Messages

21

General Mach Discussion / Spindle Lock Error G76 Thread Cycle

« on: February 10, 2014, 11:34:46 AM »

Hi All,
Does anyone have an idea what this error means?

Used a PC (PC1) to set up Mach3 turn on my SC2 lathe and cut a thread to check all was working ok, and it was and still is for PC number 1.  Copied the XML to another PC  (PC2) and now on this one I get the following errors in the Last Errors file:
Mon - 16:11:10 --- Threading Calc:  Vel (IPM): 178.7176 Actual Calc Pitch: 0.8000 Spindle: 223.3971
Mon - 16:11:10 --- Last Reported Thread run values.....

 
Mon - 16:11:10 ---Spindle Lock: 5424 , Total Ints: 0, Total Spindle Ints: 0, Error: 844, Adder: 0 LastRot: 6758
Mon - 16:11:10 ---Spindle Lock: 5424 , Total Ints: 5871, Total Spindle Ints: 5424, Error: 447, Adder: 0 LastRot: 6707
Mon - 16:11:10 ---Spindle Lock: 5424 , Total Ints: 12102, Total Spindle Ints: 10848, Error: 1254, Adder: 0 LastRot: 6674
Mon - 16:11:10 ---Spindle Lock: 5424 , Total Ints: 17555, Total Spindle Ints: 16272, Error: 1283, Adder: 0 LastRot: 6713
Mon - 16:11:10 ---Spindle Lock: 5424 , Total Ints: 23102, Total Spindle Ints: 21696, Error: 1406, Adder: 0 LastRot: 6856
Mon - 16:11:10 ---Spindle Lock: 0 , Total Ints: 0, Total Spindle Ints: 0, Error: 0, Adder: 0 LastRot: 0
Mon - 16:11:10 --- Threading Calc:  Vel (IPM): 178.2317 Actual Calc Pitch: 0.8000 Spindle: 222.7896
Mon - 16:11:10 --- Last Reported Thread run values.....

 
Mon - 16:11:10 ---Spindle Lock: 0 , Total Ints: 0, Total Spindle Ints: 0, Error: 0, Adder: 0 LastRot: 0
Mon - 16:11:41 ---Too Slow for Pulley..Using Min.


Considering a bit further, the only difference between the two computers is the parallel address port, I imported my XML files for the preferences into a databse and found no differences.
I need to understand where this is coming from as it must be due to a PC clocking issue or something like that. Hoping that if the cause of the error can be established I can rule out thios PC complelety.
Hope you can help. 
Paul

22

General Mach Discussion / Re: Squaring up a job

« on: January 09, 2014, 05:49:36 AM »

Hi Jim,
This is one way of setting the controller in line with the part however there are limitations when taking this approach.
I have used rotation to switch a part already clamped on the table with the datum in the wrong axis, rotated the G-Code using the rotation field by 90 degrees which works fine but if you need to "Run from here" I have seen the pre-run to the position will calculate what I assume to be a non rotated position and drop your tool into the part at the wrong location.   If you have made a small rotation adjustment to match the out of line component on the table the difference will be difficult to see.  The X and Y zero point would have to be calculated if not at the work datum edge, so setting the position would also be difficult as the zero datum would only be at the zero point at the program datum point. As Mach3 seems to not calculate the "Run from Here" on rotation it may have other aspects that might cause issues when in rotation, one of course is that you can easily forget to remove the rotation parameter on a job that is square to the machine.

If you are not cutting the whole component the whole profile, the best way to square up a component in the X axis is to use a clamp on one corner half tightened and run along the X axis with a DTI and gently tap the component until that face runs parallel with the machine access and then tighten a clamp at each end of the component.  I have been in engineering for a long time and setting a pre-machined part or reversing to machine opposite side is the most time consuming part of engineering. therefore the most critical part.

Other technique's for machining the other side of a component with X axis location lug or a reference hole and a parallel to place the reversed component fall into the same category as your problem.

In summary the rotation is ok for the occasional incorrect set-up but be very carful and remember to remove the rotation parameter after the job is finished.

Hope this helps
Regards,

23

Promote and discuss your product / Mach3 CNC 3 Axis Control Panel

« on: January 07, 2014, 06:42:03 AM »

With all the limitations of a decent control panel interfaced with Mach3 I got really fed up with the selotape and string game controller conversions and found this little control panel from Command & Control systems.  I don't know about you but I like my workshop to look like an engineering tool room and a Nintendo game controller running my prize three axis CNC machine just don't cut the mustard for me. This panel works on the USB port and gains as much function as possible using that simple plug and play connection.  I simply plugged it in and started using it, it is set up as default to work with the standard Mach3 setting but you can change all sorts of things like : axis direction, rapid and slow move, spindle control, DRO offset settings and if you shift the screen to one that does not have a stop button while running a job the control panel still responds to the stop command by switching to a screen that does have a stop button apply the stop command and jump back to the screen you were on.  It does a lot more as it is fully configurable, just trying to get my head round the configuration manual. To set Z axis tool offset is really easy I put my 50mm dial tool set on top of my jog and jog over it then jog down using the non-rapid button and hold the +offset button while setting the DRO setting button on the control panel and the panel throws the 50mm offset into the DRO on Mach3 and I am ready to go.  The only limitation with the panel is clearly stated in the manual when a job finishes the panel has to be manually controlled to move to jog mode.  The manual says this is a convenient safety measure as you have to deliberately move to rapid jog mode before the machine is allowed to move, an accidental push on the joystick could damage your work. Oh yes, a cool feature is the joystick double up as a feed and speed override so you can adjust your speeds and feeds while machining. I hear they are designing  new panel for the Lathe. I went for the sloping stand alone option which cons me another £60 on top of the £200 but you can get a flat panel type to go in your own box.  They supply to order so it may take a while to get one.

24

Promote and discuss your product / Re: Learn the truth about BobCAD-CAM

« on: January 07, 2014, 06:09:43 AM »

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