Messages

11

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: Is there a way to disallow M03 for specific tool numbers, like the probe?

« on: June 12, 2022, 09:42:31 AM »

My little probe has a wire, I am just not cool enough I guess.

I can make the tool change pause and ask the operator to connect the wires or disconnect when unloading. That part was easy. What I am afraid of is there will be a script that will try to machine with the tool number that is the probe.

In my case, the master tool is tool 1 thus the probe is tool one, right? I never want to start machining with my probe by accident so is there a way to check before M03 is executed to see if tool 1 is loaded and abort?

Right now if I execute a script that tries to machine with tool 1 it will ask me to hook the wires up and then it will check if the connection is closed and if so, proceed merrily along to tear up my wire and probe by spinning it up to 24k RPM. I imagine it would make a serious mess.

Thanks!

Check this https://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php?topic=46206.0

12

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: stepperunitcalculatorbasics

« on: January 18, 2022, 09:39:32 PM »

I am having issues with this wizard function not working right now. I select the distance and speed and axis and when I hit the move button it doesn't move or seem to do anything. Is there something I am doing wrong or is there a known glitch with that particular wizard?

If you have problems work with the wizard just don't use it and do it manual.
With that formula you can find what you want.

Current steps Per Unit / Distance actually traveled * Distance should travel = New Steps Per Unit

13

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: 3D Surface Digitizing - any software or Mach4 plugins available ?

« on: January 11, 2022, 07:55:27 AM »

As the fellow joeaverage said, https://www.autoleveller.co.uk/, by far the best i see until now. Just for mach4 need to add two macros. The Mach4 plugin surface, it change the machine surface until it disable it, i try it once i find it confusing and left it alone.

14

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: Mach4 Lathe: Is elliptical turning possible?

« on: December 30, 2021, 03:58:20 AM »

I don't think the spindle needs to be a servo. The lathe in the video has an induction motor driven by a VFD. But the spindle have an encoder with hall, same as mine. He uses LinuxCNC though.

https://youtu.be/z6dK41_usfQ?t=281

As i said you need a way to use your spindle as movement and not speed. Don't believe that worth to try with encoders e.t.c

To do something like that with encoder, you need to have a high resolution encoder not just a hal to know where exactly is the spindle. That info need to know mach4 and use is as an Axis ( A, C e.tc.) or have some kind script/plugin to use that info when you want.

If is possible, yes i believe it is, if it worth it, i think not.

The video is turn cutting with rpm sensing and the 1st video was face cutting like a mill.

Ofc someone maybe know more..

15

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: Mach4 Lathe: Is elliptical turning possible?

« on: December 29, 2021, 04:10:22 PM »

Something like this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cP2OD6XbZw4

You need to change your post-processor to mill-turn and your lathe need to have 3 axis. You must change the spindle motor to a servo or something to make movement than speed. Mach4 and solidworks-solidcam is capable for this, no plugin need.

16

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: Mach4 Lathe: Is elliptical turning possible?

« on: December 29, 2021, 02:30:23 PM »

I use SolidWorks & SolidCAM and Mach4 for my simple 2 axis lathe.

Looks like SolidCAM can not do elliptic so wonder if there is a plugin like software for Mach4 that allows one ellipse turning?

What you mean elliptic? Fillet? Arc?
Why not solidcam can't?
If you can upload an example to see.

17

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: Two (different) machines, same computer

« on: December 28, 2021, 03:28:06 AM »

sorry my mis understanding 

No problem, as i know you can't run multiple machines in one pc same time. All would love and done if was possible , one thought but not try or research yet is small pc to each machine and one screen with multiple views.

18

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: Two (different) machines, same computer

« on: December 26, 2021, 05:15:07 PM »

How are you accomplishing this can you please let me know how you have this set up??

thank you

Just create a shortcut of Mach4 for each profile and right click - properties - target = C:\Mach4Hobby\Mach4GUI.exe /p "your_profile_name" (without quotes)
or load your machine profile from Mach4 Loader.

All my controllers have fixed ip and i just put the same to all, when i connect the machine i want to control i click to the profile i want to load. Nothing more, all settings stored in the profile folder.

19

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: Laser offset relative to Router spindle

« on: December 23, 2021, 05:57:08 AM »

I just saw this VERY valuable video, and I think it will answer a lot of my questions
Mach4 Screen Editing & new screen features for CNC laser support including laser touch plate support

I for tool offset i use G10 L20 P0 X* Y*, maybe will help you that too.

20

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: PROBLEM WITH LASER START-UP POWER WITH PMW MACH4 AND POKEYS

« on: December 10, 2021, 08:31:40 AM »

I opened a ticket at polabs but I want the latest versions if you want?

I message you..