Messages

4881

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.

4882

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.

4883

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.

4884

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.

4885

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.

4886

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.

4887

Show"N"Tell ( Your Machines) / Re: CNC Build Proceeding - Cheap Couplers...

« on: January 09, 2013, 11:30:56 AM »

Hi Zig,

In LazyCam you need to select the Layers Tab to set the depth and set layer etc.

The LazyCam manual can be found in Members Documents http://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php/topic,12078.0.html

Tweakie.

4888

Show"N"Tell ( Your Machines) / Re: CNC Build Proceeding - Cheap Couplers...

« on: January 09, 2013, 11:17:01 AM »

Excellent work Zig. 

I wonder what the first CNC machined project will be ?

Tweakie.

4889

Share Your GCode / Re: G code for slowing Z axis

« on: January 09, 2013, 08:41:38 AM »

Hi Bill,

If you use G01 then you could set the feed-rate (F) to any speed that suits your purpose.

Tweakie.

4890

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

« on: January 09, 2013, 01:37:58 AM »

Hi Neely,

Post details of your machine and controller and as many other details as are relevant together with your current profile .xml file (in Mach3 folder) as a new topic in the General section and suggestions to resolving your problem will follow.

Tweakie.