Messages

161

General Mach Discussion / Re: Jogging Z axis while machine is cutting

« on: October 14, 2008, 10:07:09 AM »

I missed this topic while searching for exactly this. I already deleted the previous topic i started asking this.

I can get the torch up and torch down leds to light up while runing the program. but the Z axis possition DRO is not changing.

Ill keep trying and let you know...

One thing, as previously mentioned make sure you use unused hotkeys.

Regards
Fernando

162

General Mach Discussion / Re: help Me

« on: October 11, 2008, 07:50:48 PM »

Don Faso,
A quick search in the forum with the keywords laptop AND mach returns quite a few hits, on the first page two threads with information specific to your question:

How to run Mach from a laptop
http://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php/topic,8420.0.html

Laptop requirements with Mach 3
http://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php/topic,5981.0.html

Regards
Fernando

163

General Mach Discussion / Re: help Me

« on: October 11, 2008, 07:45:18 PM »

Yes jjaroo,
when you code by hand, or with a cam software that does not have tool compensation (easy to recognize if they do not ask for tool diameter) the lines traced will be where the center of the cutting tool will move. You have 3 or 4 choices:
1. Code by hand taking this offset in consideration.
2. use a cam software that supports tool compensation.
3. draw your part again in your cam software and just offset the profile by half the tool diameter, and use the CAM program to generate your code again.
4. I dont know if the Gcodes for tool offset were completely implemented, but as jimpindler stated, use the
G40 for the tool center ride on the line.
G41 for your tool to ride on the left of the line
G42 for your tool to ride on the right of the line
assuming you have the diameter already set up inside mach in the tool tables.

cheers

164

General Mach Discussion / Re: help Me

« on: October 11, 2008, 07:50:52 AM »

Im not sure but, was tool diameter compensation implemented without bugs in mach?

Don Fasso,
Welcome to the wonderful and addictive world of CNC, Im sure you will be able to find all the information you need and more in this forum.
As a recommendation:
1. DO read, read and read some more, Start with the mach manual available in the documentation page under the support drop down menu, then go through the forum when you have a specific question, you can use the search function to help you find what you need.
2. see the video tutorials
3. I recommend starting your own thread for posting something new, unless it is relevant to some other thread already in the forum you can post there, two reasons for this: it is not polite to hijack someone elses thread with some other subject, and you will most likely get more help if you post a clear thread subject regarding your question or comment. For example the subject on this thread "Help Me" does not say anything about what would be in the thread, not to be rude, but people that know their stuff(theres a lot of them to mention them) and that actually take their time to help people, do not have the time to go through every thread to see if they can help, so clear subjects related to the post are better.
4. I recommend that if you are new at this whole cnc thing, not just the mach software, join the cnczone forum as well, there is a lot of information there to help us all, as well as a lot of people willing to help.
5. take care, be careful, safety first.
6. enjoy the ride.

regards

Fernando

165

General Mach Discussion / Re: help Me

« on: October 10, 2008, 01:27:33 PM »

Im sorry then,
I cant understand...

166

General Mach Discussion / Re: help Me

« on: October 10, 2008, 01:01:27 PM »

I sorry to say that i am having trouble understanding you too.

But from the little i picked up, i think your problem is compensating for the diameter of your tool.

Say you cut a 100mm x 100mm square and your gcode looks something like this.

F300
G01 X100
G01 Y100
G01 X0
G01 Y0

This will move the center of your cutting tool drawing a 100mm square.
Now if your tool measures... say 10mm in diameter... well your 100mm square will become a 90mm square.

You need to compensate for the tool diameter in your gcode. if you are writing your gcode by hand, then compensate by hand, otherwise any descent CAM software will do it for you.

Hope this is what you are meaning.
Regards
Fernando

167

Mach Screens / Re: Custom onscreen keyboard

« on: October 09, 2008, 04:39:21 PM »

Thanks Zealous....
I found another one, might be better and just costs 19 bucks or so... Comfort On-screen keyboard

168

Mach Screens / Custom onscreen keyboard

« on: October 09, 2008, 10:54:15 AM »

Hello guys,

i was thinking of using the TAB screen to make an onscreen keyboard. just the used Keys in CNC, (G, M, F, S, P, -, numbers... etc...)

Ive seen the shell command to open the OSK from windows, but it is not too friendly for touchscreens.

is it possible to make this without flash?

Or maybe a standalone onscreen keyboard i could call from the shell but that is touchscreen friendly... and customizable to remove non used keys...

Regards
Fernando

169

Mach Screens / Re: Why the black screens?

« on: October 06, 2008, 10:03:47 AM »

hey Zealous
Its been a long time since ive head about your packages.
Still offering them?
How many packs were you able to do?

Regards
Fernando

170

Mach Screens / Re: Video Plug in button or window

« on: October 06, 2008, 09:00:18 AM »

Im interested to see if this is possible too