Messages

5311

General Mach Discussion / Re: Can't get rid of 4th axis backlash! Do you recognise this table?

« on: June 29, 2011, 11:09:47 AM »

The bigger question for me: Why the heck did MaxNC ship this thing to me in such a broken state? Surely they knew this would never work

Perhaps because they knew they were going on an extended fishing trip.

Some of the flexi-couplers, which have a plastic insert, may not compress to the same degree but still allow slight misalignment

Tweakie.

5312

General Mach Discussion / Re: Can't get rid of 4th axis backlash! Do you recognise this table?

« on: June 28, 2011, 11:42:51 AM »

Not sure if making the flexi-coupling rigid is a good idea but I will find out in the morning then 

Tweakie.

5313

General Mach Discussion / Re: PWM freq

« on: June 28, 2011, 11:26:43 AM »

The repetition rate (Frequency) for the PWM is programmable and is set here.

Tweakie.

5314

General Mach Discussion / Re: Can't get rid of 4th axis backlash! Do you recognise this table?

« on: June 28, 2011, 10:43:34 AM »

That looks like the RG Tools 100mm rotary (made in China) which has been converted to CNC by unknown. I really don't think this model had any adjustment at all.
In fitting the stepper the thrust bearing for the worm seems to have been removed and you are just relying on the coupling to take the load, perhaps modifying the motor mounting method and refitting a thrust bearing would go a long way towards improving things.

Not much help really.

Tweakie.

5315

Mach SDK plugin questions and answers. / Re: Giffin Powermate resurection.

« on: June 28, 2011, 07:11:13 AM »

The Powermate is an excellent product and I am really surprised that someone has not already written another plugin that works with the latest versions of Mach3. I am also saddened by those who produce solutions, post the results of their brilliance but then refuse to share the details (perhaps they are just telling porkies and don't want to be found out).
I would not know where to start, but for you programmers out there there is quite a lot of info on creating plugins when you start looking  http://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php/topic,7922.0.html  go on - give it a try but PLEASE, PLEASE share your success with the other members of the forum.

Tweakie.

5316

Show"N"Tell ( Your Machines) / Re: New/Update CNC Machine Brain Storm...

« on: June 28, 2011, 06:03:15 AM »

Don't know if it's any help but I did cut a couple of 16mm hardened rails down to size using a cutting disc on an angle grinder with plenty of water cooling. These are the offcuts, there was a slight discolouration from overheating but nothing too serious.

Tweakie.

5317

Show"N"Tell ( Your Machines) / Re: New/Update CNC Machine Brain Storm...

« on: June 28, 2011, 05:13:54 AM »

I think I would be inclined to go for the fully supported rails for the Y axis (this takes all the weight, torque and strain) but this is just my preference. As you say fitting two extra rails would improve things but may be a lot of extra work.
If you went for the supported rails could you perhaps fit one of the then spare rails and pair of blocks to the X axis making 3 rails (would strengthen the X up a bit then). ?

Just dumb suggestions really, it's your call. 

Tweakie.

5318

General Mach Discussion / Re: Mach3 cannot send out signal

« on: June 28, 2011, 02:57:27 AM »

Post deleted - I totally misunderstood the question.

Tweakie.

5319

General Mach Discussion / Re: Touch probe to Point Cloud

« on: June 28, 2011, 02:42:08 AM »

Hi Mac,

The point cloud issue has been looked at by many members over the last few years and really it has all just fizzled out.
If any member has had success then he has not posted the results and full details of his project for others to follow on and develop / refine the idea further. This is all bit of a shame really but considering the mode of operation with the G31 - to get any degree of resolution the probe has to be tiny and the stepover small. Most Z axis are slow and it could easily take upwards of 12 hours to get a reasonable point cloud for even an extremely small piece of jewellery. In my opinion, with the present technology, point cloud it is just not a practical proposition for Mach3. However, there are other ideas out there and a small 'pecker' type head providing digital position may be able to increase the digitizing speed 100 fold and this could change the whole ball game.

Mach3 is quite capable of running a purpose built digitizing head but this is a solution for tomorrow not for today so unlikely to satisfy your boss, sorry. 

Tweakie.

5320

Show"N"Tell ( Your Machines) / Re: New/Update CNC Machine Brain Storm...

« on: June 28, 2011, 01:58:52 AM »

Cosha,

I know it will be a little over your £120 budget but if you could use two supported rails with 4 blocks for your gantry (Y axis) this would improve the rigidity issue no end.
(I am getting quite good at spending other peoples money  )

Tweakie.