Messages

3541

Galil / Re: Lathe Threading

« on: June 06, 2011, 06:28:43 AM »

I don't recall any posted changes since around 042.32 to 34 but may have something. 
RICH

3542

General Mach Discussion / Re: Stepper motor with ball screws

« on: June 04, 2011, 01:43:21 PM »

air2gnd,
MOTOR           MICRO                   REDUCTION      BALL SCREW
200 steps / rev X 10u steps X 32 teeth/16 teeth X 5 rev / inch=20000 steps per unit

Doubt very much that you will do 600 IPM.....maybe 60, find the max velocity,reduce by 30 to 40% and experiment some for reliabilty.

Check for backlash, then use Mach's axis calibration feature to check / refine steps.

RICH

3543

Show"N"Tell ( Your Machines) / Re: RICH'S ATLAS CNC CONVERSION

« on: June 04, 2011, 01:23:21 PM »

The handles can still be used and  manual operation of the quill is possible by a simple disconnect of the Z ball screw nut.
The only problem with the X &Y manual use is that you loose the feel since steppers are attached.
A problem with handles are they can become a safety problem since they turn when using the machine in cnc mode.
 I need to modify their attachment to the screw so they can be free floating if desired.

RICH

3544

General Mach Discussion / Re: My drill wont drill!

« on: June 03, 2011, 05:38:39 AM »

There are peck drilling macro's in the Tool Box, here is the link.

http://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php/topic,15205.msg101682.html#msg101682

RICH

3545

General Mach Discussion / Re: Travel diestance does not match command

« on: June 03, 2011, 05:31:45 AM »

Sonic,
You can set the mode in CONFIG>PORTS & PINS>TURN OPTIONS.
The mode choosen is personal preference, but, some of the wizards don't work correctly in both modes.
It is wise to draw in, CAM in, and set the config / post processor  for the same mode. Mixing modes is asking for trouble.
Be carefull when using software as to which post processor is selected and you may even want to add a comment line in
the Gcode as to which mode was used to generate the code.

RICH

3546

General Mach Discussion / Re: axis calibration problem

« on: June 02, 2011, 08:47:56 PM »

I wouldn't call you that but rather would say we all learn from our mistakes.
Glad you got her working.
RICH

3547

General Mach Discussion / Re: Mach3 backlash settings...useful?

« on: June 02, 2011, 12:33:05 PM »

i want to know the best way to record the actual backlash...

Just move the axis in one direction to remove any backlash, now move in the same direction...say .5", then go back a .5".
If there is backlash you will not have gone fully back and the actual distance traveled is per your indicator. The difference is the backlash.

You could also just move in one direction to remove the backlash, set the indicator to Zero, then move ion the oposite direction by step jogging in increments of say .0001"
and note how many jogs it took to just get the indicator to show movement.

Make sure your steps per unit are correct before doing the above.

RICH

3548

General Mach Discussion / Re: axis calibration problem

« on: June 02, 2011, 06:39:01 AM »

Tweakie,
The problem is that one can't hear what the motors sound like or have a visual on the movement. Figure that if it can move in one direction
without binding and skipping steps one would assume it can reverse. At 1/2" it's not loosing steps it is "skipping"...play on words but a big difference between the two.
If the steps per unit are correct, a reasonable velocity & acceleration along with proper pulse duration, then after a move the backlash would be rather consistant and thus any
loss in position greater than the backlash becomes a mechanical issue............at least in general. Of course other assumptions are made in the above ........ you know how it goes.
RICH  

3549

Newfangled Solutions Mach3 Wizards / Re: R Less Than Z in Cycle in XY PlaneLine7

« on: June 01, 2011, 11:18:35 PM »

Been a long time since the manual was written and drilling holes are covered on Page 10 of 14.
Are you using the input table shown in figure 5.9.3?
I just don't recall if there was any problem with posted drill cycles from the table.
RICH

3550

General Mach Discussion / Re: Z-axis/tool driving me CRAZY

« on: June 01, 2011, 10:54:54 PM »

do I need to configure anything else for the z-axis to work fine?

Yes, you need to set Cut while in layers as that defines the rapid height, where the cutting will start, and the cut depth ( which by the way should be a negative number).
See Tutorial #7 in the LC Manual. It you don't do the above it will use the defualts.

RICH