Messages

471

General Mach Discussion / Re: Bosch Collet

« on: February 10, 2011, 10:01:03 PM »

I use the MLCS adapters in a full size Porter-Cable router and they work fine.  Jeff is probably right about the run-out.  I've never checked it, but I only engrave plastic and cut wood with the router, so a little run-out isn't a deal breaker.

I must admit though, $20 for a good quality collet isn't bad.  If I switch to a Colt router, I'll go that route.

472

General Mach Discussion / Re: Bosch Collet

« on: February 10, 2011, 11:39:54 AM »

This is another option...

http://www.mlcswoodworking.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/smarthtml/pages/bushing_ball_bearings.html

473

General Mach Discussion / Re: Pierce delay for plasma

« on: February 10, 2011, 09:04:03 AM »

The code for a pause would be...

G4 PX

X would be in either seconds or miliseconds depending on how you have mach3 set.  On the general config screen you can select seconds or miliseconds.  If you select miliseconds in mach then use seconds in you code, the effect will be almost like there is no delay.

That said, I've noticed the same behavior where the G4PX is completely ignored.  It only happens on the first G4 in the program, but it doesn't happen on every program.  It's odd because I use the same Sheetcam post to generate all code.

474

General Mach Discussion / Re: Autostart profile in windows xp

« on: February 09, 2011, 04:13:29 PM »

There should be a space after the exe and before the /p switch and a space after the switch and before the profile...like this...

C:\Program Files\cnc\mach3\Mach3.exe /p cnccor

475

Screen designer tips and tutorials / Re: Flash screen tutorial

« on: February 08, 2011, 02:14:19 PM »

This doesn't wok with the flash screen tutorial.  None of the content downloads when you "save link as".  All you get is an empty player shell.

476

General Mach Discussion / Re: loading screens etc

« on: February 07, 2011, 09:40:41 AM »

Config data is not stored in the screenset.  Config data is stored in the XML and that file will likely not be the same for both plasma and router.  If the people who made your machine did not provide a router profile (XML) then you'll have to create it by copying the plasma profile (XML) and modifying to work with the router.  The screenset is just one component of the profile (XML).  You can have many different profiles, each with it's own screenset.

Instead of looking at as each screenset having different config data, look at as each profile (XML) having a different screenset. 

"I had made some changes in one of the screens and when I switched to the other screen the changes were not there."

The changes you're making are not stored in the screenset, they are stored in the profile (XML).  Only things like the physical appearance, buttons, LED's, DRO's and button scripts are stored in the screenset.

477

General Mach Discussion / Re: loading screens etc

« on: February 06, 2011, 09:14:29 PM »

Pin assignments and other mach settings are stored in the XML file, not the screen set.  To carry those over to another screenset, you have to copy the XML.  IE:  Copy "Plasma.xml" and rename it "Router.xml".  Close Mach3 and restart using Mach3 Loader.  Choose the new Router profile.  After Mach opens, load the Router screenset and change anything that needs changing.  The XML you are using is a copy of the Plasma XML, so some things may not be the same on the router profile.   From here on out, when you start Mach3, just choose either the plasma or router profile. 

478

General Mach Discussion / Re: Screw whip help needed (8020 2x3 machine)

« on: February 06, 2011, 09:03:32 PM »

If it's whipping, the RPM is too fast.  Slow it down.  If your speed is not fast enough after slowing to where you get no whipping, you'll have to go to a courser screw pitch...or a screw with multiple starts.

479

General Mach Discussion / Re: Should I run Windows 7 or XP?

« on: February 06, 2011, 09:24:42 AM »

Buy a used box running XP Pro to run Mach3.  Clean that PC off so all it's running is Mach3 and dedicate it to the shop.  Run your CAD/CAM on the Win7 machine and network the two.  CAD/CAM consumes a lot of resources.  I wouldn't want that installed on the same machine running Mach3.  Even if you close the program, I'd worry about background processes that it may spawn and leave running.

480

General Mach Discussion / Re: Need Help with Cam Software!!!

« on: February 03, 2011, 07:02:46 PM »

One of my bigger concerns with Vectric software is there is no rest machining. 

Well, Artcam does this, but it's not cheap.  You basically specify the tools to use in the order you want them used.  On an area clear operation, you might select a 1/4 end mill followed by a 1/16" end mill to clean up the fine details.