Topics

1

LazyCam (Beta) / Soft Limits and Z axis relative position

« on: June 13, 2011, 09:31:04 PM »

Being new to Mach and LazyCAM, I constructed a simple example of a rectangle with a pocket, and an outside offset.
The code only runs correctly if I un-apply the Soft Limits command button. I believe it has something to do with the Z
because the first movement that occurs is that the Z goes up to the 0 position, rather than staying where I located it
on top of the work piece.

I would like to Z down to the workpiece, then perhaps Z up 0.100", rapid to the origin, and come down to being cutting
the piece. The code works correctly however, the Z works relative to the 0 position and not relative to the positioning on
top of the workpiece.

I am attaching the *.tap. code file for this test file.

2

General Mach Discussion / Display is inverted - zup/zdown backwards

« on: June 13, 2011, 03:59:29 AM »

Greetings,

   Loaded gcode displays inverted. When the image is rotated, and following the X/Y/Z legend in the lower left when the Z is pointing down the zdown comes up from the bottom, and alternately, when the Z is pointing up the  zdown comes down from above. 0,0 is overtop of the lower left extream of the table,  however the axis don't seem to correspond, but seem to be backwards of what actually occurs.

3

Newfangled Solutions Mach3 Wizards / R Less Than Z in Cycle in XY PlaneLine7

« on: May 31, 2011, 10:30:06 PM »

I have downloaded and unzipped the v1.1 CopyCat. In reading and testing the manual I attempted to record drilling holes. Specifically Peck.
What I noticed is that the X, and Y are being recorded when I jog, however a movement in the Z axis does not change location (and does
not even give coordinate).

The below code generates the R Less Than Z in Cycle in XY PlaneLine7 error. Please assist.

G0 X0 Y0
G0 X0.8775 Y0
G0 X0.8775 Y0.7818
G00 Z 0
G01 Z 0 F 15
G1 X0.8775 Y0.7818
(Peck Drill hole, with 0.25 tool 0.6 deep, in 3steps)
G83 Z 0.6 R 0 Q3
G80
G0 Z 0

4

Newfangled Solutions Mach3 Wizards / NFS Wizards: Preview Issues

« on: May 22, 2011, 05:35:03 PM »

I posted the below question into the general catagory and someone was kind as to suggest posting it here.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Greetings. No matter which of the NFS Wizard operations I employ, when I get to the point to Preview it, I only get a rectangle. I can manipulate the rectangle (pan, move, zoom), however it does not show the tool path. Even if I employ a Circular Pocket, or Cut Arc the Preview still shows a rectangle! ? Please help.

5

LazyCam (Beta) / Rotating Image in LazyCAM

« on: May 22, 2011, 01:16:59 PM »

I read the threads about the various manners by which the image can be moved, and zoomed, however, I would like to rotate the image to see the tool path of a pocketed rectangle. The thread says to use the scroll button of the mouse, and that by pressing it and moving the mouse that this operation can be accomplished.
This does not work for me. Can someone please post again, how to do this? I have checked that the mouse is set up correctly, and it is (the scroll button is set up in "normal" mode, to scroll 3 lines). I have tried various settings with the mouse scroll button (3 lines, screen, MS compatibility only/or not) with no success.

6

Share Your GCode / Would someone please help me get started

« on: May 22, 2011, 01:26:30 AM »

I am new to CNC; just purchased the Mach3, LazyCAM pro, Add-ons (Mill).
Would someone help me get started with a rectangle shape that will need
a pocket milled out of the middle (yes, I know there will not be square inside
corners). I can do the .dxf drawing, however I am missing many pieces to
connect the dots. I have viewed the basic videos, and downloaded the LazyCAM
manual (which I hope to read soon). I have attached the .dxf to this post.
Would someone be able to turn it into a .tap file letting me know how to do this:
the pocket is 1.133" x .127", then I will need a pause to secure the piece from
where the inside cut was just made (I will tap and fabricate a custom clamp); then
the outside rectangle will need to be cut which is 1.51" x .3906"; the tool is a 3/32"
end mill, with 2 cutters. I have a CNC converted HF47158, which I usually run at max
spindle speed of 4000. However, what should the Feed rate, plunge speed, max cut per/
pass, and spindle speed be? I someone would be so kind as to help me with this example
I believe that I can accomplish most all else I will want to do. Thank you in advance.