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Getting Started With Mach 3
« on: April 09, 2019, 03:35:52 PM »
Hi Folks.
I've recently bought a home CNC running Mach3 software; and, despite watching hours of YouTube self-help videos, I'm struggling to find one that tells me the simple basics.

For example, I can manage to get the bit to trace a pattern / figure, but cannot see how I get it to travel down to the workpiece.

Can anyone point me to somewhere where the absolute basics are described in simple format (every single demo so far seems to be someone purely demonstrating how well they know the software!!).

Any help greatly received!

Yours frustratingly,

John

Offline Tweakie.CNC

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Re: Getting Started With Mach 3
« Reply #1 on: April 10, 2019, 01:49:51 AM »
Hi John,

Welcome.

There are plenty of books and manuals but a practical approach may be the best way.

Perhaps try running one or two of the sample Gcode programs from this .zip file;

https://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=18345.0;attach=47494

then step through the Gcode file (one line at a time) and observe what is happening in the display (and with the machine) and you should get a feel for what each line of Gcode actually does.

Hope this helps,

Tweakie.
PEACE

Offline ger21

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Re: Getting Started With Mach 3
« Reply #2 on: April 10, 2019, 07:10:16 AM »
Watch the videos on the Machsupport site.
Gerry

2010 Screenset
http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2010.html

JointCAM Dovetail and Box Joint software
http://www.g-forcecnc.com/jointcam.html

Offline reuelt

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Re: Getting Started With Mach 3
« Reply #3 on: April 11, 2019, 01:55:28 AM »
Hi Folks.
I've recently bought a home CNC running Mach3 software; and, despite watching hours of YouTube self-help videos, I'm struggling to find one that tells me the simple basics.

For example, I can manage to get the bit to trace a pattern / figure, but cannot see how I get it to travel down to the workpiece.

Can anyone point me to somewhere where the absolute basics are described in simple format (every single demo so far seems to be someone purely demonstrating how well they know the software!!).

Any help greatly received!

Yours frustratingly,

John
(Test with a piece of foam or MDF) and a 6mm (or 1/4") bit.
When you load Mach3
You have to click [RESET] and then [REF all zero]
Now click file and load a the gcode file,
press [Tab] key on your keyboard to bring out the JOG screen.
Now use the arrows to move the spindle/router to an origin of the material. The tool must just touch the material to define z zero.
Now click [ZeroX] [ZeroY] and [ZeroZ]
Then click [REGEN. TOOLPATH]
then [Cycle Start]

Download Manual for MACH3 from

https://www.machsupport.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Mach3Mill_1.84.pdf
"the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord"
Re: Getting Started With Mach 3
« Reply #4 on: April 11, 2019, 03:19:55 AM »
Hi,
one of the challenges in CNC is being able to 'read' Gcode, ie the difference between  G1 and G3 say. I'm not suggesting that
its necessary to be able to envision the part simply by looking at the Gcode but you should be able to determine what each code
does and be able to spot major problems.

For this purpose the Wizards built into Mach3 are very useful. Try setting a  bolt hole circle say, a common engineering operation,
with the Wizard and then inspect the Gcode to see how it is achieved. There are quite a few Wizards that produce simple
Gcode that in turn allow you to see how Gcode works.

Craig
'I enjoy sex at 73.....I live at 71 so its not too far to walk.'

Offline reuelt

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Re: Getting Started With Mach 3
« Reply #5 on: April 11, 2019, 07:28:26 AM »
Concise Student CNC guide with MACH3 operation procedures

https://www.kth.se/polopoly_fs/1.686422.1550155780!/Student%20CNC%20Guide%20v0.4.pdf
"the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord"

Offline RICH

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Re: Getting Started With Mach 3
« Reply #6 on: April 11, 2019, 08:08:11 PM »
If your really want to learn CNC,everything from basics to advanced, suggest you get CNC Programming Handbook by Peter Smid.

RICH
Re: Getting Started With Mach 3
« Reply #7 on: April 12, 2019, 01:04:32 AM »
Hi,

Quote
suggest you get CNC Programming Handbook by Peter Smid

Its a very dry read but very thorough, over 500 pages. It is THE REFERENCE.

Craig
'I enjoy sex at 73.....I live at 71 so its not too far to walk.'