Messages

811

Share Your GCode / Re: machining a face

« on: July 20, 2008, 08:40:19 PM »

So, what your asking for is a 3d model of a face that you can import into disastercam? If you feel the method on vectric was over your head, I'm afraid you might just find out that MC is far from friendly. My experiences with it always is, anyhow. It seems to be very finicky with imported models. My best results importing have been with nurbs models, which happens to be the way most models are NOT created. They instead are usually made using a polygonal mesh. I have played with the fully functional trial version of MESHCAM, and was impressed. It might do what you want, with a whole lot less headache. Download a model, open it, make your toolpaths, go machine it. If you know a reliable way of importing surfaces from a poly model easily with MC, I'm all ears. Please, do tell.
 Now, on the other hand, if your trying to use Mastercam Art, and using a picture or a clipart image of a face, that's a different method and can of worms altogether. Good luck on your quest.

812

Show"N"Tell ( What you have made with your CNC machine.) / Re: RC scale airplane propeller blades.

« on: July 20, 2008, 02:04:58 PM »

Is it still part of the Autodesk stable

No, I don't think so.

you make a drawing in autodesk and it'll be saved as a IAM or IPT or something like that and CUT3D can import this and convert it to GCode

Yep, that's pretty much it, in a nutshell. Have a look at the features here...http://www.vectric.com/WebSite/Vectric/cut3d/c3d_features.htm
Turbines would likely be done with a 5 axis, due to their complex curvature.

813

Show"N"Tell ( What you have made with your CNC machine.) / Re: Some Jewelry

« on: July 19, 2008, 08:39:58 PM »

ummmm......wow. What is the typical machine time of a ring like the Iron Pig? I had a look at your site. Outstanding work from all of you.

814

Show"N"Tell ( What you have made with your CNC machine.) / Re: RC scale airplane propeller blades.

« on: July 19, 2008, 08:23:56 PM »

does the 'mesh' mean this was done with some sort of scanning then reproduction ?

I designed them in Discreet Plasma and made the G-code with Vectric Cut3D

Discreet's Plasma software is/was a 3D application. Vectic's Cut3D will take these models (A.K.A. "meshes") that were created in Plasma, and create G-code to manufacture them.
You could indeed "scan" some blades and make replicas that way. You could also use a digitizing probe and again make replicas. If you model them yourself, the design options are limitless.

Would you form the root of the blade whilst it was still in a block of wood form then clamp the root in your 4th axis

A 4th axis is not required, and was not used, as you can see from his video.

815

Show"N"Tell ( What you have made with your CNC machine.) / Re: Bird

« on: July 06, 2008, 06:43:12 PM »

What is beaver puke?

LOL....particle board, mdf, or anything else of that nature.

816

Show"N"Tell ( What you have made with your CNC machine.) / Bird

« on: July 05, 2008, 08:23:57 PM »

I was testing out a design today and thought I would share. It's made in beaver puke.
1/4" Roughing pass


0.078" Ballnose


#00 center-drill


End result


and a short clip in wmv format. 2MB
http://sinistersam.com/gallery2/d/445-1/1.wmv

817

General Mach Discussion / Re: Why did this bad cut happen??

« on: July 01, 2008, 02:19:31 AM »

If this is a part you make more than just one of, it might pay to insert an optional stop (M1) in the code to allow replacement of clamps and such. This would also allow you to do other things while the machine is cutting, and not be standing there ready to hit the feed hold.

818

General Mach Discussion / Re: Hot Stepper Motor

« on: June 30, 2008, 06:23:58 PM »

An hour and a half is plenty enough time for them to get hot. I would not worry myself with it. If its worked good for you, then great. Do keep it in the back of your mind though, in case a problem should arise in the future.

819

General Mach Discussion / Re: Hot Stepper Motor

« on: June 30, 2008, 11:12:32 AM »

Resistor values needed are not an exact science. A close value will do fine. 2.5A calls for 27k. Those 6A motors SHOULD have a 270k resistor. Do your motors get hot? Do the drivers get hot or kick out easily?

820

General Mach Discussion / Re: Motor Tuning - Mach3

« on: June 30, 2008, 10:58:24 AM »

I would definitely recommend that you watch the tutorial videos, AND read the manual several times over to get a good basic understanding of everything. People are more than willing to help around here when they can, but its hard to explain things when the other person doesn't understand the basics. When somebody says "Sherline mode", you will remember seeing that in the video and you can go watch it again. The manuals go into pretty good depth on most things, so at least just scan through it a few times and pick up on the basics. Help us to help you.