Messages

4431

G-Code, CAD, and CAM discussions / Re: Symmetry problem... Is the problem in mach 3 set up?

« on: October 29, 2012, 09:29:45 AM »

Just a pure shot in the dark here…

I am not sure about the MarchantDice machines but some Chinese machines are not fitted with proper, preloaded, thrust races on the ball-screw at the stepper end. They rely on the stepper to take the load which, as we know, usually has a spring washer mounted bearing and thus it’s shaft can move axially under load.
This problem does not show itself as ‘backlash’ because the movement only occurs under reasonably high load – could this be the issue ??

Tweakie.

4432

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

« on: October 29, 2012, 02:53:13 AM »

Hi Hoges,

Welcome to the forum.

If you post your question as a new topic in the General section I am sure you will receive some useful suggestions on how it can be done.
Personally I would produce a drawing and export it as a .dxf then create the GCode tool-path from that but there are other options.

Tweakie.

"Fabulous Forum it never ceases to amase me how little I know !!!" - You and me both 

4433

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

« on: October 28, 2012, 11:37:24 AM »

Hi Ottervalley,

Welcome to the forum.

There are many here who would be pleased to help if you get into difficulties with Mach3 and it's settings.

In the meantime, if you make a safe copy of your 'Mach3Mill.xml' (or whatever profile you are using) and the 'Mach1Lic.dat' (both in the Mach3 folder) that should save almost all of your settings and license.

Tweakie.

4434

General Mach Discussion / Re: Limit Switches and Interference

« on: October 28, 2012, 07:31:09 AM »

Just in general...

The shields of all cables are connected to GND at the controller end only and preferably to one single point or tag.
The machine frame and any other metal parts that you can touch are connected to protective Earth.
Earth and GND should be treated as two entirely separate circuits as far as wiring is concerned.
It is essential that you have no 'Earth loops' or 'GND loops' anywhere within your wiring.

The PC usually has its negative rail (GND) connected to Earth so this should be the only place where they meet.

Often points of conflict exist if the shielding of the LPT parallel cable or PC casing is connected to machine frame (Earth) or the heat-sink of a VFD is connected to the machine frame and also has it's own Earth wiring but there are many other areas where loops can easily be created.

As you have discovered, it is a difficult problem to resolve but unless it is resolved 100% then it may come back to bite you, at some future date - usually 3/4 of the way through a complicated and expensive job.

Tweakie.

4435

General Mach Discussion / Re: Spacely Sprockets or Cosley Coggs ??

« on: October 28, 2012, 05:11:49 AM »

Whilst it is a serious piece of software it still has a fun aspect - I just love it - thanks Art for such a great program.

Tweakie.

4436

Show"N"Tell ( What you have made with your CNC machine.) / Re: Pendant LPT2

« on: October 26, 2012, 11:59:53 AM »

Excellent work Pasquale, my congratulations.

Tweakie.

4437

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

« on: October 26, 2012, 10:49:37 AM »

Hi Brett,

It's approx. 35mm diameter and a nice snug fit on the front of my webcam. 

Tweakie.

4438

Show"N"Tell ( What you have made with your CNC machine.) / SkyFall.

« on: October 26, 2012, 05:53:54 AM »

Hi Guys,

I make no claims for originality but as ‘SkyFall’ was released this week it just had to be done. ‘M’ would not be amused. 

Tweakie.

4439

Show"N"Tell ( Your Machines) / Re: My first CNC project

« on: October 25, 2012, 01:43:07 AM »

Excellent work Todd, I look forward to seeing more.

Tweakie.

4440

General Mach Discussion / Re: Motor problem

« on: October 24, 2012, 07:11:46 AM »

Hi Saiz,

I understand what you are asking but you would need 'servo controllers' to drive your motors and 'encoders' to provide the feedback position of their shafts in order to control their movements and this would cost a lot of cash. 

Tweakie.