Messages

4571

Share Your GCode / Re: Cutting circle

« on: January 21, 2014, 05:58:05 AM »

Jim,

Most of the CAD / CAM software that I use has the option for an Arc Tangent Curve (straight lines) or Arcs (true circle) post processors so I think you are on the right track and should look at your PP.

Tweakie.

4572

General Mach Discussion / Re: OEM codes for buttons, DRO's and LED's

« on: January 21, 2014, 05:39:19 AM »

I have one problem, I have noticed that a power point or light swiitch when turned of or on is sending a pulse to the cnc and throwing the safety /stop button. All micro homing switch leads are earthed. any ideas to stop this please.

I would be inclined to fit a mains filter in series with the power input to your CNC (of sufficient current rating).

Tweakie.

4573

Mach3 under Vista / Re: Which OS to go with?

« on: January 20, 2014, 05:20:00 AM »

I am glad that you got it sorted and thanks for posting the info.

I think this "Remember to check the basics" should be the watch words for us all 

Tweakie.

4574

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

« on: January 20, 2014, 02:07:07 AM »

Hi Christian,

Welcome to the forum.

If you post your questions as a new topic in the general Mach discussion section you should get a response to help you resolve the problem.

Tweakie.

4575

FAQs / Re: Setting up motor tuning

« on: January 19, 2014, 05:57:49 AM »

From what you describe it is unlikely be a Mach3 problem.

I am a bit concerned that you have said "seems OK" - you really need to be absolutely certain. 

Try this and report back...
Using the arrow jog keys move each axis from end to end and listen carefully to the stepper motors sound. If it occasionally makes a stutter or tick that could be a sign of missing steps which then needs to be investigated.

Tweakie.

4576

General Mach Discussion / Re: How to mirror x and y with only 1 button?

« on: January 19, 2014, 05:46:40 AM »

Changing the Scale DRO for the left - right axis (X axis in my case) from +1.0000 to -1.0000 will mirror the GCode.

Tweakie.

4577

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.

4578

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.

4579

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.

4580

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.