Messages

1

Tangent Corner / Re: Thats Bright!

« on: July 18, 2013, 10:55:11 PM »

 Pictures of the light.

2

Tangent Corner / Thats Bright!

« on: July 18, 2013, 09:59:41 PM »

I couldn't find a place to post that isnt Mach 3 specific so I hope you all dont mind me posting here.  I have been in the market for a bright LED light with a flex stalk for my Bridgeport mill. After several days of searching I always found the ones that have the cheesey clamp and the short stalk and the huge head that always seems to get in the way when you machine. And the price is $60 or more.  Any how I found a desk lamp made by IKEA that is very bright, has a long flexable stalk, light weight, and has a small head so that it can get light in tight spots.  The LED even has a lens cover to keep flying chips out.  It even comes with the base off so you dont even need to mess with it. I have some photos that I will down load to show it on the mill. I works great and now I'm going to get one for my Taig mini CNC mill. It was the IKEA Jansjo desk lamp.  They have them on Ebay for $20 and free shipping.
Thanks

LC

3

General Mach Discussion / Re: Taig CNC mill Z not working properly

« on: June 15, 2013, 10:07:46 PM »

Hello all,
Finally got around to designing and running a new program.  Using a 1/4" 2 flute, high helix, center cut carbide end mill and took lighter cuts and it seemed to hold the Z depth. I guess I'm used to the old Bridgeport in the shop. Got to think light cuts and longer cutting times. Cant eat the cake all in one bite. Good thing becuase the Misses was about to take it to the scrap yard.  Thanks for all the input on this post and I'm sure I will be posting more questions with issues when I start building the "Monster"" CNC table.
Thanks

4

General Mach Discussion / Re: Taig CNC mill Z not working properly

« on: June 05, 2013, 10:11:46 PM »

I will look at purchasing the higher helix end mills to move out the chips faster and see what I can do with it. It seems to be a pretty stout machine for its size.  I'm also in the process of building a bigger gantry style machine with a 2' x 5' bed.  Just have to get the time to start building the main frame. Have all the other goodies to make it work.

5

General Mach Discussion / Re: Taig CNC mill Z not working properly

« on: June 05, 2013, 01:00:10 AM »

Thanks for all the input.  Haven't had a chance to mess with it again. I will post the results after changing things up.

6

General Mach Discussion / Re: Taig CNC mill Z not working properly

« on: May 31, 2013, 01:08:44 AM »

I can manually set the depth and come in from the side and run it that way and see. I asked the tech about the depth of cut, material, feed rate and the end mill and he didnt act like it was a major issue or was causing the problem. Thanks again for the input. 

7

General Mach Discussion / Re: Taig CNC mill Z not working properly

« on: May 31, 2013, 12:39:57 AM »

I put a mark on the Z motor coupling to see if it is slipping under load and it hasnt moved.  I marked the tool to see if it is slipping also and it hasn't moved. I'm cutting aluminum with a .250 end mill and .100 depth and a feed rate of 9.00 inch per minute. Thats whats driving me nuts. The tech had me mess with the motor tuning and that helped but everytime i start a new program it losses depth. I do think it has something to do with with pressure but I cant think of anywhere else to check. Also tried it with backlash enabled and dis enabled and still the same.

8

General Mach Discussion / Taig CNC mill Z not working properly

« on: May 30, 2013, 11:16:36 PM »

I purchased a Taig CNC mill about 4 months ago and finally started messing with it.  It's a pretty good little machine but i have one issue with it.  The Z axis will not go to the desired depth when cutting. I'm using Cut2d software for the G code. I spoke with the CNC tech at Taig and he cant figure it out.  The other two axis are working fine. They move to the proper locations in the program.  If i use a dial indicator and zero it out, then step jog at .100 ot .010 it reads right on. I then leave the indicator in the spindle and zero out the axis and then run the program. The dial indicator will go the proper depth of cut every time. I can run the program over and over with out resetting my mach preferences. Once i put an end mill in the machine and get all my settings set. The Z axis will not dive to the right depth.  The DRO reads that it went that far but the end mill is short on depth. If i let teh part cycle and run another after it the depth gets even less.  It looses at least .010 or more per depth of cut. Not sure what is going on.  I checked all the configurations of the machine and Mach3. It's just strange that it only does it when an end mill is in the machine.  Also checked the gibs and the lead screw nut for slop and also switch it with the A axis port? Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks

Martin

9

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: New people welcome !! Come in here and introduce your self!

« on: May 30, 2013, 10:52:55 PM »

Hi All,
My name is Martin and I live in Vail Arizona. I'm sort of newbe to the CNC machining world but I use a CNC plasma machine all the time in my metal fabrication business. I also work for the Military as a Machinist / Welder. I have just purchased a Taig CNC mini Mill about 4 months ago and I'm having an issue with the Z axis.  I will open a new thread and see if you fine folks can help me out. Thanks.