Stopping and restarting a cut using Mach 3 controls

[Searchman]

When I plasma cut a large piece my compressor needs recovery time. By a large piece I am referring to a design that has long continuous cuts.
What procedure is recommended to stop Mach and then continue with the cut process?

[little blue choo]

Hi Searchman, I don't have that problem but if I want to stop in the middle of a cut to maybe remove a tip up or something I always hit FEED HOLD. This will allow the machine to finish the cut it's on and then pause before going to the next cut, preventing it from loosing it's place. When your compressor catches up you simply hit run and the table will start back where it stopped. Hope this helped.

Rick

[motoguy]

If something catches you off guard (misfire, etc), you can scroll up to the M5 command after the last good cut, use "set next line" to start again from this point, and re-start. I use that a lot. Lol

[Searchman]

What I like about this forum site is that everyone is willing to share their knowledge. I am very new at CNC Plasma and require a lot of " Hand Holding ". I purchased a CNC Plasma table from an ad on the internet. I had no idea what was involved to just get up and running. Somewhat running. Many hours of frustration. I was happy to just be able to jog X and Y on the table. I am now able to cut up steel and have it look presentable.
It is a hobby for me and a good deterrent from dementia. So I am told. Not to bad for a farm boy from Wisconsin.