Messages

111

General Mach Discussion / Re: First cut always in the air - how to get rid of it

« on: October 14, 2013, 10:11:05 PM »

@ger21
If you're talking to me, I think you nailed it. Yes, I am using different offsets. Will look at that and try to report back in the next few days.

112

General Mach Discussion / Re: First cut always in the air - how to get rid of it

« on: October 14, 2013, 08:16:54 PM »

Would you happen to be running Mach2010 screenset?
I have run into a similar problem with it doing the same thing.
I set the Z to zero at the surface of the work piece and it always go up and comes down to 0.200" above the work piece and starts cutting in the air.
Reset the Z to zero again and it works fine.

Haven't been able to track that down yet either.

I've briefly looked through the macros for the tool change routines but not found anything yet.

113

General Mach Discussion / Re: can you save mach3 to flash drive

« on: October 14, 2013, 07:55:09 PM »

So do I.

I don't let my shop PC anywhere near the internet!

Always transfer files (except for small edits) from the home PC to the shop PC.

Several reasons:
Keeps a backup copy of the file in case the shop OR home PC goes belly-up + one file on the flash drive.
Not bombarded with the wireless (unless you have your shop wired for the internet) going and coming.
Although viruses can be transferred via a flash drive, not being connected to the internet gives another layer of protection.

114

General Mach Discussion / Re: Help for a new user - circles are not circles and its not backlash....

« on: October 14, 2013, 06:25:50 PM »

What version of Mach3 are you using?

I know you stated that you've cut and measured items but do you have the backlash compensation on even though you're using new ball screws?
If it is on, are there still some legacy numbers there from prior to ball screw upgrade?

IIRC, some of the ball screws require an extra ball to ensure ALL of the slack is taken out, therefore minimizing backlash.


Might help to post your xml file.

115

General Mach Discussion / Re: 3D digital probing

« on: October 05, 2013, 10:20:09 AM »

I'm not seeing a wizard called "3D Scanner".
I'm running Version R3.043.066.

I do see one called "Digitize Wizard".

Am I missing one and if so is it downloadable somewhere?

116

General Mach Discussion / Re: Ramping up or down on Spindle Speed (not delay)

« on: August 24, 2013, 09:28:57 AM »

I'm using a KBLC-19PM-mod to drive the spindle. So you're saying there should be a pot on the unit that I can adjust?

Don't recall seeing one but definitely worth a second look.

Thanks!



EDIT:
Yep there it is and just think, it was there all along! LOL!

http://www.kbelectronics.com/manuals/kblc.pdf

117

General Mach Discussion / Ramping up or down on Spindle Speed (not delay)

« on: August 13, 2013, 01:55:30 PM »

Is there a way to ramp the spindle speed up to full speed instead of "full out" when the spindle starts?

I know about the delay function, but that's not wihat I'm looking for.

I'd like for the spindle to come up to speed in a smooth fluid motion not the way it does now which is almost intantaneous.

I've played with the motor tuning for the spindle, i.e. Acceleration and Velocity, but thoes don't make any difference best I can tell.

118

General Mach Discussion / Re: Spindle starts on closing Mach

« on: August 05, 2013, 08:34:12 PM »

Save your money and get another brand of board from another manufacturer.  Personally, I saved (after months of hairpulling with cnc4pc's non user friendly drawings, poor documentation and a complete hassle for technical support) and plunged for a Gecko 540. Haven't looked back.

I know there are other boards available that may be as good as a Gecko or better, but that's what I went with.

NO PROBLEMS since.

119

General Mach Discussion / Re: How to save the x,y,z axis tool position with Mach3 Mill?

« on: July 06, 2013, 07:39:27 PM »

The gcode file is the one you have open at the time.

Since you mention "time axins" are you wanting to capture where the tool was/is located as determined by a specific line of code?

Not sure I understand your question. Sorry.

You also mention "tool position". Are you asking about the tool table and where specific tool heights are recorded?

120

General Mach Discussion / Re: Poem

« on: June 26, 2013, 09:17:24 PM »

 The best free open source software I've ever found is here