Topics

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General Mach Discussion / After all these years...(2009)

« on: July 04, 2014, 10:32:39 AM »

Well, the inevitable has happened....hard drives do not last forever! Luckily this happened on a boot-up - "boot disc failure."

I was using an old version R2.042.30 and was doing fine so now must reconfigure a new hard drive and reload Mach3. (thinking about one of the new SSD's but they're all so large - 180 GB is the smallest I have located.) I found a back-up of the .XML file and hope that is all I need to get back running again. But - it occurs to me that 'why not upgrade?' since many improvements have been made with Mach3, go with the current version. This is a machine dedicated computer....

A question or two may help: Will my old license work with the new software and can I upgrade with the old XML file? I had also licensed an add-on...which I used too.

Its been a while since checking in and this machine has been making parts right along. I still build miniature IC engines and have also been doing some gunsmithing on the machine. Having the machine computer fail in such a catastrophic manner has made me very sad - very sad indeed! But maybe with some help it will recover without too much anguish.

Thanks kindly!   

2

General Mach Discussion / Had to share this excellent clock :)

« on: January 20, 2010, 08:55:16 AM »

 http://home.tiscali.nl/annejan/swf/timeline.swf

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General Mach Discussion / Simultaneous 4th Axis..

« on: January 19, 2010, 10:19:18 AM »

What is the CAM software being used with Mach3 for simultaneous 4 axis machining? Or the most popular CAM software being used...?

Thanks,

4

General Mach Discussion / What is a "MODERATOR"?

« on: January 14, 2010, 05:33:49 PM »

Seems like there are many, many "moderators" here on this forum. I'm just interested in knowing why so many? The usual situation for a 'moderator' would be if the clientele were unruly so that disruption were nipped in the bud. This is an information site.....but doesn't necessarily mean that these 'moderators' know all about Mach3 or even machine work.

Is it that 'moderators' are the only ones that 'should' be answering newcomers' questions on this forum?

 I usually just read, but will answer a question for a newcomer once in a while, but then a 'moderator' will step in....or on....

No ill will intended - just need to know if it isn't my place to do any query answering.

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General Mach Discussion / How can a CNC machine save time?

« on: December 24, 2009, 08:53:49 AM »

I invariably watch this machine work....The intent is to set up the machine to run a part while on lathe making associated parts but the lathe will shut down and attention goes back to the 'Mach Mill' running.... The machine is mesmerizing and (knock on wood) so reliable. I have run the machine all night long on some parts, but of course didn't watch all of that time....and on checking; the part is done and the machine is shut down ready for more. I like this mill! Just wish it were a little larger. Maybe the next one....

(light chit chat)

Thanks,
Bill C.

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General Mach Discussion / 'Local System Rotated'

« on: December 24, 2009, 08:33:50 AM »

Is there a way to utilize Feed Hold while in a rotated running program? Appears that the system must make a correction after a feed hold and physically go to and return from the normal program at the point of the feed hold. Quite a surprise! - Maybe use block by block for a few? Someone no doubt knows the trick here....(besides not using feed hold).

Thanks much,  (and 'Merry Christmas All' too!)
Bill C.

7

Share Your GCode / Spindle speed increaser for engraving...

« on: December 16, 2009, 06:43:59 AM »

After searching for a reasonably priced speed increaser (not to be found), I found this: http://www.hemingwaykits.com/acatalog/Speed_Increaser.html

I ordered the kit which is full and well documented with everything needed to make the spindle speed increaser. I did modify this one for a more robust geartrain - I added two more planet gears for a total of three (could even get four in there...). You also could change the gear ratio for more increase since .5 module gears are quite common.

This might strike a fancy for some like it did for me. It makes the engravers much more efficient at higher speeds. My spindle top speed is about 2600 so is now three times that.

Thanks.
Bill C.

Hemmingway Kits has some other interesting items too!

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Show"N"Tell ( Your Machines) / CNC Welding...

« on: December 15, 2009, 01:41:11 PM »

This was done in a cryogenic chamber by an electron beam welder - CNC type. The material is nyobium (used to be called columbium) and must be kept pure of contaminates during welding so it is done in a vacuum of 7 E-5 Torr. The logo was done in Keycreator and postprocessed for this welder....  Another photo of the main reason for the welder at this laboratory.

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Show"N"Tell ( What you have made with your CNC machine.) / Mach the toolmaker

« on: December 15, 2009, 07:25:05 AM »

Chisel Plane....