Messages

21

General Mach Discussion / Re: When should a computer be upgraded for cnc?

« on: June 03, 2006, 10:15:28 PM »

Mr Hood:
So I can assume that my current computer should handle Mach3 for quite some time then.  I guess my limitations will probably be with my designing software. Maybe a separate computer for that purpose may be the answer in the future.
Talk to you later.

22

General Mach Discussion / When should a computer be upgraded for cnc?

« on: June 03, 2006, 07:16:25 PM »

I have tested Mach3 using my older 1000mhz system going thru a Logitrol stepper package for my cnc router.  I has worked perfectly. Did not need to go & fine tune anything.  Before I fully register & purchase Mach3 should I consider updating/upgrading my computer?
Would appreciate any thoughts & comments on this.
Thanks.

23

General Mach Discussion / Re: What file extension should I use for Mach3

« on: June 03, 2006, 07:09:14 PM »

Thanks Brian:
The Mach2.cnc file extension worked perfect.  I also tried Gcode inch.tap & it worked fine as well.  The code text was slightly different  between the two but had the same results.

The forum has been great thanks.

24

General Mach Discussion / What file extension should I use for Mach3

« on: June 03, 2006, 12:03:20 AM »

I have the opportunity to have someone design some projects for me in ArtCam8.
When we went to export file to a different (than ArtCam native format) a list came up with many file extension choices.
Just wondering if anyone would know which is the best one to chose?
Many different choices of (*.tap)
one for Mach2 (*.cnc)
many with the words "g-code" (several different extensions)

When I find the right extension & load the file into Mach3, will I need to do anything extra or can I just go ahead & run the file?

Thanks.

25

General Mach Discussion / Re: DXF to G-code oddities (new to this stuff)

« on: May 30, 2006, 11:24:04 PM »

I am just loading up the DXF from the file menu in Mach3 then I use the built-in g-code convertor, then I load the new g-code file & run from there.
LCam?  I have not downloaded that.
Thanks.

26

General Mach Discussion / DXF to G-code oddities (new to this stuff)

« on: May 30, 2006, 10:02:48 PM »

When I design/draw something (simple) in TurboCad, import that file, then convert to g-code within Mach3, it will not run.  It displays a message about line "O".  It appears to be a file name.  When I edit out that line it works fine.
How can I avoid getting that problem/message everytime?
Also it appears that Mach3 makes some assumptions about the Z axis.  Can I go somewhere within Mach3 and setup some default parameters as per how I would generally cut my projects so when I do a g-code conversion it codes accordingly?

I have looked at the offsets screen and I need to learn a few things (of course & it will never end). All I want to do is offset my tool so that when the project is cut the final project actually is the size as drawn.

One other thing for now. 
I drew a 3 inch diameter circle & cut it.  I drew a 2 X 4 retangle & cut it.  Both were g-code converted thru Mach3.  Here's the weird thing.  The circle cut clock-wise & the square cut counter-clock-wise. Why is this?

Thanks.

27

General Mach Discussion / Re: Testing Mach3 with difficulties

« on: May 25, 2006, 05:16:48 PM »

Thanks.
I realilzed that I had to re-draw toolpaths on each screen that I was moving back & forth from. Then everything worked.
As for not being able to Run/Start the test programs from the toolpath screen (using on screen buttons or my pendent control) was probably due to some corruption that had happened early.
Thanks for guiding me the right direction.

28

General Mach Discussion / Re: Testing Mach3 with difficulties

« on: May 24, 2006, 08:26:58 PM »

Thanks, but I redrew the toolpath many times, no change.
I will watch closer next time I am messing around with multiple files.
Maybe I just pushed too many buttons.

Any comments on the following:
I also noticed that from the Toolpaths screen (not yet registered to full versiom)I was not able to run/start the programs from my pendent control, I had to switch back to the main screen.
Also, while the program is running the green line on the toolpath does not follow/correspond with the original drawing lines.  What is normal here ?
Thanks.

29

General Mach Discussion / Testing Mach3 with difficulties

« on: May 23, 2006, 11:25:25 PM »

As per the tutorial suggesting using the Roadrunner.tap for testing purposes.  That worked fine.  Closed out that file & selected a different g-code file from the Mach3/G-Code folder. That worked fine. Tested another one. That's when the problems arouse.  I loaded the Roadrunner file back up but when I Run the program all I got was something totally diiferent. I am assuming it was one of the last programs I ran.  The g-code & the roadrunner toolpaths were on the screen but that is not what I was air-cutting.  I had to re-boot the computor to get the Roadrunner program to work properly.
Am I not closing out the previous program properly or is there something wrong with my system ?
I also noticed that from the Toolpaths screen I was not able to run/start the programs from my pendent control, I had to switch back to the main screen.
Also, while the program is running the green line on the toolpath does not follow/correspond with the original drawing lines.  What is normal here ?
Thanks.

30

G-Code, CAD, and CAM discussions / Re: Plus or Minus ? What is the norm ?

« on: May 23, 2006, 07:42:32 PM »

Thanks all.  Starting to make better sense.
If I start a project in the middle of my axis travel and the center of my project, then I could easily have some negative values. Correct?

I seem to still have problems setting my Z info.  I run a test DXF & my Z does weird things.  Still missing something in the Z stuff.

I have just played with Mach3 for only a very short time.  I have been looking for someone in the Calgary, Alberta, Canada area that could maybe spend some time with me in the training side.
Thanks again.