Machsupport Forum
Mach Discussion => General Mach Discussion => Topic started by: rickw on February 06, 2011, 07:27:06 PM
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I have a question, which I have tried to figure out on my own but I can't. After importing code into Mach, the image is way out of soft limits set on my table. How can I move the image closer to my set limits within working distance to zero and begin cutting? I have tried everything. What I had to do, which worked, was move the Cam file image closer to a 0,0 coordinate and re-entered it into Mach, and it was within the soft limits but what a pain. Is there a way to move the code image around in Mach? I would have to think there is a way..........
Any advice would be appreciated.
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Have you set your work offsets
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I set a work offset and zeroed the DRO. Then I regenerated the window but it did not move within the soft limit settings. What am I doing wrong?
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Is the job bigger than your table movement
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No, its mounted to the table, well within limits. I know I am doing something wrong so I will go through some steps to my failure. I imported the code and the image is way off the right and you cant even see it unless you zoom out. I moved the tool (spindle) to a spot on the piece I want to cut and zeroed the DRO. Then clicked on regen and the image is still off to the right, way out of soft limit setting of the table. Not sure what to do.
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i get the feeling that you've not set the work offsets correctly. Try this, home your machine and make sure the dro's are set to machine coords, which should read zeros Then jog the tool to the start point of the job and go to the offset screen and and enter the dro values in the current work offset dros and save then at the bottom of the page. If you go back to the main screen and press the machine coords button it should read zeros, and whaen you press it again it goes back to the distance you're from the mome switches. Then try the code.
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I did that already. Currently, I click on Machine coord's and it shows how far I am from the home switch. Then I click off and the DRO reads all zeros. Then I click regen tool path and the image is way off to the right, out of the window, unless I zoom out. This is still G54 Fixture 1. Something is messed up!!
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Sounds like you're creating the code in the CAM software outside of the machine limits.
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That could be true because I had to delete some parts in CamBam and then I entered the remaining part I needed in Mach as code. How could I verify that this is the case?
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I guess I should ask this question then. I draft parts in AutoCad and import them in CamBam to transfer them to code. If the part will fit on the router table, is it possible to have it in a spot on the CamBam that will not import correctly in Mach? I ask this because I know the part is well within limits of my table. But it may not have been at a 0,0 coordinate in the Cam software. Could this be a problem? Earlier today, I had the same problem but moved the drawing closer to 0,0 within the Cam software. Then when I imported the code, it was within the soft limit settings. I can't believe that one would have to do this every time. I am still pretty green at CNC ing.
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I'd say you have to do as you said in your first post.
The ORIGIN needs to be closer to, or on the profile.
If you draw a 1" dia. circle and have the 0,0 origin 5' away, you'll get what you are seeing.
From my limited experience,
Russ
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Just be sure to define the 0,0 origin every time you use the CAM.....never have to go back then.
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Okay, I get it now. I am trying to figure out the zeroing part. Can one zero on a certain point on the material you are cutting? I have a piece of stock not much bigger that what I want to cut. Can I zero in a certain mark on the stock to ensure the positioning? Can I zero on this mark and expect it to be 0,0 on the work offset?
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Yes, exactly right on all accounts.
It can be anywhere you wish. On the part or on the fixture or anywhere you like.
Just be sure to define it.
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Ideally, you should be drawing your parts in AutoCAD in the positions you want to cut them, relative to the origin.
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Thanks Jerry, now I know I need to be aware of this when drafting and editing.