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Messages - MikeSibley

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1
Mach4 General Discussion / Re: Newbie question
« on: October 19, 2023, 07:57:05 PM »
Thank you very much.  I am learning, just trying to get educated on how to do these things! I appreciate it!

2
Mach4 General Discussion / Newbie question
« on: October 16, 2023, 10:28:48 AM »
I'm running a Avid Pro 48x96 using Mach 4.  I am trying to learn to make things more efficient.  When I do a tool change, and have to use the touch plate to set the bit height, I have to jog the bit over from it's ending point (I assume to be 0,0) to jog the machine to center the bit on the touch plate which takes time.  I am sure that I could add a script or change something to have the bit end on the previous g-code to stop over the center of the touch plate in the x and y plane.

Any advice on how to accomplish this?

3
Mach4 General Discussion / Re: Z Axis losing reference point
« on: September 19, 2022, 07:56:25 PM »
Okay, issue is identified.  There was an update to Mach4 that corrected this problem.  I reached out to Avid and there was an issue with the original Mach4, so I updated and cut and it is perfect.  I really think it was an issue with a interface between Mach4 and Windows.  Personally, I use a MACbook Pro and just in my opinion, Windows is the worst program ever stolen from IBM.  It's pretty bad.

I want to thank everyone for trying to help me.  It was a great outpouring of help and suggestions.

Mike

4
Mach4 General Discussion / Re: Question on upgrade
« on: September 17, 2022, 07:03:58 PM »
Thanks, I do have 4.2.  Just trying to keep up to date as I am having trouble with some of the 3-D models. (see post below)

Mike

5
Mach4 General Discussion / Re: Question on upgrade
« on: September 17, 2022, 04:14:21 PM »
Thank you, sir!

6
Mach4 General Discussion / Question on upgrade
« on: September 17, 2022, 03:23:05 PM »
I purchased Mach4 with my AvidCNC machine about a year and a half ago.  I've noticed that there is now a version 2 of Mach 4.  Should I upgrade to that version?  If I do, does my existing license cover the cost or do I have to purchase a new license?  I have been having some issues with 3-D models, so I'm just thinking that it might be worthwhile to upgrade.

Your thoughts would be appreciated.

Mike

7
Mach4 General Discussion / Re: Z Axis losing reference point
« on: September 17, 2022, 10:07:18 AM »
Photo 3

8
Mach4 General Discussion / Re: Z Axis losing reference point
« on: September 17, 2022, 10:06:49 AM »
Photo 2

9
Mach4 General Discussion / Re: Z Axis losing reference point
« on: September 17, 2022, 10:06:17 AM »
Photo 1

10
Mach4 General Discussion / Z Axis losing reference point
« on: September 17, 2022, 10:03:14 AM »
Hey folks, I first apologize if this has been discussed before, but I have a significant problem that is just beyond my skill level.  Second, I apologize for the length of this post as without the proper description, it won't make true sense.  I would appreciate any comments toward finding a solution.

Basic parameters.  I'm running an AvidCNC 48x96 with an independent Lenovo PC.  I work with Vectic Aspire v11 and use a separate computer for design and place the g-code file (with the proper post processor) to a thumb drive and load that onto the Lenovo with the Mach 4 to drive the CNC.

I downloaded one of the project files, the Vectric Buffalo Nickel Bank, made no modifications to the file (other than inserting the correct bit feeds and speeds) and cut it with the following toolpaths, 1) 3D roughing .25 endmill, then 1/8 inch tapered ball nose, then a 1/16 tapered ball nose for rest machining (handled by Aspire). Both heads and tails of the nickel are cut from one board in the same toolpath on a board that I have planed to the proper thickness, so I know that there are no discrepancies in material thickness.

The first cut of the tapered ball nose, using an offset toolpath.  into the toolpath, for whatever reason, the Z-height changed leaving a pronounced difference.  Even though I knew it was incorrect, I used the touch-plate to zero the next smaller ball nose and it cut the depth properly but it looks horrible since the z height was off.

So, I thought that maybe this was associated with the offset toolpath and switched to a raster toolpath.  Well, same issue occurred.  I don't think that this is an issue with the actual model as hundreds of those have been cut and I don't know of any complaints about the model on that forum.  I tried to post photos but it won't let me.  Any suggestion or advice would be appreciated.

Would you folks think that this is a Mach4 issue or an Aspire issue? 

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