Machsupport Forum

Mach Discussion => General Mach Discussion => Topic started by: dhouse on May 06, 2011, 12:42:56 PM

Title: V carving using Mach 3
Post by: dhouse on May 06, 2011, 12:42:56 PM

I really hope that someone here can help me get this set up right.
I have a problem with v carving and I think that it may be the mach software.  If i try to v carve a name for a sign I get real a cut that takes a considerable amount of time and jerky motion out of the machine .  I have tried every thing that I know and I have never been happy .
I am cutting on a shopbot machine with an acension control box using mach 3 R3.042.040
windows xp sp3 1 gig ram
Is every one else doing v carving that they are happy with?
Is there a check list of settings that need to be verified?
I did have better results using the old shopbot software even though it was slow and  noisey.
Any help would be helpful

 

Title: Re: V carving using Mach 3
Post by: Tweakie.CNC on May 06, 2011, 12:47:50 PM

Hi,

Could you post your GCode file. If it runs OK here then that will at least rule out one possibility.

Tweakie.

Title: Re: V carving using Mach 3
Post by: ger21 on May 06, 2011, 06:33:35 PM

Are you in CV mode, or Exact Stop mode?

If you are in CV mode, make sure all CV options are turned off.

Title: Re: V carving using Mach 3
Post by: dhouse on May 06, 2011, 07:34:54 PM

I am using CV mode and all options are off.
Should the motors all be set at the same speed ?
Should I see G2, G3  in the Gcode?
 Does the font selection matter? I am using a True Type font.
90 degree bit  1.25  diameter  1.2 IPS  on the feedrate

Title: Re: V carving using Mach 3
Post by: ger21 on May 06, 2011, 07:38:32 PM

Mach3 uses ipm. How are you using ips?

Title: Re: V carving using Mach 3
Post by: dhouse on May 06, 2011, 07:40:08 PM

when I set the toolpath I use IPS in the tool database

Title: Re: V carving using Mach 3
Post by: dhouse on May 06, 2011, 07:43:13 PM

Bye the way ger21,  the 2010 screen set is the cleanest, simple screen set I have seen to date. Excellent job !

Title: Re: V carving using Mach 3
Post by: ger21 on May 06, 2011, 07:52:26 PM

Thanks, glad you like it.

Are you sure you have all the CV options off? Both on the settings page and all the ones in General Config?

What are your accel and velocity settings?

Title: Re: V carving using Mach 3
Post by: dhouse on May 06, 2011, 08:00:55 PM

The cv settings in the general config (CV control) are all unchecked. On the settings screen in the "CV Settings" CV on/off is checked'.
The accel is set at 10 the  Velocity  is set at 350 ipm

Title: Re: V carving using Mach 3
Post by: ger21 on May 06, 2011, 08:28:45 PM

Can you increase the accel? 10 is pretty low for a velocity of 350

Title: Re: V carving using Mach 3
Post by: dhouse on May 06, 2011, 08:33:49 PM

What would you recommend for Accel settings? 

Title: Re: V carving using Mach 3
Post by: ger21 on May 06, 2011, 08:44:07 PM

Accel is a very machine dependent setting. I know guys with homebuilt rack and pinion machines typically use 30-50.

You want to set it as fast as your machine will allow, and still be reliable. Generally, the faster the accel, the better your CV performance.

Title: Re: V carving using Mach 3
Post by: dhouse on May 06, 2011, 08:49:53 PM

I will give that a try.
thanks for the help!