Topics

1

General Mach Discussion / BobCad getting started

« on: February 01, 2013, 11:00:53 PM »

I am trying to modify one of the parts of my mill.  I am drawing it in 2D with BobCad. I have a difficult time selecting lines because when I do they kinda flicker on and off. I am new at this and wonder what I have done wrong?  Anyone wish to opine on my problem?   

2

General Mach Discussion / Old Guy Needs More Help

« on: January 21, 2013, 08:19:21 PM »

How come I can not use the keys or drop down to move the machine.  There is something simple I am sure.  All electric is hooked up.  This has happened a couple times and I have been able to get out of it but I am stuck. Please help me out.

OG

3

General Mach Discussion / Mach 3 and BlueChick v4.2 setup Very Confused Old Guy

« on: January 13, 2013, 10:19:49 AM »

I am new.  Hello everyone.  I would appreciate some help.  I am sure you have heard this before so please have a heart and help.

So I bought the bluechick and put it together. I bought Mach 3 and have it working kinda. I get things working and then something else goes whacko.  So here goes.  I have had a lot of problems with the Z axis on this machine.  It seems not as robust as it should and this has consumed lots of hours to get working.

Main issue is how to get the machine to cut the RoadRunner.  I am making it hard by not installing the limit switches but I think it is a bit more.  I was told all I had to do to play with the machine is to set up the software and then zero out the machine on the corner of the work piece and it would work.

Well that is not what is happening.  The machine takes off and leaves the work piece and then does it thing. I am confused how to set it up and what to do.  I am much better following a check list than anything else. I think I understand there are 2 different coordinate systems.  First is the machine and the second is the work piece. The BlueChick is supposed to be 36X12Xby_something_Z.  The Z parameter is an issue.  The screw is 7 inches long but the actual amount of movement is something less than 4 inches.  I would dearly love to know what other BlueChick owners are using.
 
The other issue confusing me is where does Mach 3 store the machine dimensions. I see where the soft limits are entered and I guess that if I had set up the limit switches the software would somehow understand what the dimensions of the table is by activating the switches.  Anyone out there who can help. I have not got any thing from the BuildyourCnC forum and you guys are my only hope left.

Thanks