What is the best post processor for generic Chinese mills (.nc or .gcode)

[Anonymous]

Alright, this is probably a silly question but some things aren't lining up so I just want to be sure. 

I have a toolpath that I need to output to a flashdrive to put into my computer that is running Mach 3 and subsequently my CNC router. The website with router specs is: https://www.omni-cnc.com/product/sign-making-cnc-router/. Yes yes I know it's a cheap Chinese mill but you gotta do what you gotta do.

My router is the Omni 1212 and it states that the accepted post-process files are .nc and .gcode. But, when I go into post process for Fusion 360, when I select Mach3Mill, it tries to give me a .tap file. 

Will that work? or is there a better post processor for this file type? If it means anything the controller is a "DSP Remote Controller  Weihong Controller Mach3" "WiXHC usb motion card".... and that's about as much as I can gather from it. 

TLDR: whats a good post processor in Fusion 360 for a cheap Chinese mill that outputs .nc or .gcode toolpath files?

[johnswetz1982]

Well if it is supposed to use Mach 3 and you need a *.nc file extension you can edit the post processor file. Right at the top you can change the Extension="tap" and change it to "nc". Try that and see if you get an error loading it on the machine.

[daniel_lyall]

Mach3 can use .nc, .ncc, .txt and .tap

[boardsbythebeard]

Hi John,

How are you editing that code? I have the same issue that my mach3 post processor is putting out .tap files so my richauto controller wont recognize the file.

[boardsbythebeard]

Hi John,

I opened the file in text editor and changed ".tap" to "nc" that seems to have worked.

[johnswetz1982]

That particular editor is VS code. That is what you will see most of the people on here using. There is a HSM extension you can get for it and other CNC addons for it. People also use Notepad++. But do not use something like Word that will add in formatting that will corrupt the post processor or code.

[daxpatel45]

While using mach3  .nc   Will work Good With it.Fusion360 Gives Flexibility In Editing .nc files. don't worry go with .nc files.