Messages

161

General Mach Discussion / Re: New program for pipe coping

« on: January 10, 2011, 09:20:06 AM »

Thanks TP. I see a few bugs in my “saddle” program. I’ll get back.  Tony

"The TAP files have a funny set of hidden charectors at the start of the file, I can't delelte them so mach errors out on load."
The text files I had to enclose the comment then mach loaded ok.
I may have edited them in Word instead of Note Pad

"When you add comments you need to enclose them like  ( branch pipe 3.00 )"
Thanks, I forgot about that. I think % also works

The 37deg saddle looks GOOD

"the 90deg does not complete the shape it runs as a single arced line"
It looks like it runs on a single arc and then back on itself. Watch the A and Y DROs. They seem to be doing the job right.

Can you do a 4" main and 2" branch at 45 deg an O offset. That way I can calculate the sizes to make sure it cuts to size.

162

General Mach Discussion / Re: New program for pipe coping

« on: January 09, 2011, 03:14:49 PM »

I think I have it.
TP, Will you see what these files look like in the tool path window ? I haven't got used to that thing yet. I've got to tune up the text formatting a little but I thins gana go. Your 90* saddle looks good!

Tony

163

General Mach Discussion / Re: New program for pipe coping

« on: January 09, 2011, 12:48:56 PM »

I'm working on the hole, "saddle", also. It's looking good. Hope to have it done today.
Keep up the good work.
Tony

164

General Mach Discussion / Re: New program for pipe coping

« on: January 09, 2011, 07:57:22 AM »

TP,
I'm just back looking at this stuff. In your "(CNC A axis Plasma TUBE Coping routine)" am I correct that when you finally run "PIPENOTCHER.tap" that all the math is done as the machine is cutting? If so there would be no look ahead and wouldn't be in CV mode. Right? Wouldn't the motion be jerky and the torch dive a lot? I still haven't had my second cup of coffee.

Tony

165

General Mach Discussion / Re: New program for pipe coping

« on: January 08, 2011, 04:10:40 PM »

TP
with your roller drive idea you could use my X/Y linear output. If you don't maintain good traction you get a botched job. I can't seem to find the "Mach tool box " you mentioned.

DaOne, "I could right a wizard to spit out common angles ". How do ya write the wizard? That's what I need to find out.

Tony

166

General Mach Discussion / Re: New program for pipe coping

« on: January 08, 2011, 03:21:26 PM »

TP, You make me smile. I like it!

Tony

167

General Mach Discussion / Re: New program for pipe coping

« on: January 08, 2011, 02:43:50 PM »

TP,

I like this part "THE operator MUST be responcible for something(;-)" LOL
If they're going to file the macro they might just as well set the Radius correction DRO. instead.

"Still working on the math to get perfect holes in a tube(;-)."-----  Me too! I know I have the math perfect for the cope.----- I think.

DaOne, "Can also just substitute Y axis for A so you can just unroll it on the tube." The torch has to be perpendicular to the tube axis so either the tube or the whole torch has to rotate--- right?

Attached is the same sample code as the rotary but it is for wrap around. notice the X moves PI x D.

168

General Mach Discussion / Re: New program for pipe coping

« on: January 08, 2011, 12:51:31 PM »

Thanks TP,

All really good points. Writing the macro and calling it would be easy but I'm not sure from a stand alone program how I'd get the macro into the machines correct profile macro directory. I guess if I had it as a plug in or wizard that might be easier but right now I wouldn't have the vaguest idea of how to write one.

I guess if there's programs out there that every-ones happy with I might as well leave it alone.

Thanks again, Tony

169

General Mach Discussion / New program for pipe coping

« on: January 08, 2011, 11:07:55 AM »

I am writing a VB stand alone program to write g code to cope or notch pipes with a rotary axis plasma machine. I've attached a file (I think) to explain how it works. I don't have a machine up and running yet for this application and would like to try it on some Ginny pigs like you guys-- LOL. If you would send me the parameters for your jobs I will send you a g code file to try. After reading the attachment I'd appreciate any suggestions or comments on how I can make this better. Once I get it working I'd like to make a Mach wizard out of it.

Thanks,
Tony

170

General Mach Discussion / Re: Tube/pipe coping or notching

« on: November 01, 2010, 07:21:40 AM »

Thanks for the info TP. I would have no idea of how to write a WIZZARD. Sounds like a good Idea. I'm going to be away for a few weeks and will check back to see how you're coming with your frontend macro. I have no idea of how that works either. I'd be interested in understanding that process. There's a few more things I need to add to my program like which side of the run pipe to offest the branch pipe. That could be function of which direction the "A" turns.

more later,
Tony