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Messages - BobsShop

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151
Mike,

I don't use MasterCam so I can't address your specific problems, but I have had similar "circles," crop up in dxf files I have imported from CADX!! (a much less robust program than MC).  Not a solution, but as a precaution, I always run through any new code without the mill running - use the arrow key line-by-line approach - and watch for errant movements in the toolpath windows.  It may not be an elegant solution, but it has saved me from machine crashes.

Good luck with your work.

Bob @ BobsShop - Digiting his way through yet another fine mess he got himself into.

152
I had already purchased one of the small cams mentioned previously (MicroInnovations) and then Arnie made me a shaft to use with it.  The shaft is really nice - Arnie does nice work.

I did encounter a couple of problems  that I thought might be of concern to someone else using a webcam with Mach 3.  Sometimes the cam would not turn on - that happened both outside of Mach3 and when Mach3 was running.  Other times Mach3 would freeze up after using the cam and I could not do anything.  Lot of trial and errors trying to figure out the cause.   After a lot of thought I stumbled on to the following:

Go into Control Panel and open Internet Options, then go Advanced and scroll down to Security - Look at the "Allow active content to run in files on my computer."  If this item is not checked, check it to make the option active.  I have not had any problems running the cam since I did that.

Although I can use a dial indicator to find center, using the cam is a treat and saves me from having to contort my neck and head trying to see the dial.  I also am learing to jog the computer with a little more precision while using the cam and plan to use it as a visual edge finder while tracing paths in the conversational mode.


Bob @ BobsShop  Next stop - Anyone for eye surgery using the cam, Mach3, and a cnc mill?  ::)  Nah!

153
General Mach Discussion / Re: software to convert to .dxf file type
« on: March 05, 2007, 07:36:24 AM »
Will,

I use an unlimited  free version of Cadx11 it is available on-line @ http://www.graytechsoftware.com/.  The software will generate dxf files and, although I have not done so, says it will import IGES files.   Documentation is lacking, and some people don't like its quirkiness.  It has worked well for me.  I have used to draw various items with success.  Private mail me and I will send you some sample of dxf files I have made.   Material I am working in is aluminum .25 to .50 thick.  Parts as large as 5.5" X 8.0" and smaller.  The parts have had to be accurate enough that mounting holes match to specs on preexisting items.

Bob @ BobsShop - No association with CADX or GrayTech Software

154
LazyCam (Beta) / Re: LCAM posting with Plasma mode as the default
« on: March 03, 2007, 05:13:13 PM »
Art,

Thanks for looking into the Plasma posting and no M6 or tool change problem.  I downloaded version 53 of Mach 3 (the seperate LazyCam link would not load anything) and everything works like it should again.

I am almost finished with a custom set of forward foot controls for my Harley and will take time to post pics when the last part is made.  After looking at some of the work being done by other Mach3'rs, I feel my accomplishments will look pretty mundane.  But considering my background (over 40 years in the financial services field, no prior tech experience or training),  I am pleased with what I am doing.  While the pieces push the limits of my small Taig mill and they take a while to complete, I find the results satisfying.

Bob@BobsShop - If the sun would come out again, I would ride the Harley instead of studying what to do to it next.

155
LazyCam (Beta) / Re: LCAM posting with Plasma mode as the default
« on: March 01, 2007, 08:56:40 PM »
Brian;

The following is a short piece of code generated by LCAM.  I have tried this on two different brand computers with the same results.  You will note there are no calls to M6 (pause for tool change) or tool numbers in the code.  The LCAM file I was working on did call for two different tool numbers.  Also missing are the correct cut depths.  Two different calls (neither was -.1300) were called for.  LCAM Previous versions of LCAM did make these calls.  As mentioned before,  I have not checked Plasma mode anywhere.

N10 (File ShiftPawII )
N20 (Default Plasma Post)
N30 (File Posted in Mill Mode)
N40 (Thursday, March 01, 2007)
N50 G80 G91.1
N60 G0  Z0.3000
N70 G0  X0.9791  Y0.9966
N80 G0  Z0.1000
N90 M3 (PLasma On)
N100 G1  Z-0.1300  F0.50
N110 G2  X1.3787  Y1.1969  I0.1496  J0.2003  F5.00
N120  X0.9791  Y0.9966  I-0.2500  J0.0000
N130 M5 (Plasma Off)
N140 G0  Z0.3000
N150 G0  X5.0499  Y1.0967
N160 G0  Z0.1000
N170 M3 (PLasma On)
N180 G1  Z-0.1300  F0.50
N190 G2  X5.2497  Y1.1969  I0.0748  J0.1001  F5.00
N200  X5.0499  Y1.0967  I-0.1250  J0.0000
N210 M5 (Plasma Off)
N220 G0  Z0.3000
N230 G0  X3.1191  Y0.1012
N240 G0  Z0.1000
N250 M3 (PLasma On)
N260 G1  Z-0.1300  F0.50
N270 G2  X0.8526  Y0.1441  I-0.9848  J7.8813  F5.00
N280  X1.7532  Y2.0887  I0.2760  J1.0530
N290 G3  X4.8520  Y1.6510  I1.9344  J2.5069
N300 G2  X5.3054  Y0.7004  I0.2720  J-0.4537
N310  X3.1191  Y0.1012  I-3.1710  J7.2821
N320 M5 (Plasma Off)
N330 G0  Z0.3000
N340 G0  X5.3191  Y0.6629
N350 G0  Z0.1000
N360 M3 (PLasma On)
N370 G1  Z-0.1300  F0.50
N380 G2  X0.8425  Y0.1054  I-3.1842  J7.3167  F5.00
N390  X1.7761  Y2.1214  I0.2861  J1.0917
N400 G3  X4.8315  Y1.6853  I1.9123  J2.4763
N410 G2  X5.3191  Y0.6629  I0.2926  J-0.4880
N420 M5 (Plasma Off)
N430 G00  Z0.3000
N440 M5 M9
N450 X0.0 Y0.0
N460 G40 G80

M30

Thanks for looking.

Bob@ BobsShop

156
LazyCam (Beta) / Re: LCAM posting with Plasma mode as the default
« on: March 01, 2007, 05:08:00 AM »
Well, at least I am not alone.  Went into the LCAM xml file and noted that "Plasma," is misspelled "PLAMA.".  Don't know if that could be causing the problem or not.  So far  I have not been able to edit the file externally.  Maybe someone else knows how.

Bob @ BobsShop - Why am I up at 4:30 am?  The mysteries of the universe should not pose questions at unreasonable hours.

157
LazyCam (Beta) / LCAM posting with Plasma mode as the default
« on: February 28, 2007, 08:05:33 PM »
I recently upgraded to the latest version of Mach 3 (Version R2.0.050).  Now, when I have LCAM generate code it posts with Plasma mode as the default.  I have looked at General Config. and the plasma mode is not checked.  I have also verified that the Plasma mode is not checked under posting options in LCAM.  In addition I have opened the XML files and the Plasma mode and Plasma home options are shown as "0".  I think this signifies "Off."

I downloaded and re-installed Mach3 to insure that the files had not somehow gotten corrupted.

Is this happening to anyone else?  And is there  solution?

Bob @ BobsShop - I ain't never had a plasma - You can ask my wife.

158
Newfangled Solutions Mach3 Wizards / Linking New Wizards to Mach3
« on: February 19, 2007, 08:36:34 AM »
Ron;

I like the new Wizard's format that you have developed and look forward to the enhancements you mentioned.  One problem I have had involves what happens when I upgrade to the latest and greatest Mach3 version.  Each time I do that the software reverts to the previous Wizard's initial screen.  In order to bring your screen up, I have to reinvent the wheel by unzipping the new Wizard file again. 

There is probably an easier way.  Can you enlighten me?

Thanks

Bob@BobsShop - Zipping along

159
Beautiful circles again.

Thanks Ronginger and Art:

I had continued to play with this wizard just to see how convoluted I could get it and was going to post some additional information in order to guide the debugging.  Should have known that Art would not require any assistance.  Having written software for financial applications in another life, i know how frustrating and labor intensive finding a bug can be.  I really appreciate the dedication and effort demonstrated by everyone involved with ArtSoft and Mach 3.

Bob@BobsShop.  It may only be a hobby, but it is my hobby.

160
Thanks Ronginge - that was what I was going to say (no additional code needed for modal entries).  Deleting the Part Offset entry (G41 PO .1875) enables the code to complete the arc.  But, of course, that defeats the purpose of the code since there is no compensation.  I even went into the General Config. and checked and unchecked the "Remove Tool Offset" entry,  It did not appear to have any effect.

Thanks again for looking into this and confirming I am not losing what little sanity I have left.

Bob@BobsShop - Sitting back and waiting for Arts solution.

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