Messages

3201

General Mach Discussion / Re: new to mach3 and K2

« on: July 11, 2013, 04:42:00 PM »

There is no place to input your table size.
But you can use softlimits, and specify their location relative to the physical home switches.

If you program in inches, then yes, use the mach2/3 arcs inch post. If using V-Carve Pro or Aspire, you may want to use the ATC post, if you plan on changing tools.

3202

Show"N"Tell ( What you have made with your CNC machine.) / Re: Help/Advice

« on: July 10, 2013, 06:59:16 PM »

the lines are still there and it just seems weird that the lines run parallel when the part is machined in circles

I'm almost certain that this is a mechanical issue.
Looks like your machine is rack and pinion? Check that the pinion has zero play, and check it in several different spots. Are the Drives from CNC Router Parts by chance? I've read of multiple instances of their pinion bushings wearings and becoming sloppy.

My guess is that the probllem lies in the axis along which the red arrow is pointing.

3203

Show"N"Tell ( What you have made with your CNC machine.) / Re: Help/Advice

« on: July 09, 2013, 03:11:23 PM »

That the raster based software generated the waves. check your setting on resolution of the created raster file. I set mine quite high so I don't have a stair stepping effect. But I am using ArtCam when I do raster files.

Do you see the grooves in Aspires preview? If not, then they are not caused by the g-code. Aspires preview is very accurate. If the preview looks good, then your part should look good.

3204

G-Code, CAD, and CAM discussions / Re: Mach not importing full job. non-demo version. Tested with Cambam and Partkam

« on: July 09, 2013, 11:54:20 AM »

Either you should be getting an error message, or you're in demo mode. If you go to Help> About, do you see your name? Or in newer versions of Mach3, your name should be displayed in the Title bar. Is it?

3205

Show"N"Tell ( What you have made with your CNC machine.) / Re: Help/Advice

« on: July 09, 2013, 11:40:50 AM »

Did you say if the grooves were always along the same axis, or do they vary?
Looks like your using an offset finish toolpath. Have you tried a raster finish path?
My machine probably has far more flex than yours, and using Aspire, I've done 3D carvings at 175ipm with no issues. I can probably move my spindle close to 1/16" if I push hard on it.

I don't believe that Aspire is the issue, either. 99.99% of similar type issues you see at the Vectric forum are machine issues. I also happen to be an Aspire beta tester, so have a bit of additional knowledge there.

3206

Show"N"Tell ( What you have made with your CNC machine.) / Re: Help/Advice

« on: July 08, 2013, 06:41:27 PM »

because it is a 5 axis machine I did also check that the tool was running vertical etc.

 

Because he's using a ballnose bit, being vertical makes no difference as far as the grooves are concerned. The tool is the same shape regardless of the orientation. The only thing being out of vertical would cause would be a slight shift in the location of the carving.

3207

Show"N"Tell ( What you have made with your CNC machine.) / Re: Help/Advice

« on: July 08, 2013, 06:06:52 PM »

Aspire doesn't do 5 axis, so I'm assuming it's a 3 axis toolpath.

3208

Show"N"Tell ( What you have made with your CNC machine.) / Re: Help/Advice

« on: July 08, 2013, 05:47:33 PM »

Have you tried with the feedrate reduced by about 50%? If so, is it any better?

First, I'd reduce the stepover to 5% and see if it helps.
But to me, it looks like you're getting flex somewhere.
I know you said you have a solid machine, but to me, it doesn't look all that rigid.

Are the grooves always along the same axis? Are you doing a roughing pass first, or a single finishing pass?

3209

VB and the development of wizards / Re: Dovetail Wizard

« on: July 05, 2013, 07:55:51 PM »

I've heard it works well.
I'm currently writing a standalone dovetail tool that should give a much wider variety of dovetails (and other joints).
It'll probably be at least 6 more months, but here's a video of my first test cuts with it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDmBcpON3Zo

3210

VB and the development of wizards / Re: Dovetail Wizard

« on: July 05, 2013, 07:10:55 PM »

His website lists a "Rotate" option under Part layout? Never used the wizard, though.