Messages

8581

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

« on: November 04, 2009, 04:04:04 AM »

I have now constructed the header/expansion tank (which has been fitted to the rear of the laser tube enclosure) and an inline filter (fitted at the circulating pump inlet). The cooling system has been filled with antifreeze and is being tested for leaks (none so far, but don't hold your breath  ).
I was pleasantly surprised to find that the system cleared itself of the trapped air after the circulating pump had been running for approx. 15 minutes.

Now to make a start on the control electronics.

Tweakie.

8582

Show"N"Tell ( Your Machines) / Re: 6 month build

« on: November 04, 2009, 03:01:29 AM »

Excellent work.

Tweakie.

btw. On my build I had to make some parts more than twice. 

8583

FAQs / Re: Enable 1 - red LED on - Why?

« on: November 03, 2009, 08:15:42 AM »

From :-  Config / Ports & Pins / Output signals  you should be able to turn Enable 1 off, by disabling it. That may let your machine work as normal and is worth a try.

Tweakie.

8584

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

« on: November 03, 2009, 02:25:51 AM »

Brilliant idea Sam. I just wish I was clever enough to do it. 
I think the best I could achieve would be a blob which may look something like a bell Brett and as nobody has fingers small enough to ring it who knows if it works ?.

Certainly won't be able to cut stainless Gary but it should be OK for thin acrylic etc.

Tweakie.

8585

Tangent Corner / Re: Mystery object ?.

« on: November 03, 2009, 02:15:15 AM »

Brilliant Matt. 

Tweakie.

8586

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

« on: November 02, 2009, 10:16:05 AM »

A friend of mine has just had some stainless fabrication work done by a company that cuts the material with lasers. He mentioned that I was constructing my own laser cutting head so they cut me this bicycle from stainless and said that if I could make one like this then I have truly constructed a machine to be proud of. (It is 1mm thick and 5mm long).

Don’t think I will ever be able to do it but it is one hell of a challenge.

I wonder - can anyone else cut one like this on a home built machine?.

Tweakie.


Sorry for the bad photo but it is the best I can do without a close-up lens.

8587

General Mach Discussion / Re: Slaving more than 2 steepers

« on: October 30, 2009, 10:19:56 AM »

Oh yes, I think it is possible to slave 16 steppers and there is more than one way to do it.
The obvious approach is to use 16 Gecko's or similar (one for each stepper) but it is doubtful if the output from your LPT port or the output from your BOB would support a fan-out of 16. Some electronics (fairly simple stuff) would be necessary to drive the 16 Gecko's from the BOB.
Some of the steppers could be multiplexed (series or parallel) depending on the drive current available from the Gecko and the stepper spec. In all cases the steppers must be carefully step aligned with each other (so they are not fighting each other for position, particularly during microsteps).
It's going to cost a bit, but it can be done.

Tweakie.

8588

Show"N"Tell ( Your Machines) / Re: more stupid questions bits and end mills.

« on: October 30, 2009, 09:58:56 AM »

I think everybody has already covered this well.
However, to add my twopence worth, I have found that the single flute cutters are excellent for wood and plastic because they clear the cuttings so quickly but they are not good for metal so I think you will have to buy a few different types of cutter and see how you get on with each type.

Tweakie.

8589

Show"N"Tell ( What you have made with your CNC machine.) / Re: 2 picture Lithopane merged using Aspire

« on: October 30, 2009, 09:50:57 AM »

Great work Kent.

Tweakie.

btw. I continually admire that white tiger litho.

8590

General Mach Discussion / Re: More text and engrave questions

« on: October 28, 2009, 03:29:53 AM »

Unfortunately WinXP does not support the HP7475a printer driver. This is why many people, like me, who still use a Roland Plotter keep a W98 setup. The HP7475a can be downloaded from many sites on the internet but let me know if you have trouble finding it and I will post a copy.

Tweakie.