Messages

4181

General Mach Discussion / Re: Router not cutting smoothly

« on: November 28, 2012, 09:43:04 AM »

Hi Andy,

Your GCode circle consists of straight lines - you will get smoother movements if your toolpath is created using Arcs. (see attachment)

Check the CAD/CAM software that you are using to create the toolpath and select the Arcs option.

Tweakie.

4182

General Mach Discussion / Re: pcb drilling machine

« on: November 28, 2012, 07:48:58 AM »

Changing the Active state for the Z axis Direction signal will only reverse motor direction (up will be down and visa versa). Have you tried changing it for the Step signal ??
Also may be worth checking that your drill bit is not moving in it’s collet.

Tweakie.

4183

General Mach Discussion / Re: Router not cutting smoothly

« on: November 28, 2012, 07:39:00 AM »

Andy,

Could you Zip and attach a sample of your GCode ??

Tweakie.

4184

G-Code, CAD, and CAM discussions / Re: Only part of Gcode active [Help]

« on: November 28, 2012, 06:15:46 AM »

Hi Freak174,

Welcome to the forum.

You can purchase the Mach3 licence from here http://www.machsupport.com/purchase.php

Tweakie.

4185

FAQs / Re: Mach 3 stopped working

« on: November 27, 2012, 10:36:07 AM »

Hi Larry,

Changing the 'Dir Low Active' state (in Config / Ports and Pins /  Motor Outputs) for your X axis will solve the left / right direction issue but why this should suddenly have happened is a mystery to me.

As for size - check that your Scale DRO's read 1.0000 and perhaps also check that your Steps Per Unit are still correct (Config / Motor Tuning).

There have been some instances lately with either corrupt .xml's or Mach reverting to using an earlier .xml but this again is a mystery to me.

Sorry I can't be of more help.

Tweakie.

4186

General Mach Discussion / Re: 4th Axis Addition!!!

« on: November 27, 2012, 06:14:22 AM »

Hi Jamie,

If it's any help, I have already done just as John has mentioned and fitted an additional PCI Parallel Port card to my machine PC.
This is used for my forth axis (and all the other silly stuff I do without affecting my existing setup, machine wiring etc).

Tweakie.

4187

Show"N"Tell ( What you have made with your CNC machine.) / Re: Isolation Routing PCB's and Local System Rotate.

« on: November 26, 2012, 08:31:21 AM »

This is the 10mm diameter webcam and home made mounting bracket ready to be fitted to my Z axis.

Tweakie.

4188

Share Your GCode / Re: Ford emblem G code

« on: November 26, 2012, 06:58:49 AM »

Hi Scuba,

Brands of the World perhaps http://www.brandsoftheworld.com/search/logo/ford  should enable you to obtain the vector image you need. Other software would be better but LazyCam (free with Mach3) should enable you to create the GCode toolpath.

Tweakie.

4189

General Mach Discussion / Re: Help with setup & controler

« on: November 25, 2012, 05:19:00 AM »

Hood has beaten me to it    but as it was already compiled here is my take on the situation...


Whilst others have succeeded with using the TB6560 it is really not the best controller for the job. Just browsing this forum will show you the many problems some have experienced with this device and most of them have now moved on to something better, which works.

OK, it costs a bit more but bearing in mind the quality and support / backup that you will get I suggest that you consider something like the Gecko G540 http://www.geckodrive.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=540
Gecko really do have a wealth of experience and the information available on their website is second to none.

Having said that and returning to your TB6560 problem – yes, your steppers should lock when power is applied so the problem may be with your Mach3 setup. Check that your X,Y and Z axis are enabled (Config / Ports and Pins / Motor Outputs) and that you have the correct port #1 address enabled – typically 0x378 (Port Setup and Axis Selection).

You need to be a bit wary because there are many, lack of knowledge / experience, errors on this website but there is some useful information regarding the TB6560 here http://whatisacnc.com/driver-board/tb6560/

In addition, you will also need to verify that the Mach3 license you purchased is valid license@machsupport.com as there have been a lot of fake licenses sold with the TB6560 boards and (from personal evaluation) they just do not work properly.

Tweakie.

4190

Show"N"Tell ( What you have made with your CNC machine.) / Re: Isolation Routing PCB's and Local System Rotate.

« on: November 25, 2012, 02:09:57 AM »

Hi John,

This is the webcam (endoscope) that I finally used. It is from China and available via ebay for < £20 UKP.

Tweakie.