Messages

91

LazyCam (Beta) / Re: Lcam 2.0...

« on: May 05, 2007, 10:05:54 PM »

Here's the rest...

Thanks, Paul, Central OR

92

LazyCam (Beta) / Re: Lcam 2.0...

« on: May 05, 2007, 10:03:22 PM »

Hi Art and Brian,

Well... ya got my money today... gladly given. Great improvements. Remarkable what you guys can do with no sleep, and chatting on the net everyday! 

The first thing I tried was Turn, since that is what I need the most... I have a couple of other MillCAM apps.

I can't seem to get g-code output. I read the thread on dxf prep, and tried the AOuterProfile.dxf sample. All the steps seem to go through, but no roughing or finish profiles are generated.

I did get one other dxf to work, but it was a non-conforming version. The g-code had some way out there values for "K"?

Here are my files and images for your spare time perusing. 

93

General Mach Discussion / Re: Digitizing

« on: March 05, 2007, 12:22:53 PM »

Here is the dxf file for Prop.txt I translated with CamBam.

http://www.brusselsprout.org/CAMBAM/   (Free)

Paul, Central OR

94

General Mach Discussion / Re: Tooling

« on: February 22, 2007, 04:46:06 AM »

Presettable tools is covered in the manual, Topic 7.3.1.

The +/- length difference from the reference tool (you originally set Z0 to) is stored in the tool table with each additional tool number.

G43 is used for calling the offsets, and G49 turns it off. M6, Tnnn, Snnnn would be additive to the code line.

Paul, Central OR

95

General Mach Discussion / Re: Tooling

« on: February 21, 2007, 05:19:14 AM »

I figured this one out...

The main issue is to enter the dimension of the setup aid you're using. I use an Edge Finder with a 0.200" tip for X and Y, And a 1.000" high Tool Setter for Z. After entering those values in the boxes, just jog to indicated zero on the aid and click the appropriate icon. Mach3 will calculate the true zero and set the DRO. The DRO should show 1/2 diameter value for X and Y, and the + or - value depending on which icon you clicked. The Z DRO should show Z+ equal to your Gage Block entry.

If you use the tool and cigarette paper trick, then enter the tool diameter + 0.003" (2*Top Brand paper thickness) for X and Y. Enter 0.0015" as Gage Block for setting Z.

Not on the page, but setting zero for a rotary axis requires a flat reference surface. If not on a fixture, then a parallel or similar clamped to the part. I use a pocket level (A axis) to get close. Then jog sweep a DTI along the reference surface, and jog step the axis until there is no deflection on the DTI... set zero.

Paul, Central OR

96

General Mach Discussion / Re: feeds and speeds?

« on: February 17, 2007, 06:51:36 AM »

I have been using the free "Mfg Calculator" that comes with AutoEditNC:

http://www.betatechnical.com/autonc.htm

I've found that reducing the recommended Base Velocity to 35%~50% works best for my small benchtop mill (Taig).

Most Speed & Feed calculators are set for full size, rigid machines.

Paul, Central OR

97

General Mach Discussion / Re: Question, hotkeys

« on: January 13, 2007, 12:57:44 AM »

Screen4  is a standalone, but interelated application. It resides in the Mach3 directory. If not there from installing Mach3, it is available on the downloads page... it's near the bottom in the "Screen Designer" group with other screen related items. And yes, it's part of the goodies we get for the dues we paid. 

Just about any Mach3 button can be assigned a hot key, as long as the hot key(s) is/are not already being used by Mach3 or the Windows OS.

Screen4 is very utilitarian, so it sometimes takes persistence getting things set the way you want them. Most nuances have already been addressed in other threads on this forum. There's a forum subject area just for screens and designing.

Paul, Central OR

98

General Mach Discussion / Re: Question, hotkeys

« on: January 12, 2007, 04:44:53 PM »

For those that have 4th axis, the Home/End keys are used for jogging.

Paul, Central OR

99

General Mach Discussion / Re: Mach to DeskCNC?

« on: December 05, 2006, 10:03:45 PM »

Hi Brian,

Is the ncPod capable/scheduled to take threading encoder input?

I take it the pictured board transplants the DeskCNC board? Mine has the encoder pluged into it.

Thanks, Paul, Central OR

100

LazyCam (Beta) / Re: Pimp my Lcam

« on: December 02, 2006, 02:11:16 AM »

Hi Brian,

I just tried the .020 ver and the drill point/layer thing works for me now.

I still can't enter "-0.3125"... key beep on fourth decimal place.

Also, still no way to rotate part (3D view) with two button mouse?

And, I apparently lost the control for showing chain direction arrows (triangles).

Paul, Central OR