Messages

1

General Mach Discussion / Re: circles are not round - need advice

« on: February 28, 2009, 01:16:53 PM »

I am beginning to think it might be the backlash nut.  I measured the travel by just jogging the router into place.  It seemed to line up perfect in all directions.  I also checked to insure all connections were tight.  They are.  I am wondering if it is getting off alignment when it is being jogged around to make the circle.  The backlash nuts I have are nylon, and I did begin to notice some shavings a couple of months ago.  But it's always the same.  I would think if it was worn threads on the backlash nut that it would not be consistent.  Any thoughts?

I think I might try replacing the nuts.

2

General Mach Discussion / Re: circles are not round - need advice

« on: February 28, 2009, 10:58:18 AM »

If you think about a clock.   The distance between 12 and 6 would be the X dimension (Correct), the distance between 3 and 9 would be the Y dimension (Correct) the distance halfway between 1 and 2 to halfway between 7 and 8 (not correct)  It is slightly shorter.  This is creating an elongated shape.  Again it is ever so slight but just enough to throw me off.

3

General Mach Discussion / circles are not round - need advice

« on: February 28, 2009, 10:18:05 AM »

I need your help.   I'm not sure what questions to ask or where to even begin looking to solve this issue.

I use Bobcad V21 and Mach3 2.0.  I am trying to cut a simple round circle.  The G-code looks correct in both Bobcad and in Mach3 but the circles are not round.  They are off about a 1/16” on a 2” circle.  I noticed this when I started to cut out gears and they would not line up correctly, so I thought I would try just a std circle to see if I could identify the problem.  The X dimension is correct.  The Y dimension is correct.  It is the verticals that are off and causing it to be slightly oval.   

The frustrating part is that I used to be able to cut circles perfectly on this machine with this software.  I have changed nothing (as far as I can recall).

Where should I start looking.

Here is the G code I tested with.

N1 G00 Z0.5
N2 X1.
N3 G01 Z-0.12 F50
N4 G03 I-1. J0.
N5 G01 Z-0.24
N6 G03 I-1. J0.
N7 G01 Z-0.36
N8 G03 I-1. J0.
N9 G01 Z-0.48
N10 G03 I-1. J0.
N11 G00 Z0.5

4

General Mach Discussion / Speed, Size, New and need help

« on: May 28, 2006, 05:43:48 PM »

Ok, I almost have the machine completely set up.  Still waiting on the actual spindle and some more software to be delivered, but I have enough where I could mount a marker on the router holder and try it out.  I have loaded the Mach 3 program and BobCad V20.  the Mach 3 I have found fairly easy to get started with.  The video tutorials are great.  The Bobcad is another issue, but I'll figure it out.   (Is there somewhere on the web of tips and tricks for using BobCad?)

1.  I ran the roadrunner sample and the skull and crossbones sample in mach 3.  They worked great with 1 issue.  The digital read out for the skull program limits in mach 3 indicate an X value of +25.6 units and a Y value of +16 units.  I have the scale set to 1.00 I have my units set to inches.  I was assuming that 1 inch would = 1 unit.  What I am finding is that my machine doubles the units.  The X wants to run 50 and the Y 32 units.  How do I get it to match.  Had the same issue with the roadrunner.

2.  Would also like to increase the speed of the cut.  (I think this is the same as feedrate?)  I want the router to travel faster along the coordinates.  The router is capable of cutting much faster than the current travel, but I have no idea how to do it.  This is a bigger problem when I import a g-code text file from BobCaD v20.  I did a simple 3X3 square and it took over 3 minutes.  The machine was barely moving.  I'm sure it's user error but I don't know where to begin.

Your assistance is most appreciated.  Any tips, tricks etc.. would be appreciated.
Thanks,

5

General Mach Discussion / Re: Post Processor

« on: May 28, 2006, 09:10:18 AM »

Appreciate everyones help.  I downloaded the Mach 3 mill BobCad post processor.

6

General Mach Discussion / Re: Post Processor

« on: May 21, 2006, 08:00:33 PM »

I am running BobCad V20.  By the way, does anyone out there know of simple instructions to get started with Bobcad 20.  the manual that came with it is a challenge.  Making progress but very slow going.

7

General Mach Discussion / Re: Post Processor

« on: May 21, 2006, 06:05:59 PM »

Wow, forgot all about the second disk.  It has a Mach2 mill and a Mach 2 turn.  I am runnung a router so loaded the Mach 2 mill.  I assume it's the same for Mach3.  Can anyone confirm?

8

General Mach Discussion / Re: Post Processor

« on: May 21, 2006, 09:12:14 AM »

I'm in the same boat.  I am using Bobcad / Cam.  As I understand it the post processor works inbetween Bobcad and Mach 3.  Is that correct?  When I set up my post processor BobCad has many choices, none seem to make much sense to me as I am a rookie and none reference Mach3.  What post processor should I choose?  ANy recomendations out there?

Have yet to get the machine completely assembled but were working on it step by step.  This forum is great, I could not do this without you guys. 

9

General Mach Discussion / Re: Initial set-up Mach 2 or 3

« on: May 20, 2006, 09:39:44 AM »

Ok I have removed Mach 2 from my machine and downloaded Mach 3, installed and rebooted.  Attempting to set-up using the on-line videos.  (by the way these are great)

Ran the driver test as suggested. 
Received the message "Preperation successful"
However, my readings are much differnt than the video.
My line is fairly straight but it is sitting at approximately 70uS  not  38uS
Pulse per second is approximately 14447 not 25800
CPU speed approximately 2932  not 2002

Do I have an issue?  Do I need to do anything before I proceed to correct.
Your help is much appreciated.

10

General Mach Discussion / Re: Initial set-up Mach 2 or 3

« on: May 18, 2006, 10:02:35 PM »

Purchased a router from 3drouters.  Uses gecko 201 drives. 

I am running off of a Pentium 4 processor so I am not concerned about processor speed.  I loaded Mach 2 because that is what the dealer recomended.  Would there be any reason not to run mach3?