Hi
My first post on this forum.
I have Mach 3 installed running an Ajax controller for a 3 axis knee mill (bridgeport clone)
I am struggling with Mach 3, it does seem to do some odd things, probably operator error but I'm just not getting it.
First oddball thing:
Set up tool length offsets for 5 tools in the library, all set from the same reference face using the manual step jog and trapping a piece of paper between the cutter and the work piece.
1. Go to offsets screen
2. Set library tool number
3. Load toolholder into machine with tool in place
4. Jog machine down until paper is just trapped (finish steps 0.1mm)
5. click set offset button
6. jog tool away from reference face for clearance
7. repeat for the rest of the tools required for the setup
When I run the programme the roughing stage is fine (1st 18000 lines)
Then change tool to the next tool in the set, all looks okay
Then re start the programme.
The next tool is now cutting well up in the air above the part.
Okay, I must have botched the TLO process but I read the instructions, repeated the process and still cant see what I'm doing wrong.
Tried changing the Z axis position to compensate because I just want to get my parts cut (GOUGE) the tool is now cutting 7mm below the surface, should have been 0.5mm skim.
Any ideas ?
Second piece of strangeness
Trying to use the set next line button to get back to just before the tool change mentioned above.
1. Click set next line
2. Enter a line number (18078 for instance)
3. Hit return
4. The current line shows as what it was before changing anything
Tried all sorts of combinations and variations, it seems like I have to
1. select the gcode window
1a. maybe scroll down a bit, it doesnt seem to want to do it from line 1
2. click set next line
3. enter line number
4. Hit return
5. it shows the right line at that point
6. Unless I click set next line again, when I click cycle start it jumps back to where it was before (CRASH).
This interface is confusing and frustrating me.
Does this sound about right or is there something wrong here ?
Any thoughts / comment / help would be appreciated.
Thanks
Paul