Messages

61

General Mach Discussion / Run away jogging

« on: September 08, 2009, 10:43:45 PM »

Was using the arrow keys to jog my mill last night when it took off wildly.  I had punched the key several times in succession  as I often do when trying to nudge the table one way or the other.  Suddenly the Y axis stepper continued to move after I had stopped pressing the key.  Although this has happened before, I don't know if pushing the direction key quickly in succession is the problem or if holding the key down caused the axis to run away.  I had released the key and the table continued to move.

Seems I have read of others experiencing this before but I could locate a thread regarding the problem (maybe it is a benefit   ).  I cannot remember if the problem was a mach setting or if it is a microsoft keyboard setting.  I am running Windows XP 7.



Any assistance or answers appreciated.

Thanks

Bob@BobsShop

62

General Mach Discussion / Re: File conversion

« on: August 26, 2009, 08:13:47 AM »

Rich, I have used AutoCad to accomplish something like you mention - copy an image into AutoCad, "draw over it," and then import DXF into LazyCam.  But the big difference is the amount of time it took me to draw the image and complete the project.  How are you "drawing," over the image.

I have used various functions - defining arcs, splines, etc.  and that works, but it is really time consuming.  If you have a better mousetrap I would appreciate being pointed in that direction.

Thanks

Bob@BobsShop

63

General Mach Discussion / Re: need to add fonts to the write wizzard

« on: August 19, 2009, 12:13:29 PM »

I second the DeskEngrave program for engraving text.   It does an excellent job for most projects.  If you need additional fonts you can find many free ones at http://www.simplythebest.net/fonts.   Adding additional fonts is pretty simple also.  Download the zip file to your computer then unzip the file to c:/windows/fonts  the new fonts will be added to you system and can be used by deskengrave, LCAM (if you want to go that way)  and many other programs.

Bob @BobsShop

64

Third party software and hardware support forums. / Re: StepmasterNC 4 axis controller, Any info?

« on: July 26, 2009, 08:00:02 AM »

Paul, your e-mail addie is hidden.  Let me know and I will shoot you what I have.  I have been working with the Taig for couple of years now.  Amazing little machine.  Pleased with lot of the stuff I have turned out with it.  It has its limitations, but for a hobbiest with no production schedules and time on his hands it has been fun.

Bob@BobsShop

65

Third party software and hardware support forums. / Re: StepmasterNC 4 axis controller, Any info?

« on: July 25, 2009, 09:04:43 PM »

Have a taig that originally had the Stepmaster controller which I fried one evening (don't ask) and have since replaced.  But, I held on to the StepMaster data (just didn't clean out my files - again).

Let me know if you are still interested and I will scan the docs.  Can't fax but can e-mail if you need them.  Actually, there is not a lot of information that came with the machine.

Bob @ BobsShop

66

General Mach Discussion / Re: What is wrong with this picture????

« on: July 25, 2009, 08:53:55 PM »

Not familiar with BobCad, but if you need inexpensive and relatively simple 4th axis software look into D2NC.  There is a link to it under resources.  You can use it free for 30 days.  Decent e-mail support from the developer.  I have used it with good results.

Good luck

Bob @ BobsShop

67

Brains Development / Re: scale problens

« on: July 24, 2009, 05:43:41 PM »

Taig

Check your settings under MOTOR TUNING.  My Taigs settings are STEPS PER 32,000 (my controller uses micro steps - yours may be different).  Depending on your motors you will also want to check your Velocity and Acceleration settings.  As I recall the manual says to set they to a number where the motors "sound," happy.  You will want to play with those numbers.

You can also go into SETTINGS (ALT 6) and use the Axis Calibration and use the Set Steps function.  Someone said on here they don't use that function.  Can't remember why.  I have used it and been very satisfied with the results.

Bob @ BobsShop - My taig is small and slow, but so am I!

68

FAQs / Re: CNC cutting inverted image

« on: July 22, 2009, 07:28:17 PM »

Madd

Look at the axis orientatiions in whatever cad program you are using.  This should be in the lower left corner of your drafting page
the axis on your mill should be the same.  In AutoCad it looks something like this
                             Y                                                                           
                             ^
                              l
                              -->X.

Many people (well, some and I was one of them) have their axis set to the RIGHT FRONT .
                                       Mill Column []
                                                                                              Y               
                                                                                              ^
                                                                                               l
                                                                                          X<-- RIGHT FRONT of table

Result is a mirror image of what was produced by your cad program.
Correct orientation is:
                                                  Milll Column []
                                 Y
                                 ^
                                  l
LEFT FRONTof Table      -->x   

Think of it sort of like you write (assuming you write left to right).

Not sure that is clear - and I may be all wet, but worth a shot.

Bob@ BobsShop

69

FAQs / Re: CNC cutting inverted image

« on: July 22, 2009, 05:04:44 PM »

Madd

Where are your X "0" and Y "0" set in relation to your mill.  Sounds simple enough, but all my pieces were being cut in reverse.  It wasn't until I started engraving words and letters that I noticed everything was being cut in mirror images to my designs.  Drove me Nuts.  I was doing a lot of screwing around with the ports and pins settings before this simple solution jumped out at me.

Bob @ BobsShop - still confused, but cutting in the correct order.

70

LazyCam (Beta) / Re: Lazy Cam doesn't create true arcs - makes straight lines

« on: July 18, 2009, 10:30:39 PM »

HI db

Loaded your DXF into AutoCadLt 2008.  Your arcs are a series of straight lines instead of arcs.   Try this.