Messages

4391

General Mach Discussion / Re: Mach3 mill beginers problems

« on: August 05, 2010, 07:36:50 PM »

I have never used that old version of Mach and the LC manual does not even address it.
Thus, whatever you can find posted or if another user replies, that will probably be the extent of any help
your going to get with the old versions.

To remove the "black colored portion"  and leave the read colored portion in place the drawing would need to be done
somewhat differently, or, select all red colored items and do maybe similar /pocketing  to what is shown for raised text
( tutorial #4 in the manual) . Then to drill the holes you would just draw small circles and select all of them and define them as a drilling operation.
You will need a pro version of LC to do it.

Sorry i could not be of more help,
RICH

4392

General Mach Discussion / Re: Mach3 mill beginers problems

« on: August 04, 2010, 06:02:36 PM »

I never saw the first pic you posted or the software program it came from.
That said, there will be 21 layers in the dxf and probably 21 layers in LC and each layer would be made up
of chains. I don't know how you control layers  in your software. The manual talks about use of layers and the logic behind them
 if you so deisre to follow what is suggested.

I notice it can generate the GCODE, so why even use LC?

Did you dry run the file in Mach, what was it cutting?  Looks like it will cut  what you actualy want to keep if it were a cladded board.
LC is an importer of a file and not a CAD program, thus you are telling LC what you want to do with the different layers. You are defining
how you want to machine something.

Does Orcad or whatever program have a post processor for Mach3?

RICH

4393

General Mach Discussion / Re: Mach3 mill beginers problems

« on: August 04, 2010, 07:40:30 AM »

What version of Mach are you using?

I have attached a file which talks in general about DXF files and was created for a different program.

If you are using LazyCam, then read the manual and don't hack your way thru it.
There are programs out there that may be better suited for generating the GCode from a DXF file for boards.
 
Post a dxf file and i will have a look at it.

RICH

4394

General Mach Discussion / Re: Mach3 and OrCad

« on: August 03, 2010, 09:07:41 PM »

I know nothing about  OrCAD.

What version of Mach are you using?

In general, to get Gcode from a file, you will need to import that file into a program and then set some parameters and post that code out of the program to a file or directly into Mach. So you need a "magic wand" so to speak to do that. LazyCam  and other porgrams can import files, then you can set some cutting parameters  and post to a file which will contain the Gcode.

Lets say it a different way, the DXF contains information on everything that is drawn, you need to define what you want to do to what was drawn, then the program can manipulate the data into Gcode which allows the controlling program to  make the machine move appropriately.

Your skipping a basic step........
RICH

4395

General Mach Discussion / Re: Mach3 mill beginers problems

« on: August 03, 2010, 09:13:11 AM »

Probably best to use LazyCAM

LazyCam  ( LC ) provides for setting Z movements. Take a look at Tutorial #6 in the LazyCam Manual. Even if you don't use LC
the tutorial is worth reading.

RICH

4396

General Mach Discussion / Re: Anybody got a number

« on: August 02, 2010, 10:06:21 PM »

bobbya47,

Nothing we can do about it..........you may be frustrated, will do you no good to wash the dirty laundry here
if you get my drift.

RICH

4397

General Mach Discussion / Re: Z axis looses SPI setting?!?!?

« on: August 02, 2010, 09:37:34 PM »

I will assume that you are using the axis calibration on the Settings.
When it moves the correct distance you are asked to save the setting, if you answer yes, it does.
Then go to motor tuning and confirm that they have been changed. Then CONFIG>Save Settings.
Go out of Mach and come back in, check the motor steps per inch......
They should  be changed.....IS that the case?

RICH

4398

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

« on: August 02, 2010, 08:12:04 PM »

Coming together Steve, i hope your getting that nice feeling of satisfaction.

RICH

4399

General Mach Discussion / Re: Wizard problem

« on: August 02, 2010, 05:23:24 PM »

Fred,
Here is a link to the latest NFS version:
ttp://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php/topic,14399.msg95587.html#msg95587

RICH

4400

General Mach Discussion / Re: Wizard problem

« on: August 02, 2010, 07:13:01 AM »

Fred,
I remember a posting problem with the lead in / cutter radius compensation in one of the NFS versions. I would suggest you update to the latest version. May also also consider updating to a newer version of Mach. Suggest you have a look in the NFS thread to find specific info on the problem
and it's resolution at that time.

RICH