Topics

1

General Mach Discussion / help with fundamental question

« on: April 03, 2010, 02:57:37 AM »

Hello,

I go through my usual routine to position and zero the x, y, and z axies.  Then I load a g-code file, and the x,y, and z DROs all read crazy values.  How come?  What do I have to do to keep the DRO's zeroed?  Why would loading any g-code file affect the DRO's since nothing's moved on the machine?   

Thanks in advance,

2

General Mach Discussion / losing probe signals with USB game controller?

« on: January 31, 2010, 03:20:25 PM »

Hello,

Does anyone know anything about a bug where probe signals are lost, perhaps while using a game controller as a pendant?

I have ruined two bits now.

I use a touch plate and the blue screen mods to single click a zero Z axis setting.  I ALWAYS touch the plate to the bit to see the green "LED" come on.  After having worked 99% of the time, on two occasions now, after testing the connection, the bit touched the touch plate, and kept on going.  Luckily, I was near the estop, but it ruined the tip of the bit.  The first time, I assumed it was my carelessness, but after the second time, I went in another direction and built a Z Zero setter, as shown at

www.liming.org/cnc  on page 5,

based on the one shown on the cover of the recent Digital Machinist magazine.

Since then, on a thread in CNCZone, I learned that others have reported seeing lost probe signals while using Keygrabber.  I do have a USB Logitech game controller hooked up, but I am using Logitech's key programmer, not keygrabber.  Anyone know about any problems in this area with either keygrabber or Logitech's stuff?

3

General Mach Discussion / Scan to cut part

« on: May 04, 2009, 01:19:20 PM »

Hello all,

I am just completing a router table, and just purchased Mach3 and Cambam, so I although I am no stranger to software, I am a real newbie at CAM, so be gentle.   

My need is to scan a piece of paper or cardboard of contrasting color with the background that is cut out in the exact dimension of the part to made - a template.  I then need to cut out a part (from 1/4 inch plywood or 1/8 inch plastic, etc.) that matches the outline of the template.

I have many of these to do, so a simple procedure is important.

I have tried many options, including massaging the scan with both Photoshop and Illustrator to get a .dxf, but that is problematic because I have to go to a friends house since I don't own that pricey software.

I was hoping that Lazycam might help here, but I can't seem to get it to do anything useful, probably due to my unfamiliarity with it and the lack of documentation.  Not putting it down, its just that its early for that.

Could someone please outline the steps involved to be able to do such a thing? If some other software is needed, could you recommend something you've used to do this?

I know this may seem elementary to some, but I don't seem to be able to find the right direction to go.

TIA,