i need help with cutter compensation on g41 g42 moves.

I get crazy circles for some reason.

You need a lead in move in your code to turn it on. In your g-code, move to the start of the code, then add the line:
(For comp right)
G42 Dx
(x is the tool number)
or G42 Px.xx
(x.xx is the tool radius)

OR, for comp left

G41 Dx
or
G41 Px.xx


Comp is applied during the move from the position before the G41/G42 to the postion specified after the G41/G42.
__________________

Here is a Sample to play with

G40
M3
G43 H4 M06
G0 X1.018 Y-0.440 Z0.125
G1 X1.018 Y-0.440 Z0.000
G42D4
G1 X1.268 Y-0.190 Z-0.200
G1 X2.075 Y-0.190 Z-0.200
G1 X2.075 Y-0.980 Z-0.200
G1 X0.460 Y-0.980 Z-0.200
G1 X0.460 Y-0.190 Z-0.200
G1 X1.455 Y-0.190 Z-0.200
G40
G1 X1.455 Y-0.378 Z0.000
G0 X1.455 Y-0.378 Z0.125
G0 X3.388 Y-0.440 Z0.125
G1 X3.388 Y-0.440 Z0.000
G42D4
G1 X3.638 Y-0.190 Z-0.200
G1 X4.445 Y-0.190 Z-0.200
G1 X4.445 Y-0.980 Z-0.200
G1 X2.825 Y-0.980 Z-0.200
G1 X2.825 Y-0.190 Z-0.200
G1 X3.825 Y-0.190 Z-0.200
G40
G1 X3.825 Y-0.378 Z0.000
G0 X3.825 Y-0.378 Z0.125
G0 X-0.640 Y0.164 Z0.125
G1 X-0.640 Y0.164 Z0.000
G41D4
G1 X-0.125 Y0.000 Z-0.200
G1 X4.900 Y0.000 Z-0.200
G1 X4.900 Y-1.225 Z-0.200
G1 X4.250 Y-1.225 Z-0.200
G1 X4.250 Y-2.000 Z-0.200
G1 X0.650 Y-2.000 Z-0.200
G1 X0.650 Y-1.225 Z-0.200
G1 X0.000 Y-1.225 Z-0.200
G1 X0.000 Y0.125 Z-0.200
G40
G1 X-0.125 Y0.250 Z0.000
G0 X-0.125 Y0.250 Z0.125
M5
M30

Thanks Brian. I will use it as an example when I run into problems, I think i get the idea though now, i hope