Messages

4431

General Mach Discussion / Re: code to set home programmatically

« on: April 23, 2012, 03:13:23 PM »

NO g10 can only set USER home position (X0Y0). I guess I need to do a CHART to show all the variables for HOME.

(;-)TP

4432

FAQs / Re: Using mach plasma control

« on: April 22, 2012, 08:57:33 PM »

GUYS probably not the best place (FAQ) to post to you may want to try the main heading.

BUT try this

http://www.cncinformation.com/CNCBlog/cnc-stomp-pad-video-tutorials-learn-cnc-plasma-cutting/

(;-) TP

4433

General Mach Discussion / Re: Small Values in DRO's

« on: April 22, 2012, 02:22:30 PM »

But in his case MACH went OVER the commanded point and that is a nono.

(;-) TP

4434

VB and the development of wizards / Re: I am having trouble with loading the engraving wizard

« on: April 21, 2012, 10:32:54 PM »

Sounds like you are not doing ALL the steps to complete the program before you try to post the code.

(;-) TP

4435

General Mach Discussion / Re: Need advice on jig and coordinates

« on: April 21, 2012, 03:58:30 PM »

If your table has slots then KEY the fixture to the table. that way it mounts SQUARE to the table each time. Then Machine a square 90 deg slot in the fixture itself to be able to index it to the User Coordintates.

Then Machine a part in it and MOVE over to teh 90deg slot and touch off on the X and Y axis and record THOSE number. I put them into the Gcode file as comments so they don't get lost or forgotten.

A use a simple HOLE in the fixture and use a PROBE to find the center. But I already have the probe(;-)

Comes time to set it up fasten the fixture in the slot and then touch off on the X axis and input the position value. Now do the same for Y and you have referenced the fixture BACK to the USER coords for the part program.  The X0.000Y0.000 for the part program will now be correct for the program.

Just another way to do it, (;-) TP

4436

General Mach Discussion / Plasma Shapes Wizard

« on: April 21, 2012, 03:50:04 PM »

Guys I place a new Plasma Shapes Wizard in the Mach Tool Box.  It allows you to create simple basic shapes to cut out when needed. It works great for the guys here at the shop.  SO I thought yall may have use for it as well.

(;-) TP

4437

MACH TOOL BOX / Plasma Basic shapes Wizard

« on: April 21, 2012, 03:42:29 PM »

Hi Guys , here is a basic CONVERSATIONAL shapes generator for plasma cutters. It came about from a page I did for the guys here in the shop so they could do simple basic shapes without programming or CAM. They love it SO I thought maybe it wou d be handy for you.

It does square type ( square, retangle, straight lines) and cirlce type(circles, ovals) and has an inside hole burner as well.

To use select the function button and fill in the required function data(LH side). Then fill in the required CUT parameters(RH side) for your machine to match the material.

NOW it does NOT account for the Kerf Width so just allow for it in the input values as needed.

You can just exit OR post the new Gcode.

As normal use caution until you verify it for yourself(;-)

Have fun, (;-) TP

4438

General Mach Discussion / Re: mold making Mach3mill scaling

« on: April 20, 2012, 04:39:07 PM »

Something along these lines MAY work. It offset the second cut to account for the ref shift. It uses 1/2 the scale amount for the offset.

DON't go by the toolpath display it does funny things with offsetting displays.

F100
G0 X0 Y0
G1 X10 Y0
X10Y10
Y10X0
X0Y0

G0 X-.5Y-.5
G92 X0 Y0

G51 X1.1 Y1.1
G0 X0 Y0
G1 X10 Y0
X10Y10
Y10X0
X0Y0

G50
M30

4439

General Mach Discussion / Re: mold making Mach3mill scaling

« on: April 20, 2012, 04:10:44 PM »

YOU would normaly  DO the RESCALE to the cad drawing BEFORE you Cammed it out(;-)

Scaling can be very useful for a one shot rescale.  We use it all the time in plasma cutting where it is a simple2d process. AND re can recut at a rescaled value BUT you have to know exactly where the ref point is going to be and plan accordingly for the Coord shift to get it lined back up.

YOU CAN set the scale reference point WHEN you call the rescale. From the screen just move to the position you want it to be BEFORE you input the scaling factor. FROM gcode include the move to a ref point before the G50 call

G0 X1Y1
G50 X2.0Y2.0

Move to the ref point
Apply the scaling factor of 2.0 to X and Y

Just don't forget to cancel the scaling when done with the G51 .

AND it IS possible to calculate the REF point offsetting when scalling. But that is way above my simple brain.

HECK give it a try with a simple shape like a cube (;-) you may end up being good at it. YA NEVER KNOW  untill you try it.

(;-) TP

4440

Brains Development / Re: Whats wrong with this brain ???

« on: April 20, 2012, 03:15:56 PM »

IT took a while but I found where the work right one time and opposite the next was coming from.

I THINK I had a second brain running that I forgot to turn off. So which ever brain ran last got control over the results.

DUM DUM, (;-) TP