Hello Guest it is March 29, 2024, 01:26:48 AM

Show Posts

This section allows you to view all posts made by this member. Note that you can only see posts made in areas you currently have access to.


Messages - Marmot_Militia

Pages: 1
1
General Mach Discussion / Re: Backlash problem, possible solution?
« on: March 04, 2008, 10:49:09 AM »
Thanks Jimpinder,
I was able to get repeatable movements back and forth on the x and y axis using a g-code move.  I guess using the jog to go .001 is not a good idea.

Regards,
MM

2
General Mach Discussion / Backlash problem, possible solution?
« on: March 03, 2008, 04:48:58 PM »
CNCers,

I'm having trouble getting my backlash compensation set correctly.  I've used the dial indicator technique to do the x and y axis but this doesn't give me the info I need; I'm still off.  Running a square and checking all four corners is tough with two dial indicators as the spindle is round and they get knocked out of the way as the cycle progresses. 

What I'd like to do is put a fine grid on the table and use my spindle-cam to read where I'm at after a move in the x and y direction.

Does anyone know where to find an accurate indexing grid that won't break the bank?  I've seen the ones from Edmonds but they are $250+.

I wonder if a plotter would print the grid accurately enough?

Any thoughts or ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Regards,
MM


3
General Mach Discussion / Cutting a YZ arc: Where do I put the K?
« on: October 17, 2007, 11:30:00 AM »
Machinists,
I need your help!
I'm cutting a crescent shape radially into 1" aluminum round.

Have my start and end points. But for some reason the crescent is too flat on the bottom, not  smooth arc.

I think I have it narrowed down to not having K in the right spot. The instructions I'm using say the K is the center point of the arc. 
What's confusing me is where to put the center of the arc:  Is it the radius (measured from the bottom of the arc up? or actual distance the center of the arc is above Z0? 

Top of rod is Z0.  Since the depth is .2" and the radius is .551" would I set K to z.351" or z.551"
Does the ijk method only allow 90deg arcs max? 

Thanks, MM

4
General Mach Discussion / Re: Where to learn 3D CAM?
« on: August 27, 2007, 09:13:46 AM »
Thanks guys!   did a "Gotomypc.com" meeting with Rhino on Friday and think I will go that route.  Does everything I need at a reasonable price.   I have a fairly good understanding of G-code but the shapes I think of in my head are not round, they are tapered and drawn free-hand so simple G-codes don't help.  I don't think anyone would want to hand code them.  I guess it's just a matter of getting software and cutting some shapes.    Regards,  MM

5
General Mach Discussion / Where to learn 3D CAM?
« on: August 24, 2007, 10:48:54 AM »
Machininists,
I'm floundering in a puddle of despair; cannot figure out how to cut 3D shapes and contours.

Drew a simple extrude, hemisphere, or taper in AutoCAD, import it to LazyCAM, MasterCAM and the like, and that's as far as I get.

Can someone help me learn how to cut 3D shapes.

Thanks,
MM



6
Brian,
I get the funky garbage-text when I hit return in Firefox (using it now)

but it formats correctly in Safari.

Oh well,
MM

7
Machinists,
I like to use the conversational machining to make g-codes.Ê When I post a g-code the are saved as "NewProgram.tap".Ê I then change the name to make it memorable.Ê I now have several g-codes and would like to combine them so I don't have to open a new one for each machining sequence.

What's the best way to combine them?Ê cut and paste when "Edit G-code"-ing or is there another way?

Thanks,
MM

ps: found out this forum doesn't like Firefox.

8
General Mach Discussion / Re: How to use my mill as a lathe.
« on: May 14, 2007, 03:11:42 PM »
Here's the wave   I'm also wondering if using a ball end mill would work???.  THis wave has to go on the outside of a 2" dia x 1" deep cylinder, also the inside of a 2.5" dia x 1" hole, blind. thanks MM

9
General Mach Discussion / How to use my mill as a lathe.
« on: May 14, 2007, 10:18:38 AM »
Machinists,

Using Mach 3, PMDX and Geckos on a Smithy CNC mill.

I have a project that would easily be done on a CNC lathe, but I don't have one (yet).  

I need to cut a wave contour on the outside of a 2" diameter piece, 1" long.  I plan on chucking the piece into the R8 collet and cutting it with a lathe tool mounted on the table.

I am wondering how to go about writing code for this, suggestions for mounting a lathe tool on the table, and basically how it is done.

I can post a picture of the profile I'm needing if that will help. 

Thanks in advance.

MM

ps:  I have no idea why I'm getting this funky text, using Mac OSX 10.3.9.?????



Pages: 1