Messages

21

General Mach Discussion / Re: Gradual Cutting

« on: May 14, 2010, 10:38:50 PM »

Well it almost worked. I found the wizard and tried it out. The best I could do is to get the router to circle at the setting from the wizard. I set the step to .09, for the trial, the depth at .5, for the final cut and .2 for rapid height. The head just circled at .09 for 5 cuts. Fun to watch, but not too productive. I ran it on my laptop and the shop machine, same results. What did I do wrong?

Thanks,
Richard

22

General Mach Discussion / Re: Gradual Cutting

« on: May 14, 2010, 01:20:32 PM »

Sir Hood,

I am in awe! In reviewing this forum I see you answer post after post and you are always spot on. You are a total genius. Thank you for your time and willingness to share your knowledge. Once again I thank you for your help me getting me through my problems.

Richard B.

23

General Mach Discussion / Gradual Cutting

« on: May 14, 2010, 02:35:05 AM »

I've read in the manual that there is a way to make the Z Axis take gradual cuts into harder materials, but it looks like that was for an earlier version. Is there a way to make this happen  in Mach 3? My machine and programs want to drill to the floor on the first cut! It's on page 6-12,  section 6.2.17, but nothing on my Mach 3 screen looks like that. Thanks for any help offered.

Richard

24

General Mach Discussion / Re: Newbie Problems

« on: March 05, 2010, 06:10:31 PM »

No wonder you're so good at Mach.  Thanks for the help!! It's working good now. I was able to work through the issues and am now happily cutting away, making lots of dust. Thanks again.

RB

25

General Mach Discussion / Re: Newbie Problems

« on: February 28, 2010, 08:39:49 PM »

Hood,

Thank You.  I check those things reset them, but tp no avai. I kept digging and found a faulty power supply. It gave me power sometimes and sometimes not. Now it's good. I was able to continue and finish the build. It works good now....well almost. The Z axis only goes in one direction and it's wired the same as the others. I switched Z and Y and still have the same problem on the Z. So I'll go check out the other listings here on the forum before I drive you crazy with questions. I notice that you must live on the computer answering all these questions. Do you have a machine of your own that you ever get a chance to run? or a family?

Take Care,

RB in Sacramento, CA

26

General Mach Discussion / Newbie Problems

« on: February 26, 2010, 12:46:13 AM »

Hi All,

I've got the usual problems getting Mach 3 up and working on my DIY router table. When I use the Mach 3 Mill icon the stepper motors don't work when I jog them. The jog setting is at 50%.  They just screech and stay still. If I use the Mach 3 loader and create a blank profile, the steppers move, make very strange noises when idle and move slowly. I've been plowing through this forum but have been unable to find a problem quite like this. Here is my equipment listing:

1) 3 axis system with all three steppers identical Vexta PK266-02A
        These are 2 amps, 1.8 steps
2) Toshiba controller TB6560 - setting the 6 wire motors to bipolar.
3) 24 volt power supply
4) Mach 3 ...of course!!!

I followed the setup instructions for both the control board and Mach 3, but I haven't  heard such whining and screeching since I told my daughter she couldn't date until she turned 16!! I need help on the stepper motors. The Daughter is now 25... too late to help her. Oh yeah I did the setup instructions the same for both profiles.

I hope someone can help, my forehead is getting pretty flat from banging my head on the router table!!

Thanx,

Richard in Sacramento

27

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: New people welcome !! Come in here and introduce your self!

« on: February 24, 2010, 01:05:31 AM »

 
Hi All,

I'm another old newbie, that is, up there in years but new to CNC. I had run a manual mill and lathe in a former life and am delighted to see the advances in computers on CNC stuff.  Back in '71 no one ever heard of a "personal computer", a simple calculator cost $250.00 then.

I'm building a DIY machine right now and have some problems with stepper motors. I've spent the last two weeks messing around with them and have accomplished little, however I am learning Mach 3!  Should I post my setup questions here or is there another listing that deals with setup?

I've been reading the posts on this site and I am very impressed with the knowledge base of the users and the willingness to share that knowledge. I hope that my questions will be reasonable, 'cause I'm tired of hitting my head on the table. Maybe I'm just not using the right search phrase for my problems.....?

Thanks,

Rick in Sacramento