Messages

11

Show"N"Tell ( Your Machines) / Re: AL54b (lathe) project from New Zealand

« on: April 25, 2015, 02:27:26 AM »

I have noticed on my machine that even with my best efforts, commanded RPM and actual RPM, as displayed by Mach, are not always exactly the same... The (Mach) displayed speed should be fairly accurate.

I did eventually use the Mach spindle linearisation routine in one of the menus to improve that.

Cheers
Roger

I don't think this matters so much, from what Ive read mach will adjust the Z feed based on what it is picking up from the spindle true pulses anyhow.

Cheers

12

Show"N"Tell ( Your Machines) / Re: AL54b (lathe) project from New Zealand

« on: April 25, 2015, 02:25:48 AM »

I just cut the best 1.75mm tread I have ever cut in my life! I rand the same Gcode over and over again, after the first run I never saw chips again, it is perfect.
Same problem, had to set the pitch to 4mm to get the 1.75mm thread.

Can anyone tell me:
1. are you using the default mach3 wizard?
2. are you using imperial or metric as your default setting?
3. are you able to cut metric threads with the wizard?

I'm off to the Marshal Islands for a couple of weeks so wont be able to test anything but would appreciate the help all the same.

cheers

13

Show"N"Tell ( Your Machines) / Re: AL54b (lathe) project from New Zealand

« on: April 23, 2015, 09:23:08 PM »

Ali 20mm stock 1.5mm pitch been playing with 2mm as well.

Z axis is accurate, am thinking about how to check the RPM still, ideas are welcome

14

Show"N"Tell ( Your Machines) / Re: AL54b (lathe) project from New Zealand

« on: April 23, 2015, 04:41:22 AM »

200-400 rpm .2 per pass, threads look good, the pitch is wrong

15

Show"N"Tell ( Your Machines) / Re: AL54b (lathe) project from New Zealand

« on: April 23, 2015, 01:02:35 AM »

In Config /Ports&Pins you will need to use the settings in Spindle / motor control and special functions. I think you have dealt with these already.

Done

In General Config at top right hand corner you have Input Signal debouncing. For Index Debounce you may need a value of 0. I do.

Done (default is 0)

Under Pulleys you need to set the RIGHT ratio, and you need to calibrate the Z axis (lathe) correctly as well.

Done

OK, you seem to be threading OK; you just need to get the pitch right.

Correct

Um - just checking: you have only ONE index pulse per rev, yes?

Correct

Cheers
Roger

16

Show"N"Tell ( Your Machines) / Re: AL54b (lathe) project from New Zealand

« on: April 22, 2015, 08:17:06 PM »

After mucking around with it some more, I can here the z axis steppers adjusting its feed rate based on I assume spindle speed.
I cut a 2mm pitch thread repeatedly and it follows the thread perfectly even with cycle (and spindle) stopping and starting - so this tells me that it as at least partially working (or it wouldn't start at the same place each stop start).

I put a thread gauge on it and it is almost a perfect .9mm pitch thread.
There was no G20 generated by the wizard but just in case I have manually put a G21 in the code, run it again follows the previously cut path perfectly.
I have enabled pulse averaging and I believe it has helped.

I originally worked out my spindle speeds etc with an el-chepo laser tacho, when I put the C3 on the Spindle true readings were way off so I assumed the el-chepo was wrong and corrected my pulley ratios to refect the S true.

I'm starting to wonder if that is why my thread pitch is off?

thx

17

Show"N"Tell ( Your Machines) / Re: AL54b (lathe) project from New Zealand

« on: April 22, 2015, 07:23:46 PM »

Where is said software filter found?

thx

18

Show"N"Tell ( Your Machines) / Re: AL54b (lathe) project from New Zealand

« on: April 22, 2015, 06:25:58 PM »

Need help please.

I have been mucking around trying to get this thing to thread, I have a C3 for my pulse and the bob is a C32 as stated, the C3 shows the pulses via LED (looks good) the C32 shows the same pulses on the input pin (looks good also), the True spindle reading looks good.
I am using "use spindle feedback in sync mode".
Within the plugin (smoothstepper) monitoring the input is only coming up active every now and then, it certainly is not pulsing the way the input indicator on the C32 is.
when the tool hits the stock there is an immediate decrees in True RPM as you would expect.

Threads are all over the show, ideas?

19

Show"N"Tell ( Your Machines) / Re: 1987 Bridgeport Production Center Interact 412 to Mach3 Conversion

« on: April 21, 2015, 02:47:16 AM »

Hey JH, you sure do a nice job of these retro fits, good work finding work to keep these babies running.

20

Show"N"Tell ( Your Machines) / Re: Denford ORAC lathe retrofit.

« on: April 20, 2015, 06:14:50 PM »

Here is what i'm thinking we need next:



And just in case you cant guess what this is: