Messages

221

General Mach Discussion / RF-45 conversion

« on: October 07, 2008, 05:38:48 AM »

Guys,
  has anybody out there converted a RF-45 to cnc?
I am considering one of these as they seem to be the perfect size
for a garage,plus they have a massive dovetail coloum.
I have done a number of mach/servo conversions and upgrades so really
I am looking for the suitability and Ideas about the machine itself,
particualy in the area where the head ataches to the coloum,as this looks a little
on the small size(length of dovetail)for the overhang of the head.
I am thinking of purchasing the ISO 30 version,incase I decide to build a toolchanger,
 with the 3phase motor to run off a 240volt VFD inverter,I'm in the UK.
Cheers
   Tony

222

General Mach Discussion / Re: mastercam posts

« on: August 17, 2008, 12:13:23 PM »

KTM,
  I haven't looked there for a while, the second post is quite an old one and throws up errors when its updated to mastercamX.
The first one is quite good its based on a novalab,it updates well and works but it doesn't give a G28 before a toolchange,
you also need to put mach3 into incremental IJ mode or it throws up errors.
   It doe's however have instructions on how to enable G28 but it might as well be written in Chinese as I'm a toolmaker!
I only have an evaluation copy of X (no posting)so I usually have do go to my friends to use his full copy If I could get a post that worked
I could probably just email him the mcx file and get him to post it.
  If anyone could enable the G28 for me that would be grand!

223

General Mach Discussion / Re: mastercam posts

« on: August 17, 2008, 08:20:13 AM »

I don't think its Artsofts responsibility at all
I was actually hoping that some one might of sorted one out by now,I for one havn't got hundreds of pounds to
throw at mastercam. If I did I would make the post available for anyone to use.
  I have looked at the instructions and tutorials for altering mastercam posts and its a minefield,there written in"geekspeak"
and are practically impossible to follow.

224

General Mach Discussion / Re: mastercam posts

« on: August 17, 2008, 03:15:25 AM »

The point being that I would edit a number of posts that are close if I could work out how.

225

General Mach Discussion / Re: mastercam posts

« on: August 16, 2008, 02:46:12 PM »

Yes,
  I find it incredible,I have tried just about every post available,and have still not found one that will work correctly with any version of mastercam. What hope has someone with an obscure cad/cam set up got? Mastercam are the biggest player!
   

226

General Mach Discussion / mastercam posts

« on: August 16, 2008, 12:42:37 PM »

Hi,
  can anyone help,I have mastercam X I use the fanuc generic post which largly works with mach
but I always have a line reading "G91 G28 Z0" before each toolchange which I can edit out but its a pain.
How do I alter the post to remove this line?
  Cheers

227

General Mach Discussion / Re: Omron drives and motors?

« on: August 07, 2008, 03:56:41 PM »

Have a look at this:
http://ivan.blogs.chimerical.com.au/post/2008/05/02/Now-Im-counting-every-minute2c-Every-single-minute.aspx

It shows you one way of mounting a cheap (US digital) encoder on the back of a dc motor.
Hood is right there might be belts pulleys,adapter plates that you have to make, are you able to make them,
or have them made?
  As far as the Gecho drives are concerned they will run 80 volt@ 10 amp (peak 20 amp) thats up to 800 watts continuous,
they will more than suffice for your power requirements.
  Yes, the Gecho is a very simple entry level servo drive,but they work very well and are extreamly reliable in operation.
There are a lot of bridgeport sized mills around the globe powered by them,working to far greater accuracy than a wood router.
  Do you know and understand the advantages that the omrons,in terms of sophistication, have over the gecho?
And if you do will it make any differance to your machine?
  Starting from scratch as you are will enable you to match your leadscrew gearing to your motor RPM to your encoder count,
that way you will remove a lot of the problems associated with this type of set up.
   Plus alot of the guys on this forum use Gecho's so you will never be with out help setting them up.

228

General Mach Discussion / Re: Omron drives and motors?

« on: August 07, 2008, 06:56:49 AM »

Although ripping out your existing system and replacing it is not your
cheapest option,it does make your machine future proof,and you will know
it inside out.There is a lot to be said for that especialy if your intending
to do production work.You will always be able to get a replacement Gecho in a couple of days.
you might be throwing away money if you have to replace one of those omrons.
Whatever the suggestion that you sit back and consider all options before deciding is probably wise!

229

General Mach Discussion / Re: Omron drives and motors?

« on: August 06, 2008, 05:28:41 PM »

I would ask them for a sugested wiring diagram,buy one and try it,probably your only option.
If it works you will save a lot of money,if not you just put it up on ebay and sell it on.

230

General Mach Discussion / Re: Omron drives and motors?

« on: August 06, 2008, 02:48:04 PM »

Hi,
   sorry but thats not what you need! what that does is interface the main spindle motor (cutting head) to the computer.