Trying to mill a circle, not going to plan, and other issues.

**Clive S** · 08-09-2017

I've not posted here a lot as I've only just started to learn a machine I bought back in June. Alas. at work I'm a heidenhan guy, but have worked with fanuc up until a decade ago. My machine uses Mach 3 and last night was the 1st time I cut metal. When I shut the program down, it asked me to save fixture data, which I assumed was the datums I had set on my job. Upon firing up today, it had lost position, so I had to reset them, any ideas why?

Did you re home the machine on switch on first.

**Crazy L** · 10-09-2017

Originally Posted by Clive S

Did you re home the re machine on switch on first.

Hi Clive

Y'know, I don't actually remember for sure. Although thinking about it now, I think I did reference it, yes. then watched in dismay as the readout changed, lol.

**EddyCurrent** · 10-09-2017

Have a look at this Screenset; http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2010.html
I find it makes setting zero and using fixtures so much easier.

**Crazy L** · 14-09-2017

Ta EddyCurrent

I'll have to find out what version I'm running as I have no idea.

**Ger21** · 14-09-2017

To use comp in a circle like that, you need a lead in and lead out move. And different versions of Mach3 may require different lead in moves, as the comp was changed at one point.