Messages

161

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: Tool Length Offset Macro Program

« on: May 03, 2021, 02:28:08 PM »

Bill_O
Gotcha!  Yeah, a ton of ways to do this with Mach4. 
If you have the time to put into LUA, it can be very powerful that is for sure!!

162

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: Tool Length Offset Macro Program

« on: May 03, 2021, 11:41:15 AM »

The reason I started this thread was because I kept seeing people complaining about the Tool Probing.
I've used this Macro Program for a few years now on several machines.  I haven't had any issues out of it and it works great every time.  I don't have to worry about Mach freezing or messing up and it is A LOT less code to write, mainly because 1) It's basically plug and play.  2) It's G Code.

I love Mach4 and the ability to change basically anything we want.  I make custom screens and macros all the time.  But for simplicity purposes for new users, learning LUA is a huge curve.  This is simple; make a button, throw in the script I have provided; open the G Code editor and change a few numbers and you're good to go.

163

Mach4 General Discussion / Tool Length Offset Macro Program

« on: May 03, 2021, 09:32:04 AM »

I have seen A LOT of people asking about a tool length offset macro.
I made this Macro Program (G Code) for my tool length offsets. 

This is not a Macro in the sense of Mach4 Macros.  This is a Macro B Program.  It is G Code.

Put the 9001 and 9002 programs in the Subroutines folder in the Mach4 Directory.
Put two buttons on the screen to probe the tool length offset and to probe a rotating tool.  One or both, you do you.
Put the attached scripts into the appropriate button script.
This will probe the current tool that is active in Mach4. 

This Macro Program will set the tool offsets at a Machine Position.  So homing the Z Axis is a must for this to work well for you.
This will set every tool to the same position (your tool setter).  So you can (and need to) set your Z Work Offset with any tool that has been touched off.
You MUST have your Tool Height Offset active when you set your Z Work Offset. 
You MUST have your Tool Height Offset active when you set your Z Work Offset.
You MUST have your Tool Height Offset active when you set your Z Work Offset.

The rotating tool probe will use the diameter value in the tool table.  So be sure to put something in there if you intend to use that one. 
It will offset half of the diameter and rotate CCW and probe slow.  This is for tools tool large for the tool setter (exp:  Face Mills)

You will see variables inside the code that you will need to change for yourself.
Tool Setter X and Y positions. 
Feedrate for fast probe and slow probe.
Lift Height after fast probe.
ETC.....
Just be sure to adjust to your own needs. 

I also use G31 instead of G28 so I be sure you have something 0.000 in #5183 (I think it's #5183) so it will go to Z Home; or change it to G28, or take it out and make sure you put a safe Z in there first.

USE AT YOUR OWN RISK. 
I am using Mach4 Hobby so I'm not able to do conditions in the Macro Program for safety checks. 
Check the macro manually first.  Get it set up, hit the probe button and press the tool setter manually and be sure everything works.
As always when using CNC Machines, be safe and diligent.   

164

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: Colombo Spindle help

« on: March 15, 2021, 08:50:10 AM »

I haven't used the ESS in quite some time; so I'm not the best to help you on this, however, I do know that when I was using the ESS all the signal voltages are 5VDC, so you should be fine there.  The two pulses shouldn't be an issue either, you will just have to double your feedback since I'm pretty sure the ESS is only for single point feedback. 
If you're getting readings that are all over the place, you may be having noise issues from your VFD.   Again, someone that uses the ESS regularly will need to hop on here and help you out more with this.

165

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: 4612 Build

« on: March 11, 2021, 09:06:37 AM »

Going from Mach3 to Mach4, the multi line MDI is awesome!  I understand where you're coming from for convivence; but that's about it, a simple convenience.  That IMHO doesn't outweigh the fact that I can now go to the machine and set a quick multi line MDI command and run a small job or have a small fix without having to go into CAM or the Turning Wizards if I'm on the lathe.    But I do feel like this is getting off the main topic of the thread.  Build 4612. 

166

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: Mach4 Error in debug window, zero motor data changes???

« on: February 15, 2021, 02:53:30 PM »

I've not seen that issue before.
Reach out to Vital Systems Support. 
They usually get back with me within a day and are very helpful.

167

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: How to Post processor for Turn-Mill Mach4

« on: February 08, 2021, 09:26:44 AM »

If you're using a lathe, try the fanuc turning. 

168

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: How to Post processor for Turn-Mill Mach4

« on: February 08, 2021, 08:28:43 AM »

You may be able to get away with using one of the fanuc post processors to utilize the milling capabilities. 

169

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: Lathe Profile Randomly Closes Mach4

« on: February 03, 2021, 10:39:09 AM »

I'll bring some pizza! HAHA

170

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: Lathe Profile Randomly Closes Mach4

« on: February 03, 2021, 10:31:50 AM »

I forgot to mention, the 4599 build of Mach4 took care of the problem of Mach4 randomly closing.  Or at least it has run for over 2 days without an issue.