Topics

1

General Mach Discussion / Big Config Problems

« on: July 07, 2008, 11:00:52 AM »

I am experiencing some funky problems here. I have Mach 3, the lock down version 2.63n not a demo. I have configured the motors and the accuracy using the utility in Mach 3. All my pins and ports are OK, All my axis move in the right direction, smooth and quietly. So I use V Carve Pro 4.6 to generate the G code for the part I want to make, load it and this is where it takes an ugly turn. The machine goes to the zero position I've set but the Z axis moves down to just above the part surface and cuts air. Then it stops about a dozen or so line down the script. The display shows only a portion of the part to be cut. Now sometimes it gives an error like compile error syntax in script, N60 S36000 M03. I don't read code so. And sometimes in my tests, it will, the Z axis I mean, go into the table, ramp up and out ,and cut air about .50 above the material. I used  postproccesors called Mach3ATC(inch)txt. and Mach3ARC(inch)text. The guys at the V Carve forums say the code looks and runs fine so it must be a Mach 3 config boggle. Got ant ideas really NEED HELP BAD HERE!!!!

2

General Mach Discussion / Calibrating Issues

« on: June 09, 2008, 12:22:13 PM »

I have resolved my issues. I have, after much hand wringing and woe be tie. got an accuracy of, ta ta,  0.0013 . I'd like to thank you all for your help and direction. I am very excited and raring to go. Thanks again guys.

3

General Mach Discussion / HELP Calibration Questions

« on: June 08, 2008, 09:02:26 AM »

I have finally got my system running smoothly. Now I need to set it up so that it moves 1.00" accurately . I think I may also need to fine tune the motor step units also.  I run 1.8 deg. motors, 1/2-10 Acme screws. I also have issues with Math. so the doing of the numbers is not reliable when I do them. Given those values, what should the steps per be set at. Will my axis move 1.00" , or say, 12.00" x 20.00" and be correct ?. I really need some help with this, It's my only road block to good operations. I'm not making watches just need good solid numbers to work with. Thanks

4

General Mach Discussion / Problems,Problems, Problems, Wiring

« on: May 26, 2008, 05:42:00 PM »

I have re wired my set up to a PC case for more room. I copied the factory wiring faithfully, even took pictures. Well after I got done I fired her up and nothing happened. No LED's lit on the Gecko's. Seems that, I had two 5 VDC systems going on. I scraped the USB connection, connected pins 8, 9, 10 to a C-10 BOB from CNC4PC, with attending power supply and still nothing. Then I reverted back to the K2 set up and bingo, I got movement. Dirty, noisy, crunchy movements. This all ran smooth until I decided to move it to a new home. I run Gecko 201, HD steppers, C-10 BOB with power supply, Mach3, on a K2CNC 2514 Gantry with a, 1 H.P.  Grizzly VS Router. I also have an XLM document written for me by Brian Barker for my system. How do I get that to work for me again?? HELP please. Tearing my dwindling hair out here.

5

General Mach Discussion / DOS Machine?

« on: May 10, 2007, 07:04:44 AM »

Since I became aware of cnc it ran on mostly windows type software. Has anyone have any insight into one that runs a DOS control system? Our Gov. surplus auction machine, a Light machines Pro 2000, mfg. circa 1999, runs on that. Contact at the manufacturer says they no longer make this type and will send software. What kind of problems can we expect to encounter with this beast?? Any input will be appreciated. Thanks, Killa

6

General Mach Discussion / Lightmachines Post

« on: April 30, 2007, 05:17:38 PM »

Hi all. We, i.e.  at work,  are about to take delivery of a Light machines Mill purchaced at Gov. auction. It also comes with a neat Haas 5c rotary device as a 4th axis.  Does anyone know of a post processor for Mach 3. I should soon have the model numbers and the type of controllers that are on board this machine. Just want to get a head start . Any help here? .

7

General Mach Discussion / Measure Lead screw How?

« on: August 05, 2006, 11:07:11 AM »

Can anybody tell me how to measure an Acme lead screw? I don't have an Acme thread gage and I'd like to know if it's a Metric or Imperial? Anybody

8

Show"N"Tell ( Your Machines) / Refitting Mini Mill

« on: July 23, 2006, 09:48:25 AM »

I recently upgraded my mini with imperial lead screws. I'm now thinking of converting to cnc, but one thing has me vexed. The Z axis is rack and pinion. How will the difference between rack, and lead screw, affect the Mach configurations? Also what size motors to use to move the Z axis. All that cast iron is heavy. Any assistance will be greatly appreciated.

9

General Mach Discussion / Not Sure What to call lthis idea ?

« on: June 16, 2006, 06:07:22 PM »

I like my gantry now that I have it all set up for my particular uses. I originally tried to mount a much heavier spindle and motor arrangement, but the X and Z axis was not strong enough. Too much movement, due to the extra weight. So, what if? Can I take the motors that came with my K2cnc gantry and use them on my mini mill? I want to use them on both machines, at different times of course, meaning I think I want to interchange them . When I want the strength of a mini mill and then the I want the gantry to engrave and the like. So what do you think? Comments welcome

10

General Mach Discussion / Solutions for Pendant Control?

« on: June 10, 2006, 10:51:47 AM »

I admit to knowing zero about setting up a pendant, but I know I'd like one. I wonder if , and this is hypothetical of course, if one of our more sentient members could put together a solution for gnomes  like me. That is, (1) a cheap X, Y, Z controller, (2) clear and concise instructions as to how to configure it, (3) make it so simple even a dust ball could get repeatable reliable performance from this upgrade. Somewhere over the rainbow......................