Messages

3511

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.

3512

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

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

Brilliant 

Tweakie.

3513

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.

3514

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.

3515

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.

3516

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.

3517

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.

3518

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.

3519

General Mach Discussion / Re: Newbie of course! testing

« on: December 06, 2015, 02:14:28 AM »

Hi Max,

Welcome to the forum.

Could it be that the Gcode you are running is in 'Inch' units and your machine / Mach3 has been set-up in 'mm' units ??

(ideally all Gcode should contain a G20 or G21 (as appropriate) to avoid this issue but we don't live in the ideal world).

Tweakie.

3520

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

« on: December 05, 2015, 10:57:48 AM »

I see no reason why you should not use Sheetcam and cut things in two or more passes, raising the bed between cuts, as you suggest.
Ideally, materials are vaporized when cutting rather than burned but all materials behave differently. Whilst true Acrylic will vaporize and leave no residue wood, on the other hand, will leave a carbon residue which has to be removed by the air assist before subsequent passes.
As there is no tool load on the cutting head drive torque requirements are modest so NEMA 17's will be just fine.
For cutting there is no problems with laser switching M3 / M5 will do but for engraving you will find the the speed of the M11 / M10 is desirable.

Tweakie.