Messages

3681

FAQs / Re: Setting up motor tuning

« on: January 19, 2014, 03:40:20 AM »

Hi Roy,

Al's steps per unit calculator can be found here http://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php/topic,16315.0.html this should help you to get your steps per unit correct.

Firstly, I would check your machine for tightness of the couplings between lead-screws and motors (this needs to be checked properly). Next check that the axes move smoothly without any tight spots or binding, same with the lead screws / motors.
Finally, check all wiring, terminal blocks, connectors, etc. for tightness and good connection.

If this fails to resolve the problem we can move on to the next stage.

Tweakie.

3682

General Mach Discussion / Re: Skip Code?

« on: January 17, 2014, 05:45:28 AM »

Programming in "brains" is really lack luster at best. It's an attempt to provide a PLC environment ladder logic solution on the cheap. Problem is it lacks the functions to provide safe programming. In my opinion it shouldn't be used as a PLC programming replacement.

Whilst difference of opinion is a good thing and to be encouraged for those that use ‘Mach Brains’ it has been found to be an extremely useful free addition to the Mach3 software.
The bottom line is “if you don’t like ‘Mach Brains’ or they do not meet your requirement then don’t use them”, it’s a simple as that. 

Tweakie.

3683

Tangent Corner / Re: Pyrography.

« on: January 17, 2014, 02:54:42 AM »

After gaining a bit more experience this electro-engraving seems to be quite a useful process.

Tweakie.

3684

General Mach Discussion / Re: New people welcome !! Come in here and introduce your self!

« on: January 16, 2014, 07:42:32 AM »

Hi Dave,

Welcome to the forum. There is not a specific area for plasma but if you do a search for plasma you should find plenty to read. 

Tweakie.

3685

General Mach Discussion / Re: New people welcome !! Come in here and introduce your self!

« on: January 16, 2014, 01:46:59 AM »

Hi Stern-69,

Welcome to the forum. You should be up and running in no time with Mach3 and Design Spark as there are many different options for Gerber to GCode conversions.

Tweakie.

3686

G-Code, CAD, and CAM discussions / Re: 4th Axis problem

« on: January 15, 2014, 05:43:33 AM »

May I suggest initially checking that the steps per unit are correct for your rotary axis. If you command 360 deg. does it actually rotate 360 deg. ?

Tweakie.

3687

General Mach Discussion / Re: Replacing electronics on a CNC

« on: January 12, 2014, 11:41:19 AM »

My guess would be that so long as you have not badly overheated your stepper motors they are unlikely to fail.

Tweakie.

3688

General Mach Discussion / Re: Replacing electronics on a CNC

« on: January 12, 2014, 11:13:44 AM »

Hi Xxtoni,

My preference would be to spend a little more money and go for the Gecko G540 (or other of their similar products) http://www.geckodrive.com/geckodrive-step-motor-drives/g540.html

Backup, support and excellent documentation.

Tweakie.

3689

Tangent Corner / Re: Pyrography.

« on: January 12, 2014, 03:57:38 AM »

They look great, I'm wondering if I could use a soldering tool for doing this.

It may not be hot enough but why not just give it a try and see how it goes.

Tweakie.

3690

General Mach Discussion / Re: cnc /mach 3 freeze

« on: January 11, 2014, 02:03:54 AM »

If you need help on this one I can only repeat Hood's request;

What version of Mach are you using?
Can you attach your xml please.
Can you send a link to the machine you have so I can see specs.

Tweakie.