Messages

6981

General Mach Discussion / Re: Mach 3 turn questions from a very experianced mach 3 mill guy (bobcad user)

« on: October 20, 2008, 06:46:33 PM »

HI Shawn,
Here is a simple file created from the OD TURNING WIZARD (SHAWN_TURN which shows values and has some comments in green),
the gcode file as generated by the wizard ( SHAWN_.TXT), and values added into the DRO for the axis position and part zero ( SHAWN_TURNmt). The gcode just turns a 1" dia stock down to 0.5" dia using only a few cuts with no finishing cut for simplicity.

As discussed, if you draw it in diameter mode and generate code from bobcad ( which i know nothing about) then work in diameter
mode in mach turn so there is no confusion. You can set diameter mode in Mach Turn via Config>ports&pins>turn options by putting  a check in the x mode  / diameter box.

Take a few moments and look at the code, note the G90 in the first line and also the first GO move in the 3rd liine.

Dry run the file in Mach Turn. Better than words, I want you to dry running it  a few ways. Watch the tool path on the screen.

1. run the file using 1.000" for x Axis position.( just as shown in the screen shot SHAWN_TURNmt)
2.     "            "      0.000"        "
Go back into the config anad change the x mode to RADIUS
3. run with values as 1. above
4. run with values as 2. above
change back to diameter mode
now change values for the part zero say 1.00" for both and rerun 1. above

RICH



 
 

6982

General Mach Discussion / Re: Diplay problems

« on: October 19, 2008, 09:32:08 PM »

Dave,
Good question about the turning mode.
I get the cropcircles if it's brought in when configured for diameter mode.
If it's created using radius then you need to use radius mode.
You may be able to scale it Lazcam using the SCALING tool before posting the gcode, but ,
with out some remark in the code it can get confusing real quick.

Look at page 5-9 in the MACH III Turn Manual it talks about the modes. BTW you really can in trouble quickly as some programs only generate code in one mode or the other.

Here is my screen shot of the file in mach turn. Note where the arrows are pointing, which was a concern
in my previoius post. Don't know why its not like yours. I didn't change the xz move.
RICH

6983

General Mach Discussion / Re: Diplay problems

« on: October 19, 2008, 08:40:18 PM »

Hi all,
So here is my concern with opening the file in MachTurn. I think this is a good example of "state of confusion".

You don't know how that file was created ie; mm / inches?, diameter / radius?, incremental IJ / absolute ( Lazycam posting setting GCODE FILE OPTIONS) , what side is the toolpost ( reversed arc's in front tool post ), didn't close the file and load it back in after changing a setting in Mach ( sometimes it seems like that changed setting didn't take place), possible Distance Mode & IJ Mode combination of settings in MACH ( you'll get errors ), lathe object dosn't appear "exactly" as you would expect ( we know it may not be exact, but then suppose the tool definition in lazycam wouldn't allow for full cutting of the profile so the you get a play on the lathe object in the screen).

Now it's true that the person generating the turn part would pick up some of these. But if say a newbie, and starts
to play with code (hmm......good grief.....). "State of confusion".

I quess i don't have an answer to what is reflected by the above other then experience.
Maybe some info like "here's what can wrong"  in the manual would be worth doing.

Now when you leave Mach Turn after fooling and restart days later .......how's your memory on the settings?
Take a look at the recent ABNORMAL CONDITION THREAD.

May be getting of thread here, Spnar is forgiving 
RICH

 

6984

General Mach Discussion / Re: Diplay problems

« on: October 19, 2008, 07:46:10 PM »

I think your in diameter mode
RICH

6985

General Mach Discussion / Re: Diplay problems

« on: October 19, 2008, 06:17:26 PM »

Dave,
Yep and be carefull. Here are just a few.
1.add a G21 so your in metric units.
2.ports & pins > no check on reversed arcs, and radius mode
3.general config>distance mode & ij mode checked for absolute

Now this is important. I assumed that the file was cleaned up by Spnar.
When the file was loaded into Mach Turn i got errors, those goofy circles, and couldn't even see it on my screen.
I changed the above settings and "magic", everything is clean and no errors. ( there is one liine which needs to be changed from an XZ move to individual moves).

Dinner is served, will get back in an hour .
RICH

6986

General Mach Discussion / Re: Abnormal Condition warning

« on: October 19, 2008, 05:15:58 PM »

Thanks Chip,
When someone reads the manual ( sure..... Rich, shows you have read every page     ), like the definition shown on page 5-21, I wonder how many people will comprehend the impact of what they read and only remember that all works so leave it unchecked. In fact this probably applies to a lot of the boxes, until, something more is needed, added, or someone asks a simple question. With all the screens and boxes your eye becomes "blind" to the print. So because of you all, this thread has been very informative.
RICH

PS: Maybe we should pick a box a week and post a question around it?
     

6987

General Mach Discussion / Re: Diplay problems

« on: October 19, 2008, 04:26:59 PM »

Spnar,
Must admit how easy that was using Lazcam now that it's done.
BTW did you notice that you can go into tools "Scale Drawing" thus changing the units.
Happy you found what was wrong.
RICH

6988

General Mach Discussion / Re: Diplay problems

« on: October 19, 2008, 07:11:56 AM »

Yes, just one of the toys filling the drive driveway.
Post the fiiles as i am curious.
RICH

6989

General Mach Discussion / Re: Diplay problems

« on: October 18, 2008, 10:24:56 PM »

Hi Spnar,

I assume this is happening when posting gcode out of lazycam turn directly into Mach Turn.
Can you post the gcode and lcam file and I'll see what happens on my end?
Never got an error report so can't explain it.
RICH

6990

LazyCam (Beta) / Re: autocad dxf file can feed to lazy cam software

« on: October 18, 2008, 09:58:29 PM »

Welcome to the World of Lazycam,
You may want to brouse though the lathe manual (located in  MEMBERS DOCS ) as it gives some tips
on DXF files. Draw accurately and make sure all your entities are closed as this will surely help after 
importing into Lazcam.
RICH