Messages

1

Mach4 General Discussion / Help with X Axis Error offset

« on: June 12, 2020, 04:59:24 PM »

Dear All,

First, forgive me if this is not the correct place to post this question. I simply could not find another one. After struggling for a while I decided to ask you guys for help. Here is the deal:

I´ve built my DYI CNC from scratch using aluminum profiles and parts that were machined somewhere else. Everything fit perfectly (or with minor adjustments).

I am using Mach4 software and HSMExpress to generate the G-code from the SolidWorks model. I am using a Trapezoidal Screw and stepper motors to move the axis around.

After the first attempt to create a part, I realized that my bed was not flat ( I am using MDF and it came warped). So, I decided to face the surface of the MDF to creat a flat surface with regards to my spindle.

The problem I am facing is that every line it started has some offset from the previous line. Let me try to explain:

• It starts the first line on X287mm and cuts all the way to X-0.4mm;
• When in X-0.4mm, it retracts Z to 5mm and goes all the way to X287mm to start cutting again;
• When it gets back to X-0.4 I can see that it´s not the exact same spot as before. It was slightly to the right;
• The cycle reapeats and every beggining of a new line we can see it is shifted to the right from the previous one. Also, it´s going further than X287mm;
• I stop the operation and sit in contemplation;

Trying to find out where the problem is, I created a marking line and jogged the X axis back and forth from 50mm to 270mm. At the end, the carriage was exactly where it started.

Additionally, I cut a square to see if the mill would end at exactly the same spot as it started and it did.

I´ve also switched X and Y motors to see if the error would change axis but it persisted on the X Axis. After doing this, I could see that the offset between the lines was smaller but was there and still increasing. I tried to play around with the backlash compensation but it didn´t change anything.

Have any of you guys ever faced anything like that?

Please forgive my english.

Regards,

marcus

2

Mach4 General Discussion / Surface map Wizard not working

« on: April 26, 2020, 03:59:18 PM »

Dear All,

I`ve been trying to make this SurfaceMapWizard plug-in work as shown on MachSupport Channel on Youtube but so far I had no success. Perhaps you guys can help me.

I am using Mach4 Hobby, build 4322 under Win10. I did all the steps the lady with the beautiful voice explains but nevertheless I cannot see the same behavior of the tool tip.

After mapping, I went to Configure, Plugins, SufaceMap – NewFangled Solutions, chose the file that was created under my machine profile, clicked apply and then Ok.

So, after doing this I was expecting to see the tip of my spindle move up and down to follow the surface of my table (I went to the point of creating an inclination, as in the video) but nothing happens. The tip stays constantly at the same position.

Is there any other command I need to use? I´ve been doing all the movement using the Jogging Tab but maybe I am missing something here.

I appreciate if any of you guys can provide some advice on that.

Thanks in advance,

Marcus

3

Mach4 General Discussion / Mach4 Surface Mapping Questions

« on: October 09, 2019, 03:49:48 PM »

Dear All,

I´ve recently built my CNC and I am having some issues on how to make the Surface mapping work. My table is made of MDF (I know now, not a good idea) and when I move the Dial Gauge Indicator to the center of the table I get 0.6mm difference with relation to the outer corners. The table is basically sagging in the middle.

Although I need to fix it, I am trying to use this as an opportunity to learn more about the features available. Hence the questions below. I am using Win10 Laptop with Mach4 Version 4.2, Build 4284.

I´ve attached a probe using the collet of my spindle. The probe is approximately 30mm long. As a test, I probed 100mm in the Y axis and 100mm in the X direction from the center of the table (the deepest point).

After all the points probed I get the results and, using the Plug in, I load the map onto Mach4. My first question:


• When I jog the Gantry from the corners to the center, I don´t see any correction being done on the Z axis to compensate the table. So, when I get to the center, I have 0.6mm difference from the corners as if nothing was done. Could anyone try to help me on that?
  
  As far as I know, all measurements are made using Machine Coordinates and I don´t need to calibrate the Z probe nor enter anything on the G54 Fixture Table.

Now, the second question. Assuming I make it work in the Machine Coordinates, I will have a calibration in Machine Coordinates but how do I use it with Work Coordinates. What I am trying to say is, I will run the surface map using the probe, then I will install a mill (which will be longer than the probe) on its place and from there I will have to set my G54 coordinates. How will the mapping work?

I am sorry if these are stupid questions but I´ve watched the videos on the youtube channel and they did not add much more information.

My apologies if this was already answer somewhere else. I honestly tried to find it but had no luck.

Kid regards to everyone and sorry for my English as well.

Marcus

4

Mach4 General Discussion / Uninstalling Mach4

« on: January 30, 2019, 08:20:03 AM »

Dear Gentlemen,

I´ve recently built my CNC and was learning how to use MACH4.

On December, I´ve installed the software on my Win10 laptop, the smoothstepper driver and was configuring endstops, travel speed and so on.

Everything seemed to be fine. Today, after a month traveling, I tried to open the application and got a pop up saying

mach4 could not initialize the core instance 0!

After trying to solve the issue for a while, I´ve decided to reinstall the program. So, I went to the FTP page, downloaded the latest version and installed it, as Administrator.

At first, I could notice that no icons were created on my desktop. Therefore, I went to the C:\Mach4Hobby folder and tried to run the wxMach.exe from there. I got a pop up saying that the code execution cannot continue because lua53.dll was not found.

As I think something might have happened during the installation I was looking for the uninstall icon on the same folder but could not find it.

Went to Programs to uninstall it from there but could not find it either on the list of installed program.

Could you guys help me find a solution? The program does not run and I don´t have a way to uninstall it and try again.

Thanks for you help,

Marcus