Stupid question, but....

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I'm trying to learn the SB program language. I've been following along in Bill Young's Corner using offsets and variables (Thank you Bill, really helpful) and I'm using the SB 3 in preview mode.
After I load a file and preview it I can't figure out a way to get rid of all the hen scratches on my material from the previous exercise. I'm quitting out and relaunching to get a clean peice of material.
Is there another way to do this without quitting out?

Also, could anyone suggest where to look next for any good follow along lessons with regard to learning the program language. I have no experience with programming but it's starting to make sense and Bill's explanation and lesson really work for me.

Thanks for any help, it's appreciated.
Tim

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Woops!,

Just figured it out. Similiar ti PW's. Delete the tool paths...DUH!

[Gary Campbell]

Tim..
You can click on the little blue "reset" button on the ShopBot Position window.

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Thanks Gary,

Immaidiot

Tim

[beacon14]

If you mean the 2D toolpath preview, you can un-check the little box to the left of the toolpath to hide/show the 2D toolpath without having to delete it.

[dana_swift]

Tim, the documentation explains each of the SB commands, try using them while "air cutting" to be sure you understand them. As you get more confident you can write more detailed SB programs.

I strongly suggest examining part files generated by Vectric software to understand regular cutting. To learn the possibilities of control, study the SBC files located in C:/SbParts/Custom. These files contain the logic for how the bot finds the ZZero plate and prox switches. Once you understand how that is done you can incorporate subsets these features into your files where appropriate.

Look at some examples such as where (very simple) custom SBP files have been written to cut threads, including pipe threads.

Then when you feel more confident, try picking up an external language such as VB or C# and write programs that generate and output SBP files. Then things become very interesting. You can create cuts such as arches where Z changes with X and Y. Things SB does not support explicitly, yet does very nicely.

My only caution is that there is no limit to exploration in this direction, and at some point you have to stop writing software improvements and "get it done".

Good luck and best wishes-

D

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Thanks David, it's so obvious now but all morning I never noticed the Reset button as Gary Suggested or the Toolpaths tab. Unchecking...O.K. now that's real obvious to me....now :) Thanks!

Dana, I'll do as you suggest and look at these files. In fact, I've been looking between files and the SB Handbook all day. Thanks for the suggestions on what to look at and consider.

At first I thought that I would never want to get into this code stuff but after reading various posts on what people have been able to do with all the input, outputs etc., and wanting the ability to change tool bits off the table, it's now become a priority. My main priority is to get the E-cab link installed and running with the ability to make tool changes. Kenneth generously lent me the tool change files he and Gary put together and I've been studying them for a few days now. Almost makes sense to me.

I think I'll also go get one of those "Basic programming for Dummies" or some such book. I have zilch programming experience.

Read Bill Young's articles on his Web column this morning. That really helped a lot. I don't know if he was unable to continue after his second article titled "Exploring ShopBot Part Files" or not. If he did would anyone know where they might be found? Awfully nice of him to take the time and explain it and the lessons were really helpful.

Thanks again for the help. It's appreciated,
Tim