Topics

1

General Mach Discussion / Dual home/limit switches, how to setup?

« on: October 07, 2012, 04:59:05 AM »

Hi, I'm new to the CNC world but I have a good knowledge of software/hardware in general.

My issue is I have no idea how to configure Mach3 for the limit/home switch setup I have.

Basically there is an inductive sensor on the machine for a rough limit (approx 15mm from one end of the travel) and I also have a hall effect sensor on the back of the steppers for a more accurate home position.



The process, as I see it, would be:
1. Move forward until it hits the inductive sensor.
2. Reverse till the inductive sensor is off.
3. Home using the hall effect sensor on the stepper motor.

I have positioned the hall effect sensor to activate approx 1/2 rotation away from activating the inductive sensor.


Any information is gratefully accepted.

Cheers.
 

2

Show"N"Tell ( Your Machines) / A few of my projects..

« on: September 22, 2012, 12:12:23 AM »

Hi, I'm relatively new to the CNC world but am attempting to work through that...

My first project is the retrofit of an old lathe, with the help of my brother.

My brother is a fitter and machinist so most of the work was done either by him or under his instructions.

As he put it, I'm a computer geek with delusions of adequacy when it comes to machining.

I bought the old lathe mill setup for very little because the bed and screws were stuffed.

Bought some used linear rails and ball screws and then went to my brother for help.

The spindle is either able to index or spin. It has an 8000ppr encoder with an index pulse but as yet, I haven't figure out how to program it properly.


















I've done most of the wiring and it runs, just have to fit the main spindle motor and figure out how to "program" the limit switches and encoder.



This is the router I purchased recently but it came with a generic LPT  controller which I will be changing out for a USB version and again, Gecko stepper drivers.















My final project is to fix this old Zenford Zeigler. The ANCA2000 controller is stuffed but the rest of the machine/servos/linear rails are in very good condition.

It has a 24 tool  ATC. I have bought some RUTEX DC servo controller along with the 8000ppr encoders, to "re-brain" it..



Just a little bit of work ahead.


Cheers.