Topics

1

General Mach Discussion / Home Switch Output Signal

« on: August 03, 2010, 10:57:09 AM »

I have Mach3 running a 24x36 woodworking table.  My Limit and Home switches work great.  However, I have an external device that I need control ONLY when Mach 3 is in the homing mode.  I want to retain the funciton of the limit switches as is.  What I need to do is to generate a signal on one of the output lines to send to my device when I request to HOME any or all of the axies.  When "homing" is complete the output signal should return to  normal state.

This appears to be more of a software issue than hardware issue.  It would appear that in the subroutine that is invoked when I click the mouse the software should generate an logic level HIGH on one of the outputs.  When the routine is completed, the output is reset to LOW.

Does anyone have any suggestions for me?

   

2

General Mach Discussion / Sprial Cutting A Hole

« on: May 14, 2010, 08:43:19 AM »

Help The NEWBY

How do you generate G-code with LazyCam to spiral cut holes???  I am making a simple aluminum panel.  I can cut the holes but I have to plunge/retract to the depth.  I have seen videos of a "spiral" cut which goes to depth without retracting each cycle.

Very elementary, I'm sure, but very frustrating when you don't know how!

3

Mach3 and G-Rex / Newby Needs Knowledge!!

« on: December 29, 2009, 02:55:58 AM »

Help!!  I am a Newby to both CNC and Mach 3.  I'm sure this is a simple task but I do not know how to construct it.
I want to cut a dovetail in a piece of aluminum:
     Z-axis to remain a constant depth
     Y-axis 0 at the center of the dovetail
     X-axis to traverse the dovetail opening then
     Increment Y-axis and reverse X-axis travel then
     Decrement Y-axis and repeat X-axis pass
I want to continue this pattern until I have cut both sides of the Dovetail to the necessary width.  Is there an easy method for generating this G-code pattern???