// Controllers · Mach3 / Mach4
CAM for Mach3 / Mach4
Many routers and mills, Avid CNC machines among them.
From a post users run
What the Mach3 / Mach4 post writes
- T<n> M6 then G43 H<n> (tool length from the tool table)
- G91.1 at the start: arcs stay right even on a machine set to absolute I J
- Drilling cycles G81 / G82 / G83 / G73
- Helical arcs
- Dwell in seconds
Files end in .tap. Every file is read back before export and checked against the simulated toolpath.
Check the tool table holds a length for each tool number before the first job.
Where this post comes from
- A post users run on these machines: SharpCam Mach3 machine definition 1.4.5
- Another CAM program: Mastercam MACH3B post (generic mill post for Mach3; G4 P in seconds, I J from the start of the arc)
Not yet confirmed on a machine. This post follows the sources above. Before the first real job, run the controller check in the air, or compare with a file that already runs on your machine (Export options → Check this post).