likes of which I have never encountered.

A quick posting of your .cb file, along with what post-processor you're using would be helpful in trouble-shooting (at least some of) your problems.

Lloyd

[Redpaw_Designs]

Lloyd,
Thank You for your time, I appreciate it.

The post processor is default, Ive never touched or assigned that field yet. It it works as is, why break it, and its been working fine.

I create all my files in Win 7, proof them in Openscam, then I bootcamp over to Mac Mountain Lion OS where I run the file through Arduino ( GRBL ver. 8c ) to my Home Made CNC by way of GRBL controller.

Everything else so far has corrected itself ( missing default cam style ) except when I add a shape to the grid without defining the stock, then define the stock, the design doesnt transpose to the top of the surface showing depth of cuts....its reversed. hopefully it will show in the attached file.

again, thank you for the look over, one day I hope to do the same for others.

[Redpaw_Designs]

This file, just created will not allow me to produce Gcode. I click on the Generate Toolpaths, then generate GCode and it blinks, then I try to see it in "edit Gcode" and it says I have to generate it first?

ugh. I'm not seeing something obvious.

[EddyCurrent]

The first time I installed CamBam I did not put it where the installer wanted, this caused me many problems.
I reinstalled it again but this time using default locations. All I had to do then was get the license from the registration email and everything was okay.

[lloydsp]

It works fine for me.  I suppose it has to do with configurations other than the actual drawing or parts machining operations.

I would suggest either completely removing all characters from the "destination/outfile" in the machining tab, or supplying an actual path for the destination file.

When left blank, it should send .nc files to the same folder where the .cb file lives.

That particular example you supplied _should_ "just blink"... it takes almost zero time to generate the g-code for that one.

Lloyd

[Redpaw_Designs]

Thank you both for the timely replies and responses.

It appears it has returned to normal mannerisms after a shutdown>reboot> overnight.

*note
On Win 7 Professional series: There are two locations that files are stored in the directory tree.

One path is: C:/Program files (x86)/Cambam and the other path to the templates and styles directory is: C:/Program Data/ Cambam

...so when some says they cant find their Template Folder or Styles location on a Win 7 Pro install. There is the answer.

[Jeff_Birt]

One path is: C:/Program files (x86)/Cambam

This is the program installation directory. There are no 'user/configuration' files here, just the program 'code'.

If you open CamBam and go to Tools->Browse System Folder you will find where the 'user/configuration' files are stored on your PC. For Windows 7 C:/Program Data/Cambam just as you have said. On XP it will be in a different location but you can always let CamBam find it for you. This folder is user and/or configuration files. Things like templates, translations, CamBam settings, etc. In other words things that have to do with your CamBam configuration. This is not meant for your GCode.

Your GCode should be stored elsewhere. I have a main folder for parts/products in 'My Documents'. There is a sub-folder for each part/product and each part/product has subfolders like: Design, Data, Toolpath, Documentation. After designing the part (in CAD) I save a DXF to the Toolpath folder and then import that into CamBam and save the CamBam file and GCode in Toolpath as well. Toolpath is really a CAM folder, but that is what I called it which is unfortunate as on my CNC PC I have a main 'Toolpath' folder with subfolders for each product. All GCode I run on the machine is saved there. Maybe I will rename the Product/Toolpath folder to 'CAM' someday.

Other folks have different systems for their part files. The main idea is to have a system so you can find thing and one that maintains a logical separation between the program installation files (C:/Program files (x86)/Cambam), the user's program configuration files (C:/Program Data/Cambam) and your product files.

[Redpaw_Designs]

One path is: C:/Program files (x86)/Cambam

This is the program installation directory. There are no 'user/configuration' files here, just the program 'code'.

If you open CamBam and go to Tools->Browse System Folder you will find where the 'user/configuration' files are stored on your PC. For Windows 7 C:/Program Data/Cambam just as you have said. On XP it will be in a different location but you can always let CamBam find it for you. This folder is user and/or configuration files. Things like templates, translations, CamBam settings, etc. In other words things that have to do with your CamBam configuration. This is not meant for your GCode.

Your GCode should be stored elsewhere. I have a main folder for parts/products in 'My Documents'. There is a sub-folder for each part/product and each part/product has subfolders like: Design, Data, Toolpath, Documentation. After designing the part (in CAD) I save a DXF to the Toolpath folder and then import that into CamBam and save the CamBam file and GCode in Toolpath as well. Toolpath is really a CAM folder, but that is what I called it which is unfortunate as on my CNC PC I have a main 'Toolpath' folder with subfolders for each product. All GCode I run on the machine is saved there. Maybe I will rename the Product/Toolpath folder to 'CAM' someday.

Other folks have different systems for their part files. The main idea is to have a system so you can find thing and one that maintains a logical separation between the program installation files (C:/Program files (x86)/Cambam), the user's program configuration files (C:/Program Data/Cambam) and your product files.

Exactly.
Its perfectly logical after a step away from the screen, mow the yard, get some rest and approach it after some time away.

Ive since edited my first post, please edit/delete anything if necessary to add anything you feel that will help anyone else. The community here and the forums are a great read. Cutviewer is next. This is addicting.