Messages

1

General Mach Discussion / Re: Mach3 Lathe Threading Stopped Working

« on: April 08, 2018, 01:17:44 PM »

SOLVED!

So, I was playing around with it and decided to disconnect my XHC handwheel pendant and, lo and behold, everything is now fine.  Any idea why that would cause this problem?  I'm concerned that maybe it was actually something else.  If this makes I'm ok with it because I rarely use that handwheel anyway.

2

General Mach Discussion / Re: Mach3 Lathe Threading Stopped Working

« on: April 08, 2018, 01:04:57 PM »

A few simple things to try:
- Make sure that your license file is located in the Mach3 folder where v62 is installed.
- rename the folder of v66  by adding a Z to the folders name , ie; ZMACH3V66
- run the file named Mach3.exe located in the v62 directory
- ? the spindle sensor is working, but as asked, does the RPM show in the DRO once the spindle is turned on?
- try using the latest xml backup which you can find in the xmlbackups folder

RICH

 

Did everything mentioned and still the same result.  The spindle speed is showing on the DRO accurately.  Strange!

3

General Mach Discussion / Re: Mach3 Lathe Threading Stopped Working

« on: April 07, 2018, 08:05:45 AM »

A few years back it was because I didn't have a purchased license. I bought one and everything has been good since. I use this machine almost daily without any issues with threading until now.

I'm using XP and v62, custom screen set (unchanged for the entire time I've had the machine).

Thanks!

4

General Mach Discussion / Re: Mach3 Lathe Threading Stopped Working

« on: April 06, 2018, 03:20:37 PM »

One of mine did similar to that some time ago.
It was the spindle feedback sensor that went tits up.
Is your spindle speed reporting properly ?

I just double checked and there are no problems with my spindle sensor.

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General Mach Discussion / Mach3 Lathe Threading Stopped Working

« on: April 06, 2018, 10:14:34 AM »

After about 4 years of turning threads on my lathe, the other day it all of a sudden stopped.  Now it acts just like a non-licensed version.  I've checked my license file and it seems ok.  I have two installations, v62 and v66, in two completely different directories and they both do it.  I'm trying to run parts that I've made many of before, so nothing wrong with my gcode.

Any idea what could cause the threading cycle to go out in the weeds like that?  Any help you guys can provide would be greatly appreciated!

6

General Mach Discussion / Re: G76 Lathe Theading Problem

« on: January 26, 2016, 03:57:56 PM »

Jamie you were talking to one of the foremost experts on Mach3 turn on this site and all you can do is kick him in the teeth ??

Good Luck, (;-) TP

That is disappointing because he has not been very helpful!

Seems like the "foremost expert" should be able to provide some ideas on the source(s) of the issue I'm having.  However, best advice I have received has come from elsewhere.

7

General Mach Discussion / Re: G76 Lathe Theading Problem

« on: January 25, 2016, 10:20:53 AM »

No need to reconfigure for 062, just save a copy of your xml some place else other than the Mach3 folder in case something goes wrong, highly unlikely but best to be safe.
Next run the Mach installer of ver 062, it will overwrite the version you presently have, wait until its finished then open your lathe profile as normal.
If you dont have the settings there for some strange reason just copy the saved xml back to the Mach3 folder, job done.

Hood

I actually tried that but v62 will not recognize my v66 files.  I'll look into again, but luckily I backed up the entire Mach3 folder and I can still run the machine from the new location.  I'll try copying the xml over again.

Unfortunately I do not have the time to walk you through an entire CNC machine build to help you understand the problem.

Perhaps a silly thing to say when you are the one who wants others to spend their time helping you !

Tweakie.

What I was hoping for was a list of possible causes so I can systematically work my way through to (hopefully) find the problem.  I haven't gotten that from him, only criticism.

The only possible suggestion I've received is that v66 is no good.  I find that strange because it is still listed as the recommended download on the NFS site.  Can anyone provide more insight into this?  I'm slightly fearful because it would seem there was a reason to release v66.

8

General Mach Discussion / Re: G76 Lathe Theading Problem

« on: January 24, 2016, 09:50:57 AM »

I'm really disappointed that nobody can help understand why it stopped working.

If you followed advice given, rather than picking and choosing to rationalize what
what makes sense to youself, you would be farther along.

I have not been given anything tangible to look at.  The problem is it worked one day and not the next, yet your suggestions make it seem like the machine never worked at all.  Unfortunately I do not have the time to walk you through an entire CNC machine build to help you understand the problem.

Consider the following:
1. You were using a version of Mach which has problems along with improper code.

I'm working this angle right now but it will take a lot of time to reconfigure v62 and get the machine running with this version.

2. You were using an unlicensed copy of Mach. Threading does not work in unlicened
   / demo mode.

I haven't been running in demo mode for quite some time - I have a purchased license.

3. You were asked to use the standard screen set. Didn't even bother to configure it
   and of course it won't work then.

See above, I tried that but it is too much work and I do not see how that would help.  Maybe you can explain this in more detail.

   
   Understand that when something is not working you go back to BASICS and confirm
   things in a logical way so that there is no need for guessing. That allows others
   to duplicate each step as you go through the process of elimination / confirmation.

Manny times from experience we can give that single fix, but when the variables are
many we need to go through a process.

FWIW,

RICH

I'm looking into it, but right now everything seems to be grasping at straws.  Meanwhile I'm threading as a second op on a manual lathe!

9

General Mach Discussion / Re: G76 Lathe Theading Problem

« on: January 13, 2016, 12:33:17 PM »

Double (triple) check that the .lic file is in the proper folder and active.

Don't recall a .lic file getting corrupted .... but guess it's possible. Maybe replace it with the original (if you still have it).
Certainly does resemble no lic.
Have NFS check it for you ?

You know, I had thought of doing that.  I still have the original email so I'll give it a shot.  At this point what could it hurt!

10

General Mach Discussion / Re: G76 Lathe Theading Problem

« on: January 13, 2016, 12:20:25 PM »

If you can't find any digital anomalies, did you check everything mechanical ?
Loose couplings/pulleys/bearings ?
Does it perform all other turning operations correctly ?

Another thing .. after it runs a messed up thread, will it return to the exact 0,0 position if commanded ?

Yes, all mechanical parts are ok.  It runs parts without threads just fine.  It makes the first pass of the thread just fine.  Each subsequent pass is made at the maximum Z travel velocity of the machine.  It makes the thread just fine, only with a pitch that is way off.  This is precisely the same behavior as a non-paid license.