Messages

11

General Mach Discussion / Re: pocketing issues

« on: March 18, 2017, 06:21:01 PM »

Hey thanks for the replies,
I will try to answer the questions / solutions posed.
Yes they are the nema stepper motors 23 oz (?).   I have done the pocket at 100 ipm and recently at 40 ipm with the same result, a small shelf on the right side.  I had done the measurement method to determine the steps per and came up with 1366.767132 for the X axis (assuming it is the X axis in question)  the most recent pocket operation was done in two paths, each 1/8" deep. Other than that, I do not know how to check the current for the motors, assuming a loose joint is just a loose connection be it hardware or wire, and Not sure what "trammed" is.  I will be searching that next and figuring on doing a recalculation on the steps per.
Again, Thanks and appreciate the help!
rockaukum

12

General Mach Discussion / pocketing issues

« on: March 17, 2017, 05:22:13 PM »

I have been trying to do some pocket cuts for inlay work.  Using a 1/8" bit and going 1/4" deep with multiple passes.  It appears that on each pass the cut has moved to the left a mall amount.  So if it takes three passes (cuts) to get to the final depth requested, there are two little shelfs on the right side of the pocket.  No shelf on the left side (or top and bottom) as the last cut at the final depth cuts from the surface to bottom as the bit shifts(?).  So, Any ideas on what is happening and how to go about fixing this issue?
Thanks for the help!
rockaukum

13

FAQs / Re: In need of confirmation on limit switch wiring.

« on: February 27, 2017, 07:29:03 PM »

Just in case someone is still looking around here....
I temporarily wired the six switches.  I currently have used a separate pin for each axis, X=P10, Y=P11, and Z=P12.  I have run the router and manually tripped each axis with success.  Here is the current issue that is in need of help:
When I hit the "REF HOME" the Y axis starts to move however the Right Stepper travels toward home while there is NO movement on the Left Stepper, then the Right Stepper stalls out.  I hit the emergency stop and then reset. I then use the keyboard to move the router and it seems to work just fine.  All "seems" to be operating good until I hit the "Ref Home"...
What am I missing?
Any help would be great!
ra

14

FAQs / In need of confirmation on limit switch wiring.

« on: February 21, 2017, 08:10:47 PM »

I have purchased a used cnc router and am about to instal limit switches. The machine is running Mach3.  I have read the "hot topic" posting on limit switches and believe I have it figured out but would like some confirmation that it is correct.  This machine has a ST-V3 board and I was able to locate a diagram on it to identify which  pin is what.  I am also waiting on two E-Stop buttons and want to install these as well. My plan is to put these in series all through one pin (pin10) and return to the ground pin, then use pin 13 for the e-stop button.  I am also under the impression I will be able to use these switches as homing switches and soft limits.
Here is a photo of the board that is with the system:
here is the diagram I found that identifies the pins:
Here is a crude diagram of my plan on wiring this up:
My questions are, does this look correct? Is there a different / better way? My hope is to add future items to the machine such as spindle speed and a touch off plate.
Any help is greatly appreciated!

15

Newfangled Solutions Mach3 Wizards / Re: Problems with calibrating Z axis

« on: January 31, 2017, 02:38:32 PM »

UPDATE:
I got it figured out.  It must have been way off in the previous calibration as the Z kept going to the stops.  So I did the calibration again with the requested movement set at 1/8" instead of 2"  Hit okay and sat with my finger on the stop button.  It moved and stopped on its own.  Entered the measured movement and calibrated again.  After two more calibrations, i had repeatable results.  I'm happy with that however now the damn thing moves a pace slower than a snail.  I over rode the speed on the screen to complete the cut.  I got an abnormality error which states: List of Abnormalities, G90/G91 State.  Any suggestions on what that means?
Time for more reading to get the speed issues dialed in...
rockaukum

16

Newfangled Solutions Mach3 Wizards / Re: Problems with calibrating Z axis

« on: January 31, 2017, 01:29:24 PM »

So...
I confirm the machine is set for inches.  Good there.
Then for kicks, I go and do a calibration again.
X & Y are good as before.
Z however moves the full range without stopping whereas before it either moved a slight amount or none at all. I stop the process as i do not have limit switches, yet!
I did not build this machine so I do not know the details.  I am trying to establish the steps per inch for a starting point.  The motors are 425 oz. in., 1.8*/200 steps per rev.  (Automated Technologies inc. KL23H286-20-8B)   How do I determine if this is set up with any microstepping, and if it is, how do I determine what the value is?
Doing a lot of reading and finding a lot of information, just not what I need (I think I need)
Thanks,
rockaukum

17

Newfangled Solutions Mach3 Wizards / Re: Problems with calibrating Z axis

« on: January 31, 2017, 10:59:22 AM »

Tweakie.cnc,
Thanks for the reply.  I believe mine is set up in inches under the configure tab.  Makes even more sense as the X&Y are good to go or is there something else that could cause that? Once it is set it is for all axis, correct?  I'll do the calcs to get a starting point as well.
Thanks again,
rockaukum

18

Newfangled Solutions Mach3 Wizards / Problems with calibrating Z axis

« on: January 31, 2017, 02:02:49 AM »

Hello,
New to this cnc stuff and do not fully understand this stuff and in need of assistance.  I ran a cut that was designed in Inkscape, converted with Sheetcam and run via Mach3.  The program cut where it was supposed to however when it was supposed to raise the Z axis, it did only partially or none at all.  I went to calibrate the motors.  First the X, it was off by 1.25" on a five inch test.  Did the calibration several more times and got it settled down.  Next was the Y axis.  It was spot on.  Lastly the Z axis.  I set it for two inches, the motor came alive at least in sound but did not move but 1/8".  I set the value and tried again.  The motor sounded but no movement.  I put mach3 back to the first screen and manually moved the Z with the page up / page down buttons.  Z moved without any issues at all.  So the question is...  What is going on?  Any help with this would be great!  I took a measurement of the cut and it was 3/16" deep with the code requesting 1/8".
If any additional information is needed to help with this, please ask and I'll do my best to get it.  Please keep in mind my limited knowledge but eager to learn.
Thanks much!
rockaukum

19

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: New people welcome !! Come in here and introduce your self!

« on: January 17, 2017, 09:42:54 PM »

Yep,  another new member.  Have been looking around here and other sites looking for  answers to the many questions I have!  I am retired, or in a more sympathetic tone, unemployed.  My passion is with the family and skiing.  I have been making my own skis for about ten years now.  When I started making skis, I had the pleasure to visit and observe another making skis and he had built his own CNC.  I was impressed and needless to say... I have wanted to have my own since.  That time has come and I purchased one. 4x8 with Mach3.  Finding out that this one has it share of gremlins.  Been knee deep for the past several days and am struggling but am determined to get through this!  Stand by as I review further into this site looking for answers and or posting questions in the appropriate places.  In my previous visits i have come to find that those on this site are willing to help and that is great!
ra