Messages

4031

Show"N"Tell ( What you have made with your CNC machine.) / Re: Laser Diode Engraving

« on: January 15, 2013, 02:58:01 AM »

Excellent work John.

Wait till Zoltan sees those   

Tweakie.

(Just a note for others that follow - modern mirrors, depending on their origin, are almost always 'Lead-free' but precautions should always be taken to avoid inhaling the dust / fumes produced when working with all mirrors).

4032

General Mach Discussion / Re: delay in PWM pulse (LaserMode)

« on: January 15, 2013, 02:29:29 AM »

Hi bdn,

In Config / Ports & Pins / Spindle Setup - check that your Spin Up / Down Delays are all set to zero.

(I have found a number of problems using the Mach3 generated PWM for laser power control so no longer use it).

Tweakie.

4033

General Mach Discussion / Re: HELP HELP TO GET STARTED ON MOCK3 MILL

« on: January 15, 2013, 02:02:41 AM »

Hi Harry,

In Mach3 - Config / Ports & Pins / Input Signals - enable EStop and reverse the 'Active Low' setting. That should enable you to clear the condition.

Tweakie.

4034

General Mach Discussion / Re: Mach 3 and BlueChick v4.2 setup Very Confused Old Guy

« on: January 13, 2013, 10:58:27 AM »

If it’s any help, a very basic initial setup…

Load the Road Runner GCode, jog your X and Y axes to the lower left hand corner of your machine and then zero the X and Y axes DRO’s. Place the lower left corner of your work material here.
Jog the Z axis so the tool tip is just touching the surface of the work and then zero the Z axis DRO. Jog the Z axis so the tool tip is clear of the work surface.
Click on the Toolpath tab – this will show you the Program Limits (Maximum X , Y & Z dimensions). If it is too big for your work material then return to the main window and set the X, Y & Z Scale DRO,s accordingly (1.0000 = full size, 0.5000 = half size, etc).

Tweakie.

4035

G-Code, CAD, and CAM discussions / Re: continuous motion on a Zenbot

« on: January 13, 2013, 02:11:35 AM »

Carl,

Could be that you are using a laptop or other unsuitable computer ??

Tweakie.

4036

Show"N"Tell ( Your Machines) / Re: The Laser Project.

« on: January 12, 2013, 08:34:44 AM »

Thanks John, I have been searching for that link for ages 

Tweakie.

4037

Show"N"Tell ( What you have made with your CNC machine.) / Re: Some Lithophanes...

« on: January 12, 2013, 08:00:09 AM »

You are not wrong there Zig, beautiful work indeed, my congratulations Arbo.

For others that follow…

The free software ‘Mach1filter.exe’ (available somewhere here – if not then contact me) makes a pretty good job with creating the toolpath for rotary (spindle) machining of Lithophanes. (As with most image work the original image has to contain good contrast etc. and some practice will be necessary to achieve the best results).

Also the free software ‘Mach3 Impact / Laser Engraving plugin’ will enable Lithophanes to be laser cut. http://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php/topic,12444.msg164439.html#msg164439

Tweakie.

4038

Show"N"Tell ( Your Machines) / Re: The Laser Project.

« on: January 12, 2013, 06:10:07 AM »

Hi Guys,

Thanks to suggestions from others I have been able to improve my technique and this is the latest Lithophane, laser cut into Corian.
As there is no Z axis movement I was able to use a constant velocity of 4000mm / min for the X axis (excepting the acceleration and deceleration zones for each line scan). The final work does need backlighting (unlike opal Plexiglas) so it looks like I will be making a few of John’s (PicEngraver) LED / diffuser light frames when I get a chance. 

Tweakie.

4039

General Mach Discussion / Re: Single home switch and soft limits enough?

« on: January 11, 2013, 04:51:36 AM »

If it’s any help…

My limit switches are mounted in such a way that any over travel (to the mechanical stop) does not damage the switch. The switches will stop the axes travel during the usual G01 moves but with G00 moves the axes will hit the mechanical stop, however, because the limit has been activated the motors will be stopped.

With a high torque motor operating at a high current this setup may leave a lot to be desired but it suits my way of working and has served me well for many years now. 

Tweakie.

4040

FAQs / Re: installed new license but steppers not moving?

« on: January 10, 2013, 03:21:22 AM »

Hi Ron,

The file 'License.txt' is just an information file and removing it will make no difference to the operation of Mach3 so it looks like you have inadvertently done something else.

Perhaps re-installing Mach3 may solve the problem.

(It may be a good idea to make a back-up copy of your existing Mach3 folder and save it somewhere safe in case you need to retrieve any data at a later stage).

Tweakie.