Messages

91

General Mach Discussion / Re: I went to cut my first operation and ..... nothing..

« on: September 01, 2013, 03:55:16 PM »

A few members have had a similar problem, I don't use any cam software so can't help I'm afraid but suspect you can define the base unit of measurement.  I did have a different problem when I first set up Mach I inadvertently managed to switch the metric/imperial units when doing the basic set up so my machine was doing things in metric although I had written them in Imperial, I had to reload the Mach software and redo the set up. If you do that remember to save your licence file some where safe first! You program looks as if its in imperial, have you gone into edit file and changed the G21 to G20 on the set parameters line, it then should cut 2.5" square. Jim

92

General Mach Discussion / Re: I went to cut my first operation and ..... nothing..

« on: September 01, 2013, 03:26:23 PM »

You have a G21 (metric units) at the start of the program so the longest axis move hence size of road runner will be 0.100" square. That could be the problem. Jim

93

General Mach Discussion / Re: axis doesn't move after upgrade

« on: August 25, 2013, 12:09:14 PM »

Your old xml isn't in you recycle bin is it? or did you dump the lot off the machine? just a thought. Jim

94

General Mach Discussion / Re: setting steps per inch correctly

« on: August 23, 2013, 03:24:45 PM »

Go into Mach and select the setting page, then just above the reset button there is a set steps per unit. follow the instructions but have something handy to measure the distance the machine slides moves. I use a digital Vernier clamped one end. Enter the distance moved and Mach will automatically work out and set the axis correctly. Do this for all 3 axis.
If you know the pitch of the ball screw and any pulley ratios you can work it out with a calculator but the set steps per unit is easier.
Hope this helps.
Jim

95

General Mach Discussion / Re: PhotoVCarve and Mach 3 ....will only carve 1/2" by 1/2".....help

« on: August 21, 2013, 05:02:44 AM »

Have a look at your program and make sure there is a G20 (Imperial in the first line). Someone once gave me a program for model loco cranks and I had the same problem (cutting small). I put a G20 in the first line of his program and it cut the correct size. So if there is no G20 in the program put on in and see if that cures the problem. Just a thought! Jim

96

General Mach Discussion / Re: Machine Stoped in Middle of Table

« on: August 13, 2013, 12:58:23 AM »

Have you tried the auto override options on the settings page in Mach. Remember to de-activate them when you have moved the slides.

97

General Mach Discussion / Re: New Mach3 user

« on: August 06, 2013, 09:39:06 AM »

Hi Pete if you know the ball screw pitch and the motor information you can work it out mathematically. But the easy way is to use the setting page and then the set steps option. (Setting page just above the RESET tab). I used a digital vernier with the fixed anvil clamped to the table then set the cutter against the moving anvil it then moves the vernier. Mach will ask you the axis you want to set then distance you want to travel say 10mm it then moves 10mm to what it is presently set too, you take the reading off the vernier say its 7.656mm type that in the box on the page. Mach will then work out the number of steps to achieve the 10mm move and put the correct steps into its memory. Two thing to bear in mind 1. the direction + or - as you don't want to smash your vernier and 2. What your machine is in MM or Inches, in the UK I use mm. You don't have to use a vernier a small cut into the wood will do but you still need to measure the length its cut (don't forget to take off the cutter diameter if it a slot you have cut. Jim 

98

General Mach Discussion / Re: New Mach3 user

« on: August 06, 2013, 01:29:41 AM »

Hi Pete have you set the axis steps by using the set steps per unit on the setting page of Mach, its in the bottom left hand corner just above the RESET tab, secondly are you designing in inches and have Mach set in mm. Finally the "image to gcode" software has a setting page for dimensions. There is a you tube video showing the setting page http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81Lz9RS1s4U unfortunately no sound to it but takes you through the process. Jim

99

General Mach Discussion / Re: Spindle starts on closing Mach

« on: August 05, 2013, 04:52:56 AM »

Just thought I would throw in a possible cause to your spindle problem. I had been running early versions of Mach 3 for a few years with no problems. Then I decided to upgrade to the latest version, whilst still keeping the same config settings.  Since then I have had a strange thing happen. If I leave the machine on and close down the Mach on the computer the spindle starts at top speed for a split second then stops. I put this down to electrical noise or a ancient LYNX spindle drive as its been a problem on my machine from the outset. I solved the problem easily but turning off the machine before closing down Mach on the computer, just been down and tried turning Mach off first and yes the spindle starts for a split second. Have you tried earlier version of Mach software, or am I just causing you more headaches.
Jim

100

General Mach Discussion / Re: Jogging off switches

« on: July 19, 2013, 01:54:28 AM »

Settings page, enable Auto Limit Override. Tick this and it will allow you to jog off the stops but make sure you move in the correct direction. Jim