Messages

5731

General Mach Discussion / Re: Shift in my X Y and Z axis

« on: June 29, 2012, 02:28:49 AM »

Hi Jon,

The problem could be one of electrical noise.

The ground wire between you computer and machine frame should be removed (this is not a good idea).

Are all your limit switches etc connected with shielded cables ??

Tweakie.

5732

Mach SDK plugin questions and answers. / Re: Impact engraving plugin

« on: June 28, 2012, 06:49:40 AM »

Hi Josaami,

Perhaps my pdf for the plugin may help  http://www.cooperman.talktalk.net/Engraving.pdf

Tweakie.

5733

General Mach Discussion / Re: External e-stop

« on: June 26, 2012, 07:50:14 AM »

Hi Gary,

Sometimes (depending on age / quality) limit switches can misbehave when subjected to vibration. Also electrical noise, picked up by the wiring can also cause false triggering.

I would be inclined to fit a 0.1uF miniature capacitor between each used input connection to your breakout board and GND.

Tweakie.

5734

Mach SDK plugin questions and answers. / Re: Impact engraving plugin

« on: June 25, 2012, 05:32:37 AM »

Hi Josaami,

The earlier post http://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php/topic,16446.msg111240.html#msg111240 explains the magnet construction that both I  and Andrea use and the next post http://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php/topic,16446.msg111241.html#msg111241 shows how it is driven by one phase of a standard stepper motor driver circuit and also details the Mach3 configuration for it's use.

Another approach could be to make a dedicated controller such as this http://hobbycncart.com/_fr/1/3711394.jpg

I hope this helps.

Tweakie.

5735

Share Your GCode / Re: He's just a Wile and crazy guy!

« on: June 23, 2012, 01:30:47 AM »

Hi John,

I am pleased you have got it sorted - you are certainly progressing up the learning curve at speed now. 

Tweakie.

5736

Share Your GCode / Re: He's just a Wile and crazy guy!

« on: June 22, 2012, 01:40:28 AM »

Hi John,

Sounds like you have your X axis configured incorrectly.
In Config / Ports and Pins / Motor Outputs - change the tick for a cross (or visa versa) in the 'Dir LowActive' box for the 'X Axis' then click 'Apply'.

Tweakie.

5737

Show"N"Tell ( What you have made with your CNC machine.) / Re: Constructing a Low Profile Tool Height Setter.

« on: June 20, 2012, 05:39:05 AM »

Very nice Tweakie, can`t wait till you finish. I am sure it will be awsome, I would love to make one as well.

Hi Astroguy,

Thank you.

I keep making minor alterations to the basic design (from experience gained and others suggestions) but I am nearly there.
I have almost compiled a complete set of drawings and GCode files but this seems to be taking longer than it took to make the original parts. 

Tweakie.

5738

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

« on: June 20, 2012, 01:08:17 AM »

Hi Russ,

Yes, fortunately for me, the shifts occurred between the wording and I was able to locate the same datum point at each shift.

Not sure if I can get a picture of the finished product, my part is just the VCarving - all the finishing work will now be done manually by an experienced woodworker. (I trust the final customer has plenty of cash because I can see this becoming one really expensive piece of bling). 

Tweakie.

5739

Show"N"Tell ( What you have made with your CNC machine.) / Re: Constructing a Low Profile Tool Height Setter.

« on: June 19, 2012, 07:48:25 AM »

A little more progress - This is the over-travel limit switch, well 3 switches actually but they are connected in parallel and operate on the 'first home' principle.

The total thickness, including the PCB, is 2mm and this assembly fits beneath the the contact plate (in the base of the probe) and will activate a limit input if the G31 probing routine failed.

The probe will continue to use the 3 wire connection to the machine and additional circuitry has now been fitted, at the breakout board end, to detect probe circuit continuity. This effectively signals a 'Probe Already Grounded' condition to the probing routine if either the positive or GND connecting wires are disconnected or if the probe is not actually connected to the machine. This added 'fail safe' feature was considered necessary because I am signalling the over-travel limit through the two supply wires.

Hopefully, I have now covered every eventuality but life always seems to punish the complacent and so 'time will tell'. 

Tweakie.

5740

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

« on: June 19, 2012, 03:19:18 AM »

Well, I finally got around to VCarving this boat name into a piece of Teak.

Because the overall length is greater than my machine table it had to be completed in 3 stages but this is not as difficult to do as I had first thought, having previously practised on a piece of MDF.

Now the hard work begins - It has to be profile cut to a curved shape and the edges rebated, varnished and the lettering gold finished.

Tweakie.