Messages

51

General Mach Discussion / Re: Mach3 3D Printer Extruder

« on: June 15, 2018, 07:31:18 PM »

I have gold contact multipole relays to switch step and direction outputs to two different stepper drives and motors for 3d printing.

52

G-Code, CAD, and CAM discussions / Re: CamBam for LATHE

« on: June 03, 2018, 07:51:24 PM »

Much as I like and use Cambam the lathe functionality is very poor.  I have turned parts with it, but facing is difficult and boring simply can't be done.

53

G-Code, CAD, and CAM discussions / Re: Inside of the ring engraving

« on: May 16, 2018, 09:39:37 PM »

How does the spindle reach inside? Does it fit in the bore or do you have it angled and use a ball shaped end mill?

54

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: Multi head machine with 2 sets of gcode

« on: May 15, 2018, 01:04:07 PM »

It would be way more helpful if you describe what you are trying to do.

55

Third party software and hardware support forums. / Re: A way to control the direction on VFD

« on: May 13, 2018, 11:06:34 AM »

Tapping?

56

Third party software and hardware support forums. / Re: A way to control the direction on VFD

« on: May 12, 2018, 07:37:43 PM »

Looking at page 35 P159 mentions +-10v, but P158 above says it is not currently supported. No wiring diagrams show it either so I believe you are out of luck.

57

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: Out-Of-Band Axes in Hobby vs Indusrial

« on: May 10, 2018, 01:33:23 PM »

Awesome!  I'll check to make sure that HiCON Can use the OOB Axis, it controls 6 axis.

I plan on using an OOB Axis for a SMTC carousel and I would like to rotate it freely with the Click PLC as well as in Mach.

I'm thinking about having the Axis be based on a register value and letting the PLC Script move the axis based on what that value is.   I can manipulate the register easily enough from Mach or the Click.

Does that sound plausible?

Have you used a Click PLC before? I have used one twice and I am really underwhelmed. The very limited functions wound up costing far more money for programming than the cost savings on the hardware. On the other hand we are thrilled with the Domore BRX PLCs from AD. Ethernet, analog, modbus, highspeed I/O with motion commands, free programming software, autotune PID, modularity, a low price. What’s not to love?

58

General Mach Discussion / Re: Mach3 Rotary Axis: how to return to zero position from -500k degree position...

« on: April 26, 2018, 01:02:11 PM »

Yes it would be nice to know how to do this as it would allow threading on my fourth axis which is stepper driven. The threading ‘tool’ could be a lathe tool or the mill spindle with a shaped cutter.

59

Tangent Corner / Re: Tight on space.

« on: April 24, 2018, 07:07:16 PM »

I saw pictures of an airplane built by a guy in his living room that took several years to complete.  He then had to remove the front wall of the house to get it out!  If my wife would let me my CNC would definitely be in the family room instead of the garage.  It is fully enclosed so it wouldn't actually make a mess. It would be easy to soundproof the enclosure too.

60

FAQs / Re: posting problem

« on: April 13, 2018, 06:27:18 PM »

I don’t use Mastercam but you should look to see if you can find a post for Mach 3 specifically. In the bad old days Mastercam made a boat load of extra money for a post processor. So you need to find out if the post processor can be editted. Someone on Practical Machinist site may have a post.