Messages

21

General Mach Discussion / Re: Lazycam Drill Patterns pitches

« on: October 31, 2011, 08:11:56 AM »

James, looks like the code that BR549 provided did the trick.  My code would have programmed the entire board rather than using simple code and subs.    Simple is probably better!!  And with his code you can cut and paste values to produce whatever board you may need.

However, if you are still interested, I will code it and post a copy.  Up to you.  Most of us on here are usually eager to demonstrate our talents (probably more like manic-obsessive-compulsion    ) when it comes to solving some cnc-machining task.

Bob@BobsShop

22

General Mach Discussion / Re: Lazycam Drill Patterns pitches

« on: October 28, 2011, 08:15:47 PM »

Probably not James problem, but I had a similar issue (needing holes drilled in a certain sequence) when i was wanting to engine-jewel aka damascening a plate.   To get the desired effect the holes had to overlap the previous row and columns always in the same sequence.  When converted to g-code every dxf I drew ended up placing the holes in some random fashion (probably best position for optimum movement).  Wasn't a pretty picture.  I was able to solve the problem with a 2 column, 2 row dxf Using D2NC and D2s nesting function.  It was a fun project with great results.

All that being said, it doesn't address James' concern.  James, If you want I will give writing the code a shot.  Length and width of your plate.  How many rows, columns do you want?   What spacing between the rows and columns?  What size drill being used?

Bob@BobsShop

23

General Mach Discussion / Re: Lazycam Drill Patterns pitches

« on: October 28, 2011, 09:59:20 AM »

I bet you get a lot of responses to this problem.

Do you need to drill holes with a drill or cut circular holes with an endmill.?  Rectangular hole array in Wizards (if you have access to them) will accomplish the drill holes very easily.

   
Bob @BobsShop

24

FAQs / Re: No file/load dxf option, only ENTIB. Whats this?

« on: October 21, 2011, 12:08:09 AM »

If you had Mach3 running and watched a YoutTube video - like some of those demonstrating Mach3 plugins or setting up limit switches, etc,  = and you were asked if you wanted to add a link then the link could have been embed in Mach3.    Been there, done that, by accident.  In my case, when I click on ENTIB, I now open a Microsoft Media Player application.  I  figured out what happened, but can't figure out how to get rid of it.  Have tried deleting Mach3 and reloading, but ENTIB comes back again.  Thank you Microsoft.  Think that if I deleted all the files in Mach3 and then uninstalled ENTIBt would go away when I re=installed, , but don't want to take a chance on losing an add-in that I want to keep.  So, I just don't click on ENTIB.

Bob@BobsShop

25

General Mach Discussion / Re: Possible bug with jogging

« on: October 17, 2011, 09:08:24 AM »

Not sure if this is your problem - but I have had similar instances.

Windows has a provision that will enable (cause??) a key to repeat when it is tapped while the shift key is being held down. The feature that can cause serious problems when jogging using an arrow key while holding the shift key down.  Tapping another key while the repeat function is active will disable it.  In my case, I generally realize  I have a problem about the time my endmill cuts something wrong. 

There is a way to disable the function, but others have said disabling it can cause other problems.  In windows 7 the repeat rate can be disabled or set for longer or shorter intervals by going into Keyboard properties and changing the settings.  Windows XP also has a provision for changing, but don't remember it it is the same.


Bob @ BobsShop

26

Newfangled Solutions Mach3 Wizards / Re: tooltable trouble

« on: September 20, 2011, 04:47:28 PM »

Loaded the Circular Wizard from Brian again.  The Button Editor doesn't bring up the Tool Number or Tool Dia. button/windows.  Like I said, not a major problem, just something to be aware of when working with Wizards outside of the New Fangled Wizards.   My  solution is to refer to a printed sheet showing which tools my tool numbers refer to so I can plug in the correct tool and their diameters in the Wizard.

Bob @ BobsShop

27

Newfangled Solutions Mach3 Wizards / Re: tooltable trouble

« on: September 20, 2011, 09:01:53 AM »

Chiming in on this topic.

Tool table works fine when I go into wizards and select one of the New Fangled Wizards , but if I go into Wizards and select something outside of New Fangled - say - Circular Pocket by Brian Barker -

when I put in a new tool number,  the tool diameter does not change in the wizard window.  When I post the code, the code does reflect the tool number I selected, but it refers to the wrong diameter in the code window (it shows whatever was in the wizard window previously).  When the code runs the tool number and the tool diameter changes in the Tool Information window.   Not a major problem, but it is disconcerting when reviewing the written code.

Bob @ BobsShop

28

LazyCam (Beta) / Re: "Text" drawn in Autocad is messed up in LC. Please help

« on: September 14, 2011, 10:32:53 PM »

Rich mentioned DeskEngrave - DeskEngrave www.DesKAM.com   -  it is a free program and I use it a lot.  It has a lot of selectable fonts and  you can add true text fonts if you need more.  It doesn't have single line fonts.  The only engraving programs I have found that do have single line fonts are high-end and pricey.   The only draw back to DeskEngrave is it will only put text on one-line at a time.  

A program that works really well with DeskEngrave is Cadx11 -www.graytechsoftware.com - is free also unless you need really large files - even then it is really inexpensive $20.00 for full program with lifetime support.   Compose your text in DeskEngrave, safe it as a DXF and import into Cadx11 if you need multiple lines or other graphics.

I have produced some interesting pieces using the two programs.  Attached is a DXF created using the two programs.  I then used a 4th axis cnc to engrave a ring.  

Disclaimer - not associated with either GrayTech or DesKAM

Bob

29

General Mach Discussion / Re: I Hate Windows XP

« on: September 12, 2011, 11:48:00 AM »

Not sure this will give you what you want, but you can try it.   Right click on the tool bar at the bottom of your screen (if that is where it is)  click on properties,  choose Auto-Hide Toolbar and it will go away.  You can retrieve the toolbar by running the cursor over wherever the toolbar was.  This option leaves a blank white bar at the bottom of the Mach3 screen, but I think that has more to do with the Mach screen  or the size of your computer screen than the toolbar location. 

30

General Mach Discussion / Re: Engraving text

« on: April 19, 2011, 10:30:57 PM »

What are you using to compile your g-code?  If you would like to attach a copy of a dxf and tell me what text you want to appear where, I will demonstrate what can be done with the programs I mentioned.  May or may not be what you are looking for.

Bob@BobsShop