Recent Posts

71

Mach4 General Discussion / Just a moment of your time. Establishing work offsets,

« Last post by Lucid_moments on December 02, 2025, 01:11:08 PM »

To the generous forum members, I hope this is not a tired subject.
The matter of the Offset Tab. Currently running Mach4Hobby build 4612 ESS 278.1

Let's just say I have been avoiding some key features due to my ignorance and lack of NFS documentation or tutorials.
To my credit, I have tried to understand various tasks possible on the Offsets Tab
I have to buckle down for some more serious work and requires my best efforts.
 
I am just working out the wrinkles after installing some new tool length sensors.
One will live on the fixture plate.
I need a helping hand to explain Height Offset, Set Tool and Set Z.
Specifically:  How to create the work or surface offset so that I can use the fixture plate mounted sensor to zero my tools.
                   How to set up the coordinates for the height gage to auto probe with new tool (Still in the manual mode with ER20 spindle)
             
                 
At present, I can use the Touch Off UI.
Though I am disappointed that each of the instances of Probe0,1,2,3 don't record and hold the individual settings specific to the device.
But I would like to be able to find the center of my raw stock, and have failed at every attempt to find an automated sequence.

I would even go as far as to offer an honorarium.

regards, chris

72

Mach4 General Discussion / Updating to latest build w/ regards to Probing feature

« Last post by Lucid_moments on December 02, 2025, 11:04:34 AM »

Hi folks,
I have been using Mach4 build 4612 with ESS plugin 278.1 and so far.
I'm running a 3 axis gantry mill that is now engaged in producing precision non ferrous parts.
I learned the hard way about improper tool height practices
and the need of using a tool height sensor that bolts to the fixture plate. I Have so much to learn about that and will post a separate question.
Is there any benefit to updating to 5036 and the associated ESS plugin? Are there any features that would be useful or run smoother?
Warp9 recommends this and I have some time to do just that.
best regards,

Chris

73

General Mach Discussion / Re: Help with control system

« Last post by Gareth52 on December 02, 2025, 10:49:11 AM »

thanks. i bought a smooth stepper , as you suggested

74

General Mach Discussion / setting a tool indexer on a mach 3 lathe

« Last post by bimble on December 02, 2025, 04:02:31 AM »

Hi Group

I have a mach 3 controller running on a small lathe. it is not currently set up with limit switches on the auto indexer, and sometimes when switched on the indexer is in the wrong position.

is there a way to simply tell Mach 3 which tool is currently set at the indexer?
i.e if tool 8 is at the right position, but mach 3 thinks it is tool 2, then how do i update it in the software so mach 3 knows what tool is where?

Currently the only way i can change this is to hold the indexer back while it is rotating, fortunately it is on a small stepper motor so it just slips position, but i don't like doing this and there should be a way to do this in the software..

75

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: gouging on rotary axis

« Last post by vetsgarage on December 01, 2025, 10:29:30 PM »

I think I found a work-around. In Vcarve I put a vector boundary around the "unwrapped" part with a negative offset equal or greater than the bit diameter. I think this kept the toolpath from going off the map. When I was having gouging problems the vcarve simulation showed the bit carving a tiny bit on the left of the part and then it picked up carving on the right. When I added the boundary offset it completed the entire area without lifting. The toolpath created with the boundary offset cut fine.

I still think there is a setting in Vcarve or Mach 4 that would prevent this entirely.

76

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: gouging on rotary axis

« Last post by rhtuttle on December 01, 2025, 01:18:13 PM »

I have experienced the same non-retract problem as well.  Using a diamond drag and everything worked but had one place as it traversed it  did not retract.  Will be following the response on this.  Sorry I couldn't help.
Didn't see any post on Vectric forum from you.

77

General Mach Discussion / Re: Help with control system

« Last post by TPS on December 01, 2025, 01:20:48 AM »

CncDrive UC100 would be the easyest way to go.

78

General Mach Discussion / Help with control system

« Last post by Gareth52 on November 30, 2025, 06:47:56 AM »

Hi,
I’ve been running my home-made CNC for about 20 years on a computer running Windows XP and Mach 3 to a breakout board. Last week my worst nightmare came to fruition when the computer finally gave up the ghost.
What would be my best way forward?
Cheers,
Gareth

79

Mach4 General Discussion / gouging on rotary axis

« Last post by vetsgarage on November 29, 2025, 10:38:37 PM »

I'm getting a rotary axis dialed in. I'm using VCarve to generate a rotary wrap toolpath. It seems like its not raising the cutter to clear the part when transiting to a new section of the cut. It appears fine in the Vcarve preview with the rotary moves happening at safe Z.
The toolpath preview in Mach appears to have these moves occuring with the cutter close to the center.

Also, the rotary speed is very slow. I understand this is due to inverse time but I can't find clear directions on how to adjust for it.

Thanks in advance!

80

General Mach Discussion / Re: Mach 3 Upgrade

« Last post by arturod on November 27, 2025, 05:42:57 AM »

The UC400ETH is just a little more, and it is Ethernet. So much more reliable:
- Not sharing the grounds between the PC and CNC.
- Client-Server connection instead of running as a device on Windows.
- No significant cost difference.

Or even better, go with the Ethernet Smooth Stepper, which is fully compatible with Mach4 so that you can upgrade when you need to.

Arturo Duncan
https://cnc4pc.com