Messages

5101

General Mach Discussion / Re: Another help request.

« on: August 14, 2012, 07:58:04 AM »

Hi Steve,

That's a strange one - I use numerous SSR's on my machine without any problem.

I presume you measured the voltage at 5.22V with the SSR connected ?? if that is the case then check that your GND return, from the SSR, is connected to the correct point.

Tweakie.

5102

General Mach Discussion / Re: Encoders - fit or forget?

« on: August 14, 2012, 07:49:09 AM »

Hi EJP,

In my opinion...
If your steppers can loose count during use then that is a big problem which should be addressed and corrected before anything else.
Steppers will always loose 'exact' position (if micro-stepping is being used) when everything is switched off so if you rely on referencing then it should be repeated when a machine is first switched on again.

Tweakie.

5103

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

« on: August 14, 2012, 07:05:00 AM »

Another forum member, PicEngraver, has asked me to test a beta version of his new softwere ‘PicLaser’ and I have posted a couple of pictures of laser created images and a brief description of the operation of the software in the laser thread. http://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php/topic,12444.msg154465.html#msg154465

Exactly the same GCode that is used with the laser can also be used with an electromagnet (a big thank you to Andrea for the magnets) and this was impact printed into some opal Plexiglas and then filled with Rub’n’Buff. The results when back illuminated can be quite stunning and this is an example of a test piece.

Tweakie.

5104

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

« on: August 14, 2012, 06:44:10 AM »

Hi Dave,

That is really great work.

There is no stopping you now, there will be stickers everywhere 

Tweakie.

5105

General Mach Discussion / Re: Steppers making noise but shafts not rotating

« on: August 11, 2012, 12:02:13 PM »

Hi CES,

The steppers should run warm to the touch but not too hot that you cant hold your hand on them. If you are concerned then reduce the current settings (Amps).

(When you get your G540 you can calculate the resistor required to provide the correct current so the motors do not overheat).

Tweakie.

5106

General Mach Discussion / Re: Steppers making noise but shafts not rotating

« on: August 11, 2012, 01:58:30 AM »

If a motor goes in one direction then you have found the correct ‘step pin’. The ‘direction pin’ has to be ‘Hi’ for one direction of rotation and ‘Low’ for the other direction so perhaps you have not found the correct ‘direction pin’ for that motor..

Tweakie.

5107

G-Code, CAD, and CAM discussions / Re: strange circle cutting

« on: August 10, 2012, 02:33:53 AM »

It could be backlash in one or both leadscrews or it could be a loose motor coupling / pulley etc.

Tweakie.

5108

Show"N"Tell ( Your Machines) / Re: My first attempt at a CNC build.

« on: August 10, 2012, 02:28:11 AM »

Hi Jammer,

You don't owe me any credit - you did all that on your own and a fine machine Elmer is 

Tweakie.

5109

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

« on: August 09, 2012, 07:52:02 AM »

I have been asked by Picengraver to test a beta version of his latest software ‘PicLaser’ and as I have no commercial interest in this product think it would be OK to post a few details here.

PicLaser takes a bitmap image and enables it to be converted to a dithered halftone (using one of a number of different, industry standard algorithms) then generates the necessary GCode to reproduce the image. It uses a unique method to create a laser ‘on time’ dwell which makes it just as suitable for high as well as low power lasers. I have not yet tried it using an impact magnet (my next task) but I have every confidence.

This was my first test piece with the laser, it is faux aluminium faced engraving laminate, with the image just slightly larger than life size and took around 20 minutes to complete. I have deliberately scaled the image up a bit and kept the focus tight so the individual dots are clearly visible but for portrait work it is generally considered best to de-focus slightly, producing a somewhat larger dot size which blends in a smoother manner.

Tweakie.

5110

General Mach Discussion / Re: Steppers making noise but shafts not rotating

« on: August 08, 2012, 11:50:09 AM »

Gecko makes good stepper drivers and the G540 is popular http://www.geckodrive.com/featured-products.html

Tweakie.