Messages

681

LazyTurn / Toolpath between Z limits

« on: January 24, 2011, 03:33:17 PM »

Hi,

Is it possible in LT to do a tool path only between the z limits desired?

Also, why can't I do a rough toolpath of the attached profile? Only get the toolpath as shown...

Thanks,
Dan

682

General Mach Discussion / Re: incresing speed on stepper motors

« on: January 23, 2011, 06:59:08 AM »

Hood,

Think you meant to say smaller motors

Dan

683

General Mach Discussion / Re: Locating question

« on: January 21, 2011, 03:06:13 PM »

Are you using absolute I, J? Why do you use the first G52 Y1?

Try using this code for your rectangle:

(Assuming Incremental I J)
G00 X0 Y0
G01 X1.50 Y0
G03 X2.0 Y.5 I0 J.5
G01 X2.0 Y1.5
G03 X1.5 Y2.0 I-.5 J0
G01 X-1.5 Y2.0
G03 X-2.0 Y1.5 I0 J-.5
G01 X-2.0 Y.5
G03 X-1.5 Y0 I.5 J0
G01 X0 Y0


Dan

684

General Mach Discussion / Re: Locating question

« on: January 18, 2011, 12:25:45 PM »

Ray,

The display error is not specific to the demo version.

You can use the Z Inhibit option on the Program Run screen and specify a value below which the Z will not go. Use a value just above the material and you can visualize your tool moves. Also when I am running a program the first time and not sure about it I usually decrease the FRO to a very low value so I have enough time to hit FeedHold if things go wrong.

Dan

685

General Mach Discussion / Re: Locating question

« on: January 18, 2011, 09:10:25 AM »

Hi Ray,

It is a display error in Mach. The actual movement will be correct though.

Dan

686

General Mach Discussion / Re: Locating question

« on: January 16, 2011, 09:56:24 AM »

Hi Ray,

The best option is using the G52 offset. Suppose you cut the first one at X0 Y0. Then you want another one at X-3 Y0 and next one at X3 Y0. This is how the program will look like:

(your code to cut rectangle here)
G0 X-3 Y0
G52 X-3 (this will offset the current point by -3 making it X0. Y remains the same)
(your code to cut rectangle here)
G52 X0 (set the offset back to zero)

G0 X3 Y0
G52 X3
(your code to cut rectangle here)
G52 X0
M30

In the same way you can offset in the Y as well.

Dan

687

General Mach Discussion / Re: Windows Project (;-)

« on: January 13, 2011, 01:33:44 PM »

I can have CamBam open and be using it while cutting but not with the parallel port.

This is what I was meaning. That the SS frees up a lot of CPU resources which in turn can allow running other processes along with Mach3. Not the case with the PP, so if you're judging based on a SS system that might not be true for a PP system.

Dan

688

General Mach Discussion / Re: Windows Project (;-)

« on: January 13, 2011, 10:29:58 AM »

I can tell that stripping all the unused features of XP using the XPlite software made the PC (which is far not the best out there nor a new) boot VERY fast. 23 seconds to fully load Windows! About 20 seconds faster than before I stripped it. Not that it runs Mach3 better this way, I just like it being loading fast.

BTW, Jeff, isn't it with the Smooth Stepper? With the SS I can switch screens and such (but still prefer to avoid doing it) while running a program and nothing wrong happens.

Dan

689

Works in progress / Re: THE LATHE PROJECT - 2011

« on: January 11, 2011, 01:57:53 PM »

No nicking , but it's just a good example of a good screen, I think. Besides, his is a mill screen while we need a lathe screen.

Dan

690

Works in progress / Re: THE LATHE PROJECT - 2011

« on: January 11, 2011, 01:53:09 AM »

Wes,

The conversational interface as you call it, will be very good. Most of the work I do on the lathe I don't use any CAM, just the wizards or manual coding. And I also like the look of Gerry's new mill screen. Looks very clean and easy to look at.

Dan