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Messages - 72Zorad

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31
It is the same.  I think I found the problem.  I had converted my non-CNC sherline rotary table to CNC by building brackets and such and using a flexible coupler.  I assumed this wouldn't be a problem but I tore it all apart and discovered the stepper is fine...It is apparently some binding in the stepper/rotary table.  I noticed on the Sherline site they don't sell a kit to convert the rotary table as they say it can't be done based on how the table is made.  I think the extra drag is just causing it to heat up as it's working too hard.

32
ah....now I get it.  I didn't notice the degrees/min...that makes sense.

Pretty sure I have a stepper headed south. I had my ear down by it and noticed what I can only describe as a 'miniature sizzle'. I listened to the others and don't hear that. I swapped the cables with the Y axis cable and the sizzle is still heard in the A axis stepper (it didn't follow the cable). I would like to swap a stepper to confirm but that's a major evolution with my system.

I also 'turned the A stepper down' to the same as the others(A axis= X, Y, or Z axis times 72) so did that with the velocity and acceleration. That got me to about 1430 in/min and 108 acceleration. However, I don't think that's going to do anything but by me a little time if I'm lucky.

Looks like I'm off to order a stepper

Thanks,

Mark

33
I posted this on the CNC zone but am starting to think I have a Mach3 configuration issue as I review the numbers.

I recently hooked up the A axis to my machine.  I've been running XYZ for some time with no issues.  The A axis has the same (Gecko) configuration (resistor setting) as the other steppers but runs very hot.  If I let it run it will get to the point that after turning it off the stepper feels like a gear that has sand in it if I try and turn it by the hand wheel.  I'm currently having to stop and turn off the CNC system power at tool changes and let it cool for about an hour.  This is limiting me to about 7 minutes of maximum run time before an hour cooldown.

I'm starting to think this is a Mach3 configuration issue as I had to modify the A axis settings to some pretty radical numbers to get decent speeds.  Below is what I posted on the CNC zone forum;

I have a 1:72 reduction in my rotary table

Steps for the XYZ are 40,000
Steps for the A is 400

Velocity (in/min) of the XYZ are 19.98
Velocity (in/min) of the A is 2032

Acceleration of the XYZ are 1.5
Acceleration of the A is 168.75

G's of the XYZ are .0038
G's of the A is .43

Now, I can assure you I'm not cutting 2032 in/min (I wish!) nor pulling an acceleration of 168.75. This is a small Sherline and although I am cutting delrin with a nice sharp bit the A handwheel is spinning at about 3 revs/second at most. It is faster than the others but not by that much. That in itself makes me wonder....the A axis doesn't know it going through a reducer. It's just spinning....why did I have to ramp it up to over 2000 in/min to get a stepper rotation speed slightly higher than the XYZ when they are at 20 in/min?

Thanks,

Mark

34
That's funny...I was just coming back to the post to provide this link which says much the same thing although your explanation says why :)

http://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php?topic=1117.0;wap2

I had searched for an answer for some time then posted the question....continued my search while waiting and eventually found the answer.  Thanks for the detailed explanation.

Mark

35
Just now moving into some A axis milling using my cnc rotary table.  Part is rotating about the X with no movement of the table in the Y.  Using CNC Wrapper to convert Y axis to A Axis angular commands.

I've got the motor tuned so it works fine.  400 steps for the A axis rather than the 40,000 on the other axis gives me the correct movement.  Also set the speed and velocity for acceptable amounts and it works just fine using the jog keys.

The problem I have is when sending commands such as G1 A10 (gives me 10 degrees of movement) it gets there but literally takes 8 seconds to go just one degree.  Again, jog speeds are fine and I can change then so that jog is way faster than anyone could desire so I'm assuming I've missed a setting somewhere.

I should probably also mention that the Mach3 screen doesn't say A axis....it the X, Y, Z, and 4 axis (reading from top to bottom).  I also noticed when I watch the 4th axis DRO it is 'moving' at a nice pace just like the X, Y, and Z do.  However, there is a big difference between going 1 inch and 1 degree.  I suspect that has something to do with it as it appears the A axis is trying to move at the same 'linear' pace as the other axis.

Suggestions?

Thanks,

Mark

36
General Mach Discussion / Re: Turn off E-Stop
« on: July 29, 2010, 03:44:44 PM »
Found an easy fix.

I set it to emulate with the F1 key.

thanks,

Mark

37
General Mach Discussion / Turn off E-Stop
« on: July 29, 2010, 02:36:20 PM »
I'm not trying to disable the E-stop on a functioning system.

I have two computers.  The one that controls my mill is downstairs and off the network.  It is used solely for Mach3 so I don't run any other programs and don't have it on the network so no virus protection and such is needed.  I use my main computer upstairs to run Alibre and CamBam then transfer the files to the other system with a thumb drive when I'm ready to mill.

I loaded Mach3 on my main computer as I'd often like to step through the CamBam generated code with Mach3 to test it before taking it downstairs.  This system is not hooked up to a mill and I can't seem to turn the E-stop off so I can dry run the code.

Thanks,

Mark

38
General Mach Discussion / tool changes
« on: March 16, 2010, 10:56:00 AM »
Hi guys, new here.  Using Mach3 and CamBam.

I have a question about tool changes.  When I run CamBam with different tools it gives an M5 command between the sections but Mach3 goes right past it.  Should that command stop the running of code until I hit continue?  If not how do you do tool changes between your sections? 

I like to start at a known reference point, say a part that won't be milled or will be milled last.  Bring the tool down so it just touches that point and manually put that height into the Z height (usually 0).  Then start Mach3, first command raises the cutter, start the spindle, do the cut, return to .1 above the reference point.  Here I'd like to stop running the code while I change the tool and reset my Z height.

M5 isn't doing anything.  Mach 3 just returns to my reference point then takes off to do the next cut without a tool change.  My 'fix' for this has been to return to the reference point then tell it to lift the Z 2 inches.  While it is doing this I hit the space to pause it, change the tool, reset Z then scroll to the next section of code and tell it to 'run from here'.

Clearly I'm missing something basic.....

Thanks,

Mark

39
Hi, Mark here.
Hobby machinist running a CNC Sherline mill and manual (so far) lathe.

CNC setup is Gecko 540 with 4 axis, Mach3, and CamBam.  I'm in this strictly as a hobby and enjoy making unique and hopefully sometime asthetically appealing pieces.

A couple of questions;

First I can't seem to post.  Probably missing something basic but can't find the post button anywhere so I'm left replying here with my second question....

I saw a video some time ago where a guy was running Mach3 and it was sensing the edges and height of his piece.  I'm pretty sure it was using an electric continuity test as he put an alligator clip on the piece.  I'm really only interested in using this to set the z height when changing tools.  Do you know of a link to a discussion of this and can I assume the software/plugin automatically adjusts the z height home or commands to compensate for the different cutter lengths?

Thanks,

Mark

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