Messages

8131

General Mach Discussion / Re: NewbiE Needs to install limit switch and touch plate.

« on: March 26, 2010, 01:50:05 PM »

No problem Sir - my pleasure.

Glad you liked the website. I must get on with the laser project now the weather has turned for the better and I don't freeze in the workshop. 

Tweakie.

8132

General Mach Discussion / Re: zero plate problem

« on: March 26, 2010, 12:47:51 PM »

Way to go Paul.

Glad you got it sorted.

Tweakie.

8133

General Mach Discussion / Re: zero plate problem

« on: March 26, 2010, 12:08:58 PM »

Hi Paul,

There are just so many settings within Mach3 that I am not certain about this but....

In the menu bar click 'Config' then select 'General Config' and in the pop-up screen, un-check 'Include TLO in Z from G31'

That should do it.

Tweakie.

8134

General Mach Discussion / Re: dispensing liquid with Mach 3

« on: March 26, 2010, 04:58:07 AM »

Hi Todd,

I think that using the A Axis to drive the pump would be the best solution - that way you have complete control over the volume dispensed and you could also include a small reverse direction to the A Axis after dispensing to prevent unwanted drips at the nozzle when moving to the next X-Y position.

Tweakie.

8135

General Mach Discussion / Re: zero plate problem

« on: March 26, 2010, 04:47:56 AM »

Hi Paul,

After further testing I think you may have missed out the decimal point. To retract 1/2 inch the relevant line should read :-

Code "G0 Z 0.5" 'Z-Axis retract height is set here

Tweakie.

8136

General Mach Discussion / Re: zero plate problem

« on: March 26, 2010, 03:37:33 AM »

Hi Paul,

Strange - Only retracts 0.5 on my machine.

Which version of Mach3 are you using please ?.

Tweakie.

8137

General Mach Discussion / Re: zero plate problem

« on: March 25, 2010, 01:34:54 PM »

Hi Paul,

One important point I forgot to mention - It pays to use a piece of alloy welding wire (or similar) in place of the cutter when experimenting with this routine, that way no expensive tooling is damaged if it goes pear shaped.
Once reliability is established then go for it with the proper tooling.

Tweakie.

8138

General Mach Discussion / Re: zero plate problem

« on: March 25, 2010, 12:15:10 PM »

Hi Paul,

Tried it and it worked OK on my machine ?.

I have attached a modified version of the script which you may like to try.

Make and save a copy of your existing script before deleting it and pasting the modified one into the auto tool zero VB button box. (that way nothing is lost and you can always revert back if the modified version is no good).

Hope this helps,

Tweakie.

8139

General Mach Discussion / Re: zero plate problem

« on: March 25, 2010, 05:49:26 AM »

Hi Paul,

Could you attach the macro/script you have linked to your 'Auto tool Zero' button.

Tweakie.

8140

Tangent Corner / Re: Gear cutting end mill search

« on: March 25, 2010, 05:37:46 AM »

Hi Scott,

You will find that when 2D profiling the endmill diameter will pose a limit on the smallest diameter / maximum number of teeth that can be made.
I was using a 1mm dia cutter for these parts and they are probably better described as cogs than they are as gears. They were just fine for their intended purpose but it would not be a practical manufacturing process for say replacement gears in a Futaba servo.

Tweakie.