Messages

2551

General Mach Discussion / Re: The solutions to my false limit switch triggering issues

« on: December 10, 2015, 01:17:48 AM »

Nice work Avecnc - the methodical approach. 

Thanks for sharing the information, I am sure it will help others that follow.

Tweakie.

2552

Works in progress / Re: Krang screen

« on: December 08, 2015, 11:16:33 AM »

Excellent work Dytoven, thanks for sharing.

Tweakie.

2553

General Mach Discussion / Re: Recommended Encoders

« on: December 08, 2015, 05:29:00 AM »

Hi Richard,

I agree with you, I think the problem lies with those drivers and it looks like a fight you cannot win. It seems that the actual current is set with (what should be a potentiometer) R14 which has been replaced with two resistors. Perhaps bite the bullet and look towards a replacement such as the Gecko G540 (or similar) that way you are guaranteed a high quality product and full back-up service etc.
Spindle on/off is just a matter of connecting a relay - perhaps check out the Gecko site, there is lots of useful information there http://www.geckodrive.com/support.html
Variable spindle speed control is a bit more complicated but it's not rocket science.


Mach is not a 'closed loop' system and my advice is to forget about encoders - I have been using various systems 'open loop' for over 10 years now and I don't get lost steps so there should be no reason your CNC should not work perfectly once it is all set-up correctly with the right components.

Hope this helps.

Tweakie.

2554

Tangent Corner / Re: Why is a Poet's Day so quiet ??

« on: December 07, 2015, 07:42:58 AM »

Brilliant 

Tweakie.

2555

Show"N"Tell ( What you have made with your CNC machine.) / Re: Mach 3 Dual 5c spindle Lathe with Front Mounted 4 way ATC

« on: December 07, 2015, 02:08:59 AM »

Excellent work Adam. 

Tweakie.

2556

General Mach Discussion / Re: Recommended Encoders

« on: December 07, 2015, 02:00:24 AM »

If your Z axis motor is running cold to the touch then increase the current (Amps) setting for this axis. That will increase the motor torque and may resolve the issue. Stepper motors should be run at or near their rated current and as a guide a case temperature of up to 60 deg.C is to be expected.

New Question:
Just to rule out Mach3, I'd like to know if the system waits for a command to finish being executed before moving onto the next line? Maybe this is what "Dwell" is for?

When using Exact Stop mode (G61) each line of Gcode will be completed before the next is begun but when using Constant Velocity mode (G64) there can be some overlap. Dwell is more usually used to allow synchronization with external devices (gives everything time to catch-up).

As Rich has said, it would be helpful if you post your .xml file - you will need to copy it then rename it to something unique (ie. rrsquez.xml) to be able to attach it (Additional Options...) to your reply.

Tweakie.

2557

General Mach Discussion / Re: Newbie of course! testing

« on: December 07, 2015, 01:40:55 AM »

Hi Max,

Not sure that 40 hours will be enough 

(I've been at it for 10 years and I still don't know the half of it).

Tweakie.

2558

General Mach Discussion / Re: laser cutting NOVICE/ROOKIE question

« on: December 06, 2015, 06:28:03 AM »

however I don't think it has the option to do multiple passes, -I.E. raise the bed

I am sure you have already worked this out - Edit the Sheetcam generated Gcode  (run Gcode, raise the bed, run Gcode, raise the bed, run Gcode). 

Tweakie.

2559

PoKeys / Re: Newbie trying to understand and install Popendant in Mach3 need help.

« on: December 06, 2015, 02:32:32 AM »

Hi Bob,

I have absolutely no idea at all but I think you are to be commended for asking so many questions, in this thread, then discovering all the answers yourself without any outside assistance.

Keep up the good work my friend. 

Tweakie.

2560

Building or Buying a Wood routing table.. Beginnners guide.. / Re: Help with a 2000 Cam Tech Router Master 25

« on: December 06, 2015, 02:27:22 AM »

Hi Furry57,

Welcome to the forum.

In my opinion you should buy that machine and do the conversion. The work will be a little frustrating at times but the crazy journey will teach you a lot about Mach3 and CNC in general along the way.  

Tweakie.