Messages

2531

LazyCam (Beta) / Re: lc cant find mach3 running

« on: July 23, 2012, 06:46:09 AM »

There is a manual for LC and can be found in Members Docs.
What Windows system are you running?
My experience  is that if you don't install LC along with Mach the program won't post code directly to Mach but you can save the file for use in Mach.
Some of the advanced features will not post code if you are not using the Pro version and there is a line limit if you are using the demo version of Mach.

RICH

2532

General Mach Discussion / Re: Intigrated video

« on: July 23, 2012, 06:38:44 AM »

Cole,
The problem with on board video is that the signal from the computer can be bad. One needs to look at the signal with an O'scope but you would know rather quickly since in the case of
steppers, the motors would not sound right or velocity will be restricted. One option is to use an external device such as the Smoothstepper. 
Not sure what your problem is based on what you posted.

RICH

2533

General Mach Discussion / Re: re:CNC Lathe program

« on: July 22, 2012, 05:53:23 AM »

Dennis,
I would echo what Hood said and Dolphin Lathe is on my list to purchase. Just not much out there for turning that's affordable.
One can get by with LazyTurn for an external profile and the wizards, but, a single supported software package for the lathe
which is supported is nice. I don't recommend using the turn module in LazyCam since the turning tools were never completed and the code generated
seems to always need review or modifcation.

RICH

2534

General Mach Discussion / Re: C3 - Index Pulse Card

« on: July 20, 2012, 05:26:01 PM »

Per,
The cut pitch can only be as accurate as the the axis feeding it and Mach setup. If the Z axis has a gain in it's pitch it will be reflected in the cut.
If the motor rpm increases during the threading then same can occur.The pitch can seem to be increasing if the cut depth is not constant.
If you do a scribe test and then measure you can minimise / eliminate some of the actual cutting and other affects of the machine.
The threading cycle was  tested based on fig 4.4.5 in the Threading on the Lathe write up. If all is working correctly you would have difficulty
 measuring a change in lead for a 50mm / 2"  thread length from a software point of view.

Have fun threading,
RICH

2535

General Mach Discussion / Re: Cut parts are wonrg size

« on: July 20, 2012, 05:02:22 PM »

The dxf is no good that you posted. Base on the posted code, the pathing of the file is as shown.So if you cut on the line with a .25" dia cutter
the outside diameter should measure 6". Note that the start point is very far away from drawing 0,0,0,.

You can calculate the steps per unit for each axis or use the axis calibration feature of Mach.
You may want to calibrate based on the longest axis move possible thus inaccuracy wil be less at shorter distances.
Seeming to move without measuring is of no value in CNC work.

RICH

2536

General Mach Discussion / Re: curved thread

« on: July 19, 2012, 06:27:19 AM »

Don't have any other thoughts on how to possibly do it. Wish ya luck....
RICH

2537

General Mach Discussion / Re: curved thread

« on: July 18, 2012, 08:11:58 PM »

BTW, never tried cutting threads on a curved surface with the lathe ....but probably have some junk from my early turning days
that may look like it was done.......    
RICH

2538

General Mach Discussion / Re: curved thread

« on: July 18, 2012, 08:07:48 PM »

Is there a need to make a matching nut to the curved section as shown on the drawing? IE; the threading is for decorative use only
You can cut thread along the profile using a G2 provided the spindle speed and feed rate is correct  for a single cut depth. Maybe one
can trick things some by having the G32 ( allow's use of the index ) start the threading upstream of the edge and then there is a change 
to the G2  with the same feedrate but would need to vary the G2 /G3 code for the different radius. My want to also try what LT would do
for the curved profile by varying the depth of cuts. Then one can always slave the spindle to the Z and try that route.
May be all wet .....interesting one ........maybe others will have some thoughts on doing it.

Have fun ....... ,
RICH

2539

General Mach Discussion / Re: Cut parts are wonrg size

« on: July 18, 2012, 06:44:13 AM »

I would love to post the g code, but i do not know how to get it out of mach 3 in a manner that I can post it.
You can have LC save the code as a file or when in Mach you can click Edit and then save the file.
That said, post both the gcode file and the dxf from ACAD, and we can have a look.
RICH

2540

Newfangled Solutions Mach3 Wizards / Re: NFS Turn Wizard

« on: July 18, 2012, 06:29:20 AM »

Ron,
Have you had a chance to look at the drill cycle coding?
RICH