Messages

1221

General Mach Discussion / Re: workpiece under degree

« on: November 25, 2019, 01:51:04 AM »

Not certain I am understanding you correctly but…

In the Mach3 MDI screen you could use Local System Rotate set to 45 Degrees or if you want more complex positioning you could use G68… in your Gcode file.

(User Regen Toolpath to view the work rotation)

1222

Mach SDK plugin questions and answers. / Re: OEM (Auto Tool Zero) button in Mach3?

« on: November 22, 2019, 01:16:04 AM »

The Auto Tool Zero button on the 1024.set screen is a VB coded button and does not have an OEM code. The button's  function can be changed within Mach from Operator / Edit Button Script or, by using a screen editor, a hotkey can be assigned.

Tweakie.

1223

General Mach Discussion / Re: cheap 4 axis controler on ebay

« on: November 21, 2019, 06:51:05 AM »

Has anyone tried one of these cheap motion controllers advertised on ebay for approx £20.00
if so, could they be used by a numpty/human or do i need a boff.

£20.00 

The cheap Chinese stuff seldom works as expected so you may need to be a magician to ever get it working at all.

1224

Building or Buying a Wood routing table.. Beginnners guide.. / Re: x y AXIS ORIENTATION

« on: November 21, 2019, 01:58:37 AM »

It all depends where the operator stands in relation to the machine as most post processors compile the Gcode with the X Axis 'side to side' and the Y Axis 'front to back' (in relation to the operator).

1225

Mach3 under Vista / Re: Requesting help on emergency Mach 3 install

« on: November 20, 2019, 10:15:06 AM »

Are there any resources/tutorials for this procedure on the Gerber Sabre 408?

I am sure someone will have converted the Sabre 408 to operate from Mach3 or Mach4 but I am not aware of any tutorial on this or any other website. Perhaps other members here may have some information that may be of assistance.

If you check-out the Gecko website it has much product and application information which may give you an insight into what is required.
https://www.geckodrive.com/products

In my opinion...
The process of converting the control system of an existing machine requires quite some technical knowledge and it is not something that could easily be completed within a tight schedule. There are businesses which will undertake the conversion for you, it will not be cheap, but perhaps that is the way forward.

Tweakie.

1226

Mach4 General Discussion / MOVED: Input c# using Mach4

« on: November 20, 2019, 01:45:42 AM »

This topic has been moved to General Mach Discussion.

https://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php?topic=42052.0

1227

Mach3 under Vista / Re: Requesting help on emergency Mach 3 install

« on: November 20, 2019, 01:43:00 AM »

Can the mach 3 be run on the Gerber Sabre, as is, without any new hardware installations?

Hi ValleySigns,

Unfortunately NO.

Just looking at your attached diagrams your machine control is serial and although some 25 way Cannon sub D connectors are used that is just coincidental - they cannot be used to connect your machine to a PC's LPT Parallel Port.

If you were going to make any change from your existing Gerber system then forget Mach3 and go to Mach4. You would definitely need a new servo orientated controller and many other new parts to make the conversion.

Tweakie.

1228

Tangent Corner / Re: It's a Dog thing.

« on: November 19, 2019, 08:04:38 AM »

 

1229

General Mach Discussion / Re: Switching from Mach3 to Mach4

« on: November 18, 2019, 03:01:40 AM »

On one of your posting a while back you said something to the effect “laser cutting and laser raster engraving should be dedication difference machines”

Hi Chuck,

I don't recall posting that (after all I use the same machine for both purposes) but the machine set-up for each process may be a lot different and having a dedicated machine for each task would be nice.

Tweakie.

1230

General Mach Discussion / Re: Switching from Mach3 to Mach4

« on: November 18, 2019, 01:16:38 AM »

Fast forward 18 months——, any new thoughts on switching from Mach3 to Mach4?

A very good question Chuck 

When transitioning from Mach3 to Mach4 we would be aware that they are two very different products (apples and oranges come to mind) but we would constantly be making comparisons between the two for ease of use, results produced, etc.

With this in mind I have found one major consideration…

The required motion controller should be chosen carefully and dependant on what your machine is to be used for.

One particular motion controller may be better at Plasma, another at Turn, another at Laser, etc. and in my case, having a multi-purpose machine, I now have five different motion controllers – each excel at a particular task.

Tweakie.