Messages

471

General Mach Discussion / Re: Y-axis not moving

« on: December 12, 2011, 11:21:37 AM »

I using Artcam Jewelry to create some 2D and 3D design, my problem is l don't know which file l should export to Mach3 as my G-code.

Hi, Ben,

I would certainly think for the money spent on that software, ArtCam would have a Post Processor program included or at least help from their "support" or possibly their forum?

Dave

472

Show"N"Tell ( Your Machines) / Re: Conect 121 lathe retro

« on: December 08, 2011, 03:27:43 PM »

You do nice work there, Hood. The keyboard looks very "clean" and I would imagine it will take a bit of getting used to. Happy with the quality?

Thanks for sharing-
Dave

473

General Mach Discussion / Re: So. Cal. G-code teacher needed

« on: December 07, 2011, 05:22:20 AM »

Just a thought for you. Since you're already very knowledgeable about machining, I highly recommend Peter Smids GCode books as they're excellent and very comprehensive.

There's also a wealth of information for free on the web these days so jsut dive in 

Dave

474

General Mach Discussion / Re: Question about using 5 axis Mastercam X4 with Mach3

« on: December 07, 2011, 05:19:17 AM »

You actually have to have the correct Post Processor set up in MasterCam to put out the proper GCode for your particular machine.

You'll want to look at the instructions in MasterCam for that info as I'm sure they have a Post Processor program to do this. If not, you'll want to speak to the representative/dealer where you purchased MasterCam to help you with that.

Dave

475

General Mach Discussion / Re: Y-axis not moving

« on: December 07, 2011, 05:10:14 AM »

Actually you'll want to upload the actual file using the "Additional Options" arrow at the bottom of the reply box on the reply page when you reply.

You'll click the arrow and use the attachments area to upload the xml.

Be sure to make a copy of your xml file and rename it to something like Ben1977xml.xml to be sure it will load on this forum as the name has to be unique or the forum will not accept it.

Dave

476

FAQs / Re: Machine Limits

« on: December 07, 2011, 05:06:08 AM »

Actually, if you have limits set up, it's "normal" practice is to reference the machine every time you start it up to "home" the machine to a known position. This way your limits are always in the same place.

With that said, some do not use limit switches at all and just "zero" the machine where they would like it to be zero'd using a reference point on the material or table for each job.  This means you would not set up any limit switch settings in Mach 3 and then when "Ref all" is hit, it just zeros the position in the current location.

Dave

477

General Mach Discussion / Re: looking for a circular pocket wizard video

« on: December 07, 2011, 04:54:03 AM »

A few things to look at:

-Is it a "true" circle (measure the diameter in a few places)?
-Have you confirmed your steps per inch settings for your motors to be sure they're correct?
-Accurate measurment of the endmill?

Dave

478

Finished Plugins for Download / Re: LCD DRo plugin Gravitech board

« on: December 06, 2011, 04:51:13 AM »

Understood.

Thanks,
Dave

479

Newfangled Solutions Mach3 Wizards / Re: Machine jumps when in program and looking at last wizard

« on: December 06, 2011, 04:47:55 AM »

Ray,

The problem with that is simply that all computers are not equal (not even close), so even if it happens to run perfectly for someone else, does not mean it will work for you.

That is one of the drawbacks in this case.
Dave

480

Finished Plugins for Download / Re: LCD DRo plugin Gravitech board

« on: December 05, 2011, 08:32:38 PM »

Actually I just have 00:00 on the LCD DRO, not the 00:00:00 that I have in Mach 3. Is that an easy switch? I don't need the 00:00:00:00.

Thanks,
Dave