Messages

6801

General Mach Discussion / Re: inconsistant dial gauge readings on axes

« on: April 25, 2010, 09:11:43 AM »

Could possibly be missing steps or the driver not translating the direction signal voltage well.
Assuming you are using stepper motors, any missed steps can often be heard by jogging an axis from one end to the other and listening carefully to the motor - a short 'tick' or momentary change of note is an indication.

Tweakie.

6802

General Mach Discussion / Re: New machine build

« on: April 25, 2010, 02:23:40 AM »

Hi LRJ,

The Vectric website http://www.vectric.com/ has many free examples which you can cut to get more experience of your machine and Mach use.

There are many free software programs available, some good - others of marginal use. The first detail profile shapes I made, were using 'G-Simple' which can be found here http://www.gsimple.gr/

Tweakie.

6803

General Mach Discussion / Re: inconsistant dial gauge readings on axes

« on: April 25, 2010, 02:15:11 AM »

Silly question perhaps but how did you correct the backlash you found on the Y Axis ?.

Tweakie.

6804

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

« on: April 24, 2010, 01:03:21 PM »

Very very nice work and an excellent gift for someone special.

Tweakie.

6805

General Mach Discussion / Re: Making a laser cutter

« on: April 23, 2010, 06:11:12 AM »

Hi Furkan,

After a bit of experimentation I really do not see that making PCB’s with a laser is even a remote possibility (but perhaps someone may prove me wrong).

There are a number of reasons, that I can see, why this is not a practical proposition:–

1)   Copper is such a good conductor of heat that a lot of energy would be dissipated either side of the intended kerf .
2)   Copper is also probably the best reflector you can get for energy at 10600nm. (CO2 laser).
3)   Because the laser beam is focused to a point the size of a pin prick the isolation kerf produced would hardly be wide enough to be of any practical use.
4)   Assuming there was enough available laser power then once it penetrated the copper layer it would then still have sufficient energy to cut right through the GRP board as well.

It was a good thought though.

Tweakie.

6806

General Mach Discussion / Re: New people welcome !! Come in here and introduce your self!

« on: April 22, 2010, 08:40:42 AM »

Hi Timmy,

Welcome to the forum.

If you are unable to resolve your Z Axis problem then post as much detail as you can about it, in the general section and I am sure someone here will be able to help or at least suggest fault finding ideas which you have perhaps not thought of.

Tweakie.

6807

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

« on: April 21, 2010, 01:02:57 PM »

Fitted a 10 turn potentiometer with graduated locking dial for the current control. Also the safety lockout key switch.

   

Finished and fitted the cover for the Rats Nest.

   

This is the display panel. The DRO indicates laser current when the laser is triggered and the LED's indicate the various parameters.

   

This is the front of the machine with all the extra stuff fitted.

   

Finally this is another test run with aluminum faced engraving laminate. The laser cuts through the ally skin with surprising ease.


Tweakie.

6808

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

« on: April 21, 2010, 02:30:52 AM »

Thanks Guys, you are all too kind.

I really can't believe that it has been 7 Months since I started this project, still I have learned a lot in the process and goodness knows just how much extra weight has been added to my machine (I just keep bolting more stuff on) but it is very satisfying to know that I am well on the way to getting it all completed. I will post some more pics of the laser head as I get it all tided up.

                

Not everything went according to plan as I badly underestimated the size of the heatsink that was required for the 12 Volt regulator. The replacement here is a bit overkill but there was space on the machine to fit it !.

Tweakie.

6809

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

« on: April 20, 2010, 01:01:06 PM »

Well now the weather has warmed up enough I am back on the Laser Project, at last.
Connected up the final lot of wiring to the control panel, which looks a bit like a rat's nest but it will all be hidden from view by the cover, once I get it sprayed.

   

Checked all my work for silly mistakes and fired it up - Hey it works !!.

This is the first test piece, Wile.E.Coyote - thanks to Sam for the GCode.

   http://www.cooperman.talktalk.net/laser1a.wmv

Tweakie.

6810

*****VIDEOS***** / Re: Some interesting video

« on: April 20, 2010, 12:47:15 PM »

Extremely nice work Andrea you make tangential cutting look so easy.

Thanks for posting the links to these videos - this is truly inspiration for all of us.

Tweakie.