I have had hobby sized manual machines (Mill and Lathe) for decades...and am very comfortable around them. About three years ago I got the itch to jump into CNC'ing...so i started down that journey. I researched and studied a lot, took my time learning what i could. I learned 3D CAD/CAM using both Fusion 360 and OnShape...and have gotten fairly good at both. Modeled and built a custom bench top vertical machining center (Mill) from commercially available parts (casting, ball screws, etc...) and a whole bunch of custom pieces i made (using manual machines). I also built a CNC motion controller around the Ethernet Smooth Stepper and closed loop drivers/motors. Purchased a dedicated PC (Window 10) and installed Mach 4. I have the whole thing hooked up and running just fine. Motors are tuned, limit/homing switches spot on, can jog around all day long... even loading and running G-Code (albeit, just cutting air at this point). I've successfully added electronic probes as well, both touch and tool height setters. So on the hardware side everything is ready to go.
I can create my models, post G-Code and load into Mach 4. I understand the individual concepts of machine coordinates, work coordinates, fixture/work offset and tool offsets...but this is where I fall off the turnip truck! I am struggling on how to tie all of the coordinate aspects together. Looking for suggestion on where I can learn the foundational part of these aspects of CNC machining.
Gotta admit the training ArtSoft has for Mach is wholly missing this aspect (at least I have not ben able to fine it)... Any help is greatly appreciated.
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