Wierd things

[bigbloke]

Hi

My first post on this forum.

I have Mach 3 installed running an Ajax controller for a 3 axis knee mill (bridgeport clone)

I am struggling with Mach 3, it does seem to do some odd things, probably operator error but I'm just not getting it.

First oddball thing:

Set up tool length offsets for 5 tools in the library, all set from the same reference face using the manual step jog and trapping a piece of paper between the cutter and the work piece.

1. Go to offsets screen
2. Set library tool number
3. Load toolholder into machine with tool in place
4. Jog machine down until paper is just trapped (finish steps 0.1mm)
5. click set offset button
6. jog tool away from reference face for clearance
7. repeat for the rest of the tools required for the setup

When I run the programme the roughing stage is fine (1st 18000 lines)
Then change tool to the next tool in the set, all looks okay
Then re start the programme.
The next tool is now cutting well up in the air above the part.

Okay, I must have botched the TLO process but I read the instructions, repeated the process and still cant see what I'm doing wrong.

Tried changing the Z axis position to compensate because I just want to get my parts cut (GOUGE) the tool is now cutting 7mm below the surface, should have been 0.5mm skim.

Any ideas ?

Second piece of strangeness

Trying to use the set next line button to get back to just before the tool change mentioned above.
1. Click set next line
2. Enter a line number (18078 for instance)
3. Hit return
4. The current line shows as what it was before changing anything

Tried all sorts of combinations and variations, it seems like I have to
1. select the gcode window
1a. maybe scroll down a bit, it doesnt seem to want to do it from line 1
2. click set next line
3. enter line number
4. Hit return
5. it shows the right line at that point
6. Unless I click set next line again, when I click cycle start it jumps back to where it was before (CRASH).

This interface is confusing and frustrating me.

Does this sound about right or is there something wrong here ?

Any thoughts / comment / help would be appreciated.

Thanks

Paul

[Hood]

Is this with the Mach/Ajax controller/Plugin?

I usually use Run From Here but have just tried with set next line and it works fine. What I did was have code loaded then entered the line number in the DRO and enter on keyboard then set next line button then start.

 I normally do my tool length offsets via my own screen and macro so I would have to check up to see how its done via offsets page. Its getting late here so not going to check tonight. Hopefully someone else will chime in but if not I will try and remember to look tomorrow.



Hood

[ger21]

Can't help with the offsets either, but for Set Next Line, you enter the line number first, then click the Set Next Line Button. Then it should work.

[Overloaded]

Hi Paul,
For the offsets.............
  Are you sure you are hitting "Enter" after selecting the tool # in the selection DRO ?
Works fine here...the little I've used it.
Just a shot,
Russ

[bigbloke]

Hi, thanks for the quick responses.

Hood, Yes I am using the Mach / Ajax plugin (I am also in the UK so same time zone at least)

The PC is a recent dual core with plenty of everything and running Windows 7 32 bit.

I thought it would be useful to sit with the machine and try the steps again and document them as I go to ensure that I accurately capture the sequence of events. So here goes on the set next line scenario....

Take 1....

1. Re started Mach to ensure that everything is clean.
2. Hit reset to make sure the mill is paying attention (heard Estop contactor go in so all's well there)
3. Load my G Code file (it loads, calculates tool path etc, no problem)
4. Click on the Line: field to enable / focus it
5. Key my required line (18078) the line before the next tool change
6. Click Set next Line button (line number in Line: field changes to zero, gcode window display stays at line 0.

Take 2....

1. Re started Mach to ensure that everything is clean.
2. Hit reset to make sure the mill is paying attention (heard Estop contactor go in so all's well there)
3. Load my G Code file (it loads, calculates tool path etc, no problem)
4. click on Line: for focus
5. key in line number (18078)
6. Hit return (gcode screen jumps to the correct line)
7. Click on Set next line (no visible effect)
8. Cycle start runs it from the right line

I think maybe I was getting mixed up with using return after entering the line number and then the Set Next Line number having no visible effect.

It would be nice if having selected a button, it was somehow visible that you had done it.

Thanks for the help all.

Paul

I'll try the TLO bit again later.

[ger21]

In Mach3, you must click "Enter" after typing numbers in ANY DRO. If you don't click "Enter", whatever you typed will not be accepted.

[derekbpcnc]

Hi,

You are calling a G43 H* after the tool chage request M06 ??

i.e
T1 M06
G43 H1

Also, what data is displayed in the tool table for the tools you are using?

ATB
Deker

[bigbloke]

Okay, I now think I have it with the tool length offset.

My problem was as Ger pointed out around G43

The post I was using wasnt putting any G43 in at all, once I changed to a generic Fanuc post, it was inserting a G43 but with H0, I have edited the file to use G43 H(the correct tool from the library) and it seems to be working, the first part is still cutting so I wont be certain for a few hours yet.

I guess a few weeks / months further in and I'll be more familiar with the system.


Thanks all for your help with this.

Paul