Messages

321

G-Code, CAD, and CAM discussions / Re: CAM ( or CAD/CAM) software for horizontal drilling in MACH3

« on: December 07, 2017, 10:19:54 AM »

Otherwise, my only option will be to try one by one different softwares, in a hope one of them will work.

OR

Learn how to hand code in the different planes. Drilling can be a simple G1 movement at a feedrate.
No hand coding is not my "cup of tea".

RICH

322

General Mach Discussion / Re: Mach3 turn tool form

« on: December 07, 2017, 10:09:46 AM »

You can use any tool you wish it all depends on how it is defined and what software you are using to generate the code.
Practically though, I would not use that tool since there will probably be gouging.
Try LazyTurn and see what pathing is generated.

RICH

323

General Mach Discussion / Re: G16 and G83 interaction (again)

« on: December 04, 2017, 08:03:46 AM »

I have not used the g15 g16 commands, BUT, not sure your interpretation is correct.
One needs to be carefull how they are using the G0 and G1 when in G16.  
Guess I need to play some with the code and see how it works and compare to what the manual says...............whenever that may be ......

RICH

324

General Mach Discussion / Re: G16 and G83 interaction (again)

« on: December 04, 2017, 07:49:48 AM »

rcaffin,

Are the pages you refer to correct?

RICH

325

General Mach Discussion / Re: Switch to Another Work Offset When the G-Code is Loaded in Mach3

« on: November 29, 2017, 08:09:57 AM »

The program should provide for program comments and  "safety" coding so that the machine state is correct to run the program.


(Sample Program G01EX2:)
( PROGRAM USES G55 Work Offset)    COMMENT
(Workpiece Size: X4, Y3, Z1)
(Tool: Tool #3, 3/8" Slot Drill)
(Tool Start Position: X0, Y0, Z1)

N10  G90 G80 G40 G55 G20 G17 G50 G94 G64 (safety block)

RICH

326

General Mach Discussion / Re: A-axis rotary lathe question for Mach 3

« on: November 29, 2017, 05:10:49 AM »

Bob,
No problem  on using the soft limits and switches.
You need brakes on the car as surely they will be used when you press on the gas peddle but don't know how to steer the car...............

Do Polar Coordinates?

Yes, the command description is  in the manual for G15 and G16.
    
RICH

327

General Mach Discussion / Re: A-axis rotary lathe question for Mach 3

« on: November 28, 2017, 05:24:09 PM »

Bob,
Go into config and assign keybaord keys for the A+- just as you did for the  XYZ +-.
Tab key opens the jog flyout.

RICH

328

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: Mach4 newbie here. I need some help

« on: November 27, 2017, 01:47:15 PM »

Don't know what the difference is in Mach4 threading as compared to Mach3.

This is how the threading works in Mach 3 and all info below is from Threading On The Lathe writeup done
some 9 years ago.

One complete thread cycle or pass is basically composed of the following:

Trigger – index pulse is seen and activate start of movement
Accelerate – move to an exact Z location relative to the turning spindle
Threading – move / control the tool such that the feedrate is correct relative to spindle rpm
Pullout – the tool is removed at the end of the thread
Retract – the tool is moved back to a starting point for repeat of the cycle

During the threading the rpm is monitored by the controller for variations and Mach plans on how to modify the next threading pass such that the Z axis movement will maintain the lead of the screw. Testing has shown that the lead is tightly controlled to a fine tolerance such that a near perfect thread can be produced if the lathe system is capable of it. Should the spindle slow down, Mach will change the Z movement to try maintaining the lead. Spindle slowdown in the range of 10 to 75% may be the range, but, as of this writing has not been tested. Past testing of past Mach versions on spindle slowdown is relative but not definitive for the new threading version.

3.9 MOTOR - GENERAL  SLOWDOWN / POWER / EFFECT ON TREAD’G
WW:
The rpm stability and power delivered to the spindle will affect how Mach plans the Z motion
for threading. Motor rpm does change and in threading it can have a dramatic effect during the threading cycle. The horsepower required for making a cut can be calculated, and actual cutting tests by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers have provided practical ways of calculating the power. General formulas for horsepower are helpful for comparisons, ie; stepper hp delivered verses spindle hp, but, calculations are not “exact” / subjective, and frankly is beyond the average users understanding or application of them.

The stepper motor needs to have adequate power to move the Z axis during threading. Thus,
during threading, the combination is a “chain’ so to speak, and the application of the power is only as good as the weakest link in the chain. Changing gearing / belt ratio’s for either motor
along with driver setup ( ie; voltage / amperage , etc ) can improve the operating range of  the “system”. The stepper must be able to accelerate / decelerate within the parameters the user
defines in the Gcode. Experience gained by just cutting a range of threads, using different cut depths, rpm, cutting methods, etc is highly suggested.

See Section 4, page 22 of 51, Figure 4.4 for the basis of lead tolerance. See page 8 of 5, 3.6.1 for an example of testing.

Just remember this:
Threading will only be as good as "YOUR" lathe "SYSTEM".  A "perfect" software controller in all aspects
won't help a piece of poo lathe produce good threads.

RICH

329

General Mach Discussion / Re: A-axis rotary lathe question for Mach 3

« on: November 26, 2017, 05:36:26 PM »

 

are your saying you have no limit switches on your machine for protection

That is correct. I never viewed them as protection as Graig replied.
I do use soft limits on the lathe. Most of my work is one of kind.

For all the lessons, all one needs to do is touch off to the work "rather closely" and make sure the work is positioned so one can run the program without crashing the machine.  In fact just use a straw or something flexible and rather straight and not even have the cutter / toothpick turning.

All the lessons are focused on a few basic gcodes. The "killer" is all the associated commands that influence
the writing of the program. One in particular is understanding feedrate  which is being explained  one at a time
and in depth for understanding as it relates to the 4th axis.  

You can do without an index for a while. Yes it will show the rpm, but, you should still do the spread sheet stuff.
I am using a stepper driven indexing table for all the lessons which does not have an index for rpm readout.
There is learning to be had from spread sheet use.........................I don't know how much we will get into actual lathe use.
It's different animal, and if you don't know how different animals behave, why put them both in the same cage!

RICH

330

General Mach Discussion / Re: A-axis rotary lathe question for Mach 3

« on: November 26, 2017, 04:56:04 AM »

I don't use switches on any of my machines. For the lessons they are disabled.
BTW, since your working with wood I would suggest you cover the pulley's and index.

RICH