Messages

5861

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

« on: February 13, 2012, 08:46:00 AM »

Hi Greg,

Try checking the 'Turn off all outputs' on the general config page. 

Tweakie.

5862

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

« on: February 13, 2012, 04:36:35 AM »

Hi Greg,

No worries, you know me, I am always happy to post my thoughts and opinions.

I have carried out extensive testing of Artsoft's corrected / modified M10 P1 / M11 P1 command set and can honestly say that I have had no problems with the M10 P1 command and the way in which it operates with a laser. IMO it is just perfect.

Perhaps it is common for us to blame tools for not working in the way which we want them to work rather than learn how to use these tools to our best advantage. (I have read far too many posts, on this forum, mentioning a bug within Mach which subsequently turns out to be a bug within the user).
The most important thing here is to understand the way Mach behaves, once this is understood then code and post processors can be tailored to suit. We all have our own preferences but my post processors always end the code with an M10P1 prior to the home move.
If you are having problems you could, if you wish, set your spindle to Output #1 then use the M5 command or, as an end command configure Mach to turn off all outputs then use M30 followed by a CR or %, which most post processors use as a standard program ending anyway.

If you could post a code sample of just where you are having difficulties or detail the problem I would be happy to investigate and suggest a solution.

Tweakie.

5863

G-Code, CAD, and CAM discussions / Re: Laser

« on: February 12, 2012, 07:25:10 AM »

Hi Gordon,

For turning a laser on / off the best solution is now the M10P1 / M11P1 (P# determines Output#) command set.
Brian and the Artsoft team have gone to a lot of trouble recently to get this just right and it now works beautifully (there some more details here http://www.cooperman.talktalk.net/files/27_files/Page652.htm)

The other functions you mention can be handled by the standard G and M codes.

Tweakie.

5864

Show"N"Tell ( Your Machines) / Re: CO2 Laser Engraver/Cutter Addition to a CNC-Retrofitted Sieg X2 Mini Mill

« on: February 12, 2012, 03:00:37 AM »

Although a brilliant idea and a relatively simple installation, mounting CO2 laser tubes (metal as well as glass) vertically is not to be recommended.
This has to do with debris, which is produced during operation, falling (under gravity) onto the inner surface of the output coupler leading to a reduction in efficiency together with localised heating and early failure.
It is for this reason that the manufacturers, such as Synrad, withdraw their warranty for vertically mounted tubes.

Tweakie.

5865

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

« on: February 11, 2012, 12:34:09 PM »

You are not wrong there Sam. It's about time this thread had a few more laser users. 

Tweakie.

5866

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

« on: February 11, 2012, 04:24:24 AM »

Hi Guys,

Just a heads-up to let you know that the English translation of the DotG Manual is now available on Béni’s website here http://dotg.weebly.com/download.html
Both Amatör and I are currently working on an English translation of the Post-Processor Manual and this will be available shortly.

Tweakie.

5867

General Mach Discussion / Re: Mach3 M3 voltage output

« on: February 11, 2012, 03:13:24 AM »

DanL,

If you are wanting to switch a laser on / off then M3 /M5 is far too slow in it's operation and you will get a 'dot' at the start and finish of every line drawn.
Check this thread for more details of the M10 / M11 commands http://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php/topic,20546.0.html

Tweakie.

5868

General Mach Discussion / Re: Engraving stick fonts

« on: February 11, 2012, 03:08:10 AM »

The cause could well be lack of rigidity.
Check for slack in the spindle and it's collet and also do not have the tool protruding too far out of the collet. Then check the work is securely fitted to the table and there is no backlash in any of the screws.

Tweakie.

5869

General Mach Discussion / Re: Laser cutting using mach3 with xy table move only

« on: February 10, 2012, 01:30:21 PM »

The laser is still working fine, 3 years down the line now but the tube was made in the USA not China so that may make a difference.

Cost is impossible to answer - I try to buy things as available, sometimes second user and shop around for the best prices.

With a laser, some wood cuts better than others but a number of suppliers now stock laserable plywood, mdf and others which should cut well but you will always have a blackened edge.
This forum has a number of members using lasers to cut wood, generally mdf, and from the pictures you can clearly see the blackened edges. http://oplaser.co.uk/opsupport/

The best place to look for motors and controllers would probably be ebay but beware that some of the stuff (not all) from China may be less than good quality.

To start with I suggest you look for parallel port connection, you can always upgrade to usb (external motion controller) at a later time.

Tweakie.

5870

FAQs / Re: open gl codes

« on: February 10, 2012, 11:58:56 AM »

The openGL error relates to your PC Graphics card.
If you can access your Graphics card (adapter) settings check openGL is enabled or possibly download and install the latest drivers for your graphics card.

Tweakie.