Messages

6271

General Mach Discussion / Re: Uneven cut on letters

« on: February 16, 2011, 10:15:16 AM »

Same way as posting pictures.
The file must have a name that has not been used before on the forum and a file extension must be from the approved list shown.

Tweakie.

6272

General Mach Discussion / Re: Uneven cut on letters

« on: February 16, 2011, 05:39:48 AM »

If you post your GCode I can check it on my machine and this will at least rule out the possibility of a problem with the code.

Tweakie.

6273

General Mach Discussion / Re: need help conveting hpgl files to work on mach

« on: February 16, 2011, 05:15:55 AM »

Hi Larry,

Something I forgot to mention    is that LazyCam (part of Mach) will also convert your HPGL files to GCode. It takes a long while with some of the larger files but usually gets there in the end. LazyCam has the advantage of allowing easy deletion of unwanted vectors and the redefinition of the origin etc. etc. and may be your best option.

Tweakie.

6274

Show"N"Tell ( Your Machines) / Re: New Control Box for Milla

« on: February 16, 2011, 02:48:26 AM »

Nice work Barry.
You have been threatening to redo the control box for some time now - looks really neat and ought to work well (don't forget to stick a copy of your wiring diagram on the inside of the door).

Tweakie.

6275

General Mach Discussion / Re: any recommendations for pendant / mpg?

« on: February 16, 2011, 02:42:22 AM »

  What are you on about Ian ? 

Tweakie.

6276

General Mach Discussion / Re: need help conveting hpgl files to work on mach

« on: February 16, 2011, 02:20:23 AM »

Hi Larry,

Target2Gcode is a standalone .exe application - Just place it on your desktop and run it. (as mentioned earlier there are certain HPGL codes it doesn't like and these return an error if they are not edited out which is where the SignGo post processor comes into its own).
The input files need .plt or .hpg file extension to open and the program creates a ....wire.din file which is the GCode. You just need to set the safe Z and cutting depth before creating the GCode.

Tweakie.

6277

General Mach Discussion / Re: need help conveting hpgl files to work on mach

« on: February 15, 2011, 11:35:16 AM »

Hi Larry,

Take it easy and get well soon.

My Roland software is related to pen plotters not vinyl cutters.
It has been a long while since I used SignGo but from memory you can pre-program the post processor with HPGL start up strings so you should be able to create a file that will convert to GCode (using the program I posted) without editing. If you have difficulties setting it up send me a copy of your current SignGo output file I can see what needs adding / removing.

Tweakie.

6278

G-Code, CAD, and CAM discussions / Re: Cad Software!!!

« on: February 15, 2011, 08:06:28 AM »

Hi Jugster,

Take a look at Danny's site here:-  http://www.cnc4free.org/ you may find something of interest to you.

'GMax' is good for modeling and free but the learning curve is just too steep for me - I suppose it depends just how much time you have available for learning something new. (Almost all of the popular 3D computer games have an associated software which is designed for creating 3D models and in most instances that software can be obtained for free). I like free 

Tweakie.

6279

General Mach Discussion / Re: Laser Power

« on: February 15, 2011, 02:00:41 AM »

Hi TMSmith,

The laser power would almost certainly have been controlled externally to Mach3 (there would be no advantage to using the Mach PWM signal).
Depending on the type of laser, CO2 for example would need many kilowatts of power to cut 1/8" steel.
Multipass does not work so well (if at all) because laser cutting metals relies on the assist gas blowing the molten material out of the kerf (a bit like oxy or plasma cutting I suppose). YAG lasers are better suited for use with metals but, in return, carry a hefty price tag.

Tweakie.

6280

General Mach Discussion / Re: need help conveting hpgl files to work on mach

« on: February 14, 2011, 12:36:53 PM »

Hi Larry,

I use Roland software for sign layouts but use Mach3 and GCode for cutting the vinyl so convert HPGL to GCode quite a lot. The attached program, written by Martin DeRoode of Majosoft is simple and works just fine for me. There are a couple of little quirks such as needing SP1 (or whatever pen) at the start of the code but once you get used to it, editing is no problem.
Let me know how you get on.

Tweakie.