Last night I experienced a problem with my machine, which I have been unable to determine for certain whether or not it is a mechanical problem, or electrical.
I started a MeshCAM carving, which completed the roughing cut without problems. I changed the tool to the finishing cutter, and continued with the finishing cut.
That is when the problems began. For some reason, the X axis started either losing steps, or failed to move as far as it was commanded to. This resulted in the piece being ruined. I stopped the machine, and returned all axis to zero to verify that it was correct. Sure enough, it was off by about 0.170" on the x axis. I re-homed the machine, returned all axis to zero (and it was then in the correct position).
I then entered the correct line number (following the tool change to the finishing cutter) and selected Run From Here, to continue the finishing cut. I could hear the X axis motor make unusual sounds occassionally during it's movement. As I observed the movement, the x axis seemed to be losing steps progressively, with each pass. It is important to note, that this machine has been in operation for a few years now, doing similar cuts without any problems.
Anyway, my point here, is to request someone to "Jog my Memory" on which utility it is in the Mach3 folder to test the pulse rate of the computer. As I simply cannot recall what the program's name is called. My problem may simply be that the threads of the lead screw nut have become so worn, that an excessive amount of backlash has now been introduced. However, the strange sounds coming from the x axis motor occassionally, is what makes me suspect that it may be a pulse problem. I just wanted to run that program, and watch it to see if there are any sudden changes which may be the actual problem. (And don't remember it's name)