Messages

521

General Mach Discussion / Re: Incorrect Z-Axis zero/home position

« on: June 21, 2017, 09:46:11 PM »

Thanks, just what I wanted to see.
1.The motor shaft coupling used on the Z "may" be the problem or contribute to it. I have experienced repeatability errors with that kind
of coupling over time. I use direct coupling with a preloaded bearing to keep any force from going back into the stepper motor
( they just have Bellvue washers  internally  ). So the suggestion would be to make a rigid coupling and test to find out.
 I am thinking it is the problem.......

2.Is the upper support  bearing preloaded to eliminate play? I preloaded mine enough such that there was no play and in doing so tried to minimize the amount of torque required to just turn the screw with no play. Was easy for me as I have torque gauge to do measurements.
First do #1 above.

3. Nest comes the ball screw nut, but, think 1 or 2 will do it.........

4. Profile you Z axis to check accuracy.  Lets not go there for now.

RICH

522

General Mach Discussion / Re: Incorrect Z-Axis zero/home position

« on: June 21, 2017, 08:55:22 PM »

Post some pictures of your machine, in particular the z axis.

RICH

523

General Mach Discussion / Re: Incorrect Z-Axis zero/home position

« on: June 20, 2017, 06:18:51 PM »

When calibrating an axis you should use the LONGEST move possible. That way any error would  be small.
Make sure you remove the backlash before calibrating the axis.

why do you always think of these things right after you walk out the door???

It's caused by Adult CNC ADD or how you trained the thought process when mom told you something OR wife said something.
Research has shown it can also be caused by other things, but, only you would know them!

We try to answer all questions .....some are challenging and require additional info........in your case lets not go there....

RICH

524

General Mach Discussion / Re: Lathe Threading. Fantastic but just need one final answer. Sorry, two!

« on: June 20, 2017, 06:04:40 PM »

I don't know how you  are setting up to machine a stock and  and that may be why your getting the movement.
You should allow approx. length of 3-5 x pitch before actual cutting takes place.

Now if you read the write up I explain in Section 2 / Page 4 how threading works in detail.


RICH

 

525

General Mach Discussion / Re: Incorrect Z-Axis zero/home position

« on: June 20, 2017, 05:50:06 PM »

Check / confirm current axes calibration using the Calibration feature under ALT C  tab. Maybe off.......

RICH

526

General Mach Discussion / Re: Sizing my parts

« on: June 20, 2017, 05:44:25 PM »

I would suggest you request support by posting here:
 http://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php/board,18.0.html
and see if someone is interested.

I don't support commercial facilities as I have given way to much of me for a companies success at my expense.
I think you'll understand the above.

RICH

527

General Mach Discussion / Re: Lathe Threading. Fantastic but just need one final answer. Sorry, two!

« on: June 20, 2017, 05:38:13 PM »

My first question is, what determines the direction the cutter moves

A negative thread length input in the wizard and   the tool moves towards the heads stock, and positive value it would move towards the tail stock, if you have your axis direction set correctly.
-------------

This is a post you are referring too

Look in the Mach3 directory where mach3 is installed on your computer since  the write-up  was included with the installation, if not there, then look in Member's Docs.

RICH

528

General Mach Discussion / Re: Modifying an old Mach3 macro to engrave sequential serial numbers

« on: June 20, 2017, 09:39:21 AM »

when you tried it based on the original info did you run it as just M1500 entered into the command line?

YES, just to see that the variables were getting set and that it worked so could give you some info.

Never had a need for it as every thing here is a one of a kind, but one never knows what they will need.

The thought came to mind to make a screen for it such that I could have inputs for letter spacing, height,
etc that the macro would use. Additionally to place the text where I wanted it on the piece.
Thus additional coding would be required and  would want it to work in line with how I work / setup.

Don't have much desire to spend time fooling with it.

What more can one say,

RICH

529

General Mach Discussion / Re: Lathe Threading. Fantastic but just need one final answer. Sorry, two!

« on: June 20, 2017, 08:38:01 AM »

Have a read of the write-up Threading On The Lathe-Mach 3 Turn. Should find it in the MAch3 directory and if not it's in Members Doc's.

RICH

530

General Mach Discussion / Re: Modifying an old Mach3 macro to engrave sequential serial numbers

« on: June 20, 2017, 08:19:40 AM »

Not the sharpest tack on all this.
I ran the macro as posted and did not change the scripting and it works in version R3.043.062.
I added a user dro 1050 to the screen set so I could define the increment.
Read the original info in the original topic.

Note that the macro needs to be in the macro folder that applies to the screen set.
IE; C:\Mach3\macros\Mach3Mill if your using that screen set.

Click the "Operator" tab at the top of the screen and select "GCode Var Monitor" and in the
flyout, change one of the  input box values to 1301 for the Var Adress and click THE "UPDATE" BUTTON.
The current stored value for the variable will be shown under stored value. If you run the macro you will see the
stored value change while the macro is running.

I did not air run the macro on the mill to see how the actual movements.

FWIW....have fun,
RICH