Messages

111

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: Add a laser to my CNC

« on: December 19, 2015, 10:06:55 PM »

They have a newer version http://3dsupplysource.com/L-CheapoV3

112

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: Add a laser to my CNC

« on: December 19, 2015, 09:06:06 PM »

I was thinking about adding this one http://3dsupplysource.com/L-Cheapo

113

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: Add a laser to my CNC

« on: December 19, 2015, 10:21:17 AM »

I use Vcarve pro for my CAD and toolpaths. I will see if they have an A axis for laser on. I guess I would need a relay to go from 5V on an output to 12V for the laser. I do have extra outputs on my PMDX board that I could use.

114

Mach4 General Discussion / Add a laser to my CNC

« on: December 18, 2015, 09:02:15 PM »

This is probably a stupid question 

How do I add a laser to my existing CNC. More specifically how do I activate the laser? I thought about doing it with a micro switch and when the Z axis reaches a certain point it provides power. I have a 12V light on the router head that is connected to a jack. I could use this. I am sure there is a more elegant way of doing this in Mach 4.

115

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: Auto Tool Zero

« on: December 13, 2015, 09:59:08 PM »

Check out the other auto tool zero thread. It worked for me.

116

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: Use probing for tool zeroing

« on: December 13, 2015, 03:31:33 PM »

ok updated to set z axis on probe touch

Code: [Select]

local ToolSetter = 15.7 -- change to your toolsetter height
mc.mcCntlGcodeExecuteWait(0,"G91 G31 Z-15 F40") -- change feedrate and depth to suit
mc.mcCntlGcodeExecuteWait(0,"G91 Z2 F40") -- change feedrate and retract to suit
mc.mcCntlGcodeExecuteWait(0,"G91 G31 Z-3 F10") -- change feedrate to suit
mc.mcAxisSetPos(0, mc.Z_AXIS, ToolSetter) -- set dro to height of toolsetter
mc.mcCntlGcodeExecuteWait(0,"G91 Z5 F40") -- change feedrate and retract to suit, use this Z rectract value for line 7
wx.wxMessageBox("Remove ToolSetter") -- remove if needed
mc.mcCntlGcodeExecuteWait(0,"G90 Z0 F50") -- move tool to zero,  change feedrate to suit
Daz

Daz - Works Great for me. THANKS - this makes my life better!!!

117

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: Use probing for tool zeroing

« on: November 30, 2015, 07:47:43 PM »

http://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php?topic=30396.0;wap2

I will see if I can sort my way through this later this week.

Thanks

118

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: Use probing for tool zeroing

« on: November 30, 2015, 04:17:20 PM »

I looked for tool height probing macro b on the forum and in the toolbox and did not find anything.

Any suggestions where I can find this?

119

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: Use probing for tool zeroing

« on: November 30, 2015, 10:09:45 AM »

I do it manually with a piece of paper. Would love to see auto tool zeroing working.

I can get G32 to work with my probing plate, but have not been able to get auto tool zeroing to work.

120

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: Router Bit dragging to the cutting are.

« on: November 29, 2015, 01:50:33 PM »

On version 8 of Vcarve the options are on the right side on the top of the toolpaths. (see graphic) Older versions put it under the work setup.

I would also put in home switches. M4 really likes to be homed before it starts. You then set your X=0, Y=0, and Z=0. above your workpiece. There is a button that reads Mach coord. if you click on this it will show you where the machine thinks it is located from the home position. The work offsets are where the machine thinks it needs to start for your work piece.