Messages

6061

SmoothStepper USB / Re: Smoothstepper and Mach problems

« on: July 19, 2009, 05:28:04 PM »

I always clone my XML for the mill, lathe, and engraving machine and make changes as required for the SS.
Never had a problem.
RICH

6062

LazyCam (Beta) / Re: Importing Drawing Files Into Lazy Cam

« on: July 19, 2009, 08:46:59 AM »

Stez,
Here is a link to what RC posted requarding a CAD program. I think $39??

http://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php/topic,11423.msg72500.html#msg72500

Maybe RC can reaffirm if still satisfying his needs.

RICH

6063

SmoothStepper USB / Re: Smoothstepper and Mach problems

« on: July 18, 2009, 11:08:44 PM »

Gary,
Is this for the mill or lathe?

You can always use the MDI line to reset some of the "switches and offsets " by typing in
G40 G49 G50 G80.
If it's the lathe, Zero World X & Z will cancel any offsets.

RICH

6064

LazyCam (Beta) / Re: Lazy Cam doesn't create true arcs - makes straight lines

« on: July 18, 2009, 10:56:16 PM »

dbvoght,
I think LazyCam is intrepreting the arc's as straight lines because they are not true arc's but rather a spline which
has 4 equaly control points, one at each end of the arc and two between. Some of the straight lines extend beyond
the arc's. I know nothing about Coreldraw but do suggest you dump it and purchase a $30 CAD program as you will have other problems later on because of a paint program.
Sorry to sound a little harsh, but best advice I can give you.

PS: I checked it in 4 different versions of two CAD programs and they all told me the same thing.
Maybe you can try something different in Corel and see if the import is better. For a high level understanding on the DXF importing take a look at the DXF Appendix in the LazyTurn manual which is located in Members Doc's.

RICH

6065

General Mach Discussion / Re: Importing Files From Corel Draw 7

« on: July 18, 2009, 10:39:44 AM »

Mach accepts a gcode file. Something drawn needs to be converted to gcode.
So you will need a cam progam to do that. Lazycam is provided with Mach and can do the conversion.
It takes more than just hitting a button and it's done.
I don't use / haven't used in a long time Corel ,and frankly, think you would be better off spending $30 and buying a CAD program in my personal opinion.
RICH
 

6066

General Mach Discussion / Re: x axis loosing current position

« on: July 17, 2009, 05:38:38 PM »

Krug,
Let us know how you make out and more importantly what was wrong.
RICH

6067

Members Docs / LAZYCAM MANUAL

« on: July 17, 2009, 04:03:44 PM »

LAZYCAM MANUAL _ REV 1

The manual  covers the Mill and Lathe modules and may be updated in the future to add additional tutorials.
The attached DXF files were used for the manual.

There is a revison listing aand also a known BUGS listing at the end of the manual.
 
RICH



  
 

6068

LazyCam (Beta) / LAZYCAM MANUAL

« on: July 17, 2009, 12:01:11 PM »

Revision "0" of the manual was posted in the Members Docs.

HERE IS A LINK TO THE MANUAL:

http://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php/topic,12078.0.html

Should you have any comments on the manual feel free to post them in this thread.

RICH

6069

General Mach Discussion / Re: Missing some features: File>Import & Multipass tool group

« on: July 16, 2009, 10:46:07 PM »

Not entirely. But this should give you an idea of what you can do. If i get some time tomorrow i will add
dilling holes, contouring and few other things, but, in the mean time this LazyCam Manual  may just strike your fancy.
It's not no work of art,     ( no pun intended ART  ) but rough and dirty, for now.

RICH

6070

LazyCam (Beta) / Re: Z axis returning to zero between multipasses

« on: July 16, 2009, 11:45:36 AM »

Cory,
You can manually modify the gcode by removing each of the Z retract lines, thus it would finish one pass and then just plunge down for the next ( which i don't recommend ) or maybe modify each such that the Z retract is smaller, but,that's still manually changing the code.

The reason you are retracting the Z is to allow coolant to flush out chips from the cutter and groove.

I fooled with tool and cut depth settings but couldn't find something that would incrementally change the retract.
Maybe "Chip" has something in his bag of tricks as he is more versed in LazyCam than i am.

RICH