Messages

11

General Mach Discussion / Re: Slow zone switches

« on: April 13, 2017, 12:00:19 AM »

You can set a slow zone distance when your in the Homing and limits menu of Mach3. Don't know about Mach4.
It works exactly as you're discribing.
Have a read through the manual to find more detail about it. It's been many years since I set my machine up.

12

Mach3 under Vista / Re: Can't get the jog pop up in mach3

« on: March 20, 2017, 12:25:31 AM »

Try the "TAB" instead.

13

General Mach Discussion / Re: pocketing issues

« on: March 18, 2017, 05:30:29 AM »

Maybe check to see if your spindle is trammed accurately.

14

General Mach Discussion / Re: Need Mach3 help

« on: March 04, 2017, 05:59:31 PM »

You're going to have to give us a lot more information than that.
What's your set up?
I'll go out on a limb and guess that you're trying to install Mach3 on a 64 bit operating system and running a parrallel port BOB.
Until we know more, we are just clutching at straws.

"Mach3 Minimum Recommended Requirements:
Requirements if using the parallel port for machine control:

    Desktop PC (Laptops are not supported) with at least one parallel port
    32-bit version of Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7 (64-bit versions will not work)
    1Ghz CPU
    512MB RAM
    Non-integrated Video Card with 32MB RAM(Large G-code files, especially 3D files will require a video card with 512MB RAM or higher)

Requirements if using an external motion device for machine control:

    An appropriate external motion controller (options can be found on the Plugins page)
    Desktop or Laptop with Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, or Windows 8
    1Ghz CPU
    512MB RAM
    Video Card with 32MB RAM(Large G-code files, especially 3D files will require a video card with 512MB RAM or higher)"

15

Promote and discuss your product / Re: New Source For CNC DXF Files! Great CNC Artwork!

« on: February 27, 2017, 06:53:19 AM »

That's a nice article Tweakie.
I've known about "IIII" being used on clock faces to give a balanced look for years.
We have a 1770 vintage Grandfather clock and it has the "IIII" on the face.

16

G-Code, CAD, and CAM discussions / Re: Please help a newbie out

« on: February 15, 2017, 10:58:16 PM »

No.
The trial version will allow you to do anything in the program except save a toolpath file.
That's kinda where the preview comes in handy.
If you can see the preview as you want it, then the software is going to function how you need it.
Personally, I would like to see the trial versions allow you to save a file for a day, then the files are unusable after that, but I'm not Vectric.
Depending on what future projects you want to do will depend on what program to buy. If you're only going to do tags, then Possibly Cut2D would suit you. But if you want to get into more elaborate stuff, then Vcarve Pro or Aspire would be a better choice.
Go through the list of features that each have and choose wisely.

17

G-Code, CAD, and CAM discussions / Re: Please help a newbie out

« on: February 15, 2017, 08:11:40 PM »

Just like this forum, the Vectric forum has an amazing support base of people willing to help.
http://forum.vectric.com/index.php?sid=a571e847802eb0ce576228100ee5d05b

18

G-Code, CAD, and CAM discussions / Re: Please help a newbie out

« on: February 15, 2017, 07:59:01 PM »

Either you engrave or cutout the names. That's a simple case of using a different toolpath for what you want.
The really nice thing with the Vectric programs, is that they have a preview feature, so you see exactly what you will get before you start cutting any material.

19

G-Code, CAD, and CAM discussions / Re: Please help a newbie out

« on: February 15, 2017, 07:34:36 PM »

Sounds like you need to get yourself a good CAD program.
I've never used Fusion 360 but I do have Meshcam. Don't use it though.
Have a look at the Vectric range of programs. They allow you to design your projects, asign toolpaths and directy load the file into Mach3 using the correct post processor.
Watch this video about name tag production and see if that's what you want to do.
http://www.vectric.org/video/aspire3/2d_mach/b07-production-plate-function-web/07-production-plate-function.html

20

Third party software and hardware support forums. / Re: mini CNC 3040

« on: January 30, 2017, 07:52:46 PM »

Consider using an pneumatic impact engraver, rather than a rotating spindle and cutter.
There would be less force transmitted to the machine that way, if ridgidity is a concern.