Messages

1

Mach4 General Discussion / mach 4 advanced configuration

« on: December 02, 2021, 04:58:44 PM »

i have been using mach 4 ( 4.2.0.4300) for a while now, but i would really like to "tweak" the configurations. the user guide basically says: this button is for "this" and that field is for "that", but with no information as to the values or choices regarding the the settings of these values.
i followed the avid cnc users guide for a bit, but other than it has been altered for their machines, not much more info (it also shows windows -- for instance "probes and relays" that i cannot find in my mach 4).
is there anywhere that a more in depth tutorial or manual for configuration can be found?

2

Mach4 General Discussion / manual tool changing

« on: August 09, 2021, 12:57:06 PM »

i am trying to understand the principals of tool manual changing (using vcarve desktop). my cnc is a generic, using fanuc inch (*.tap) post processor. mach 4 is installed.

for instance, if i want to use a roughing tool and a finishing tool:

1) is it better to save the two toolpaths to a different file or together? why?
2) if i save together, when the roughing is finished, does the spindle pull away from the surface and wait for the tool to be changed? or does it reposition itself to the original home? if not, can i jog to a more convenient place to change the tool?
3) once the tool is changed, how does the spindle know EXACTLY where to go to start the finishing?
4) do i have to zero the xy axis after every tool change? if so, how do i zero it to the EXACT same place as was used for the first tool?

lumberjacques

3

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: tool table

« on: April 06, 2020, 06:21:30 PM »

hi
i hate to impose on your generosity and patience, but i am desperate to learn and understand.
i saw the video showing how to use a reference tool, ie calibrate it. but i am not certain as to the reason for it.
when i used my cnc in the linux world, i would indicate a tool for a given tool path. when i ran the gcode, it would ask me to insert that given tool. i would then i let it run (i never did anything more fancy than vcarving or nameplates). so perhaps that is the reason that referencing to a tool or offsetting never was an issue.
it would certainly be nice if the folks at newfangled offered assistance by providing literature with information explaining the theories and concepts of cnc use with their software (reminds me of the first kawasaki motorcycle i purchased back in the early 80's--the salesman said "here's the keys, this is the clutch, this is the throttle, this is the brakes, and this is the gears. goodbye, good luck, enjoy!). it was a LONG ride home....  :-)

jacques

4

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: tool table

« on: April 06, 2020, 01:59:54 PM »

now why couldn't anyone (i posted in many places) tell me that in the first place? THANK YOU!!!!!
can i ask another question?
i have looked at assorted videos regarding the offset procedures. all very well explained in terms of "how to do it", but nothing as to "why to do it".
do you have a simple explanation like you did for my first question?
jacques
p.s. i explain woodworking techniques to my clients (www.bois-exotique.com). i have come to understand that giving instructions or how to "do" things is fairly useless. instead, i explain the "why's" of things--from that point on, most people don't need "instruction interpretation"; they can figure things out.
thanks again.

jacques

5

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: tool table

« on: April 06, 2020, 11:15:53 AM »

i looked at the video, that is for offsets. i am still at the stage of needing to enter all of my tools into the table before i can do offsets. perhaps if someone gave me a screenshot of the table so i can use it as a guide.....

6

Mach4 General Discussion / tool table

« on: April 03, 2020, 04:23:06 PM »

where can i find help in setting up a tool table in mach 4? i am new to mach 4; in the past i used linux cnc where there was a sample tool table that could be modified to the desired settings.
what i have found in mach 4 going to "view"-> "tool table", is a table named "tool offsets". that's as far as i get.

jacques