What can I say, Mike at Onecnc was the deciding factor for my purchase of the program. I have ZERO experiance with any CAD/CAM, and after running through some of the Tutorials, I actually made something close to what I want to make!
I hope to learn much from this group, as I have been lurking around picking up bits here and there.
Program should be here by the end of the week, and I am off to make parts!
Thanks Mike!!!!
Smitty

Congrats, Smitty.

You're starting miles ahead of where I did. Now you're going to think this is the way all cadcam's are, but they're not. :)

What version did you get?

If you've got gritty questions for tech support, check at www.onecnc.net and see what's what.

Smitty,

Glad to have you in the group. I hope you love the program as much as I do. I know you will.

Great to have a guy like Micheal at Onecnc on your side. Makes life so much easier.

If you have a quesions or find any neat tricks let us know.

Welcome to the Onecnc family.:D

Thanks for the warm welcome. I have never owned any kind of CAD/CAM before, so I am a little in the dark, but from what I have read and seen, ONEcnc was the right choice.
Now to learn it is another story!!
I have a part that I make by hand, now I just need to figure out how to draw it!
Thanks again,
Smitty

Hi Smitty,
Reading your post was like looking into a mirror, I was at the same level of experience as you on cad/cam a big fat ZERO :D
I am amazed at how much I have learned in such a short period of time, and apart from some expected initial learning curve frustrations OneCNC has actually been fun and I have a hard time staying away from it when I should be taking care of business here at the store.

While OneCNC provides all the friendly support you could want this site and now OneCNC's site is actually where I have learned the most.

Welcome aboard.

Ken

P.S. Ther are a number of guys on this forum, I won't mention any names for fear of causing them a headace from their swelled heads:D but they are IMO the best.

I only hope that I can learn this program as fast as I need to, I never said I was the brighest bulb in the box!
Anyhow, how do I convert my files to a DXF format. I was using MS word for writing my programs, but now when I save to my floppy, I get nothing but garbage.
Thanks
Smitty

Smitty,

Do you mean the programs writen in Ms word to Dxf or the programs drawing in Onecnc to dxf?

Onecnc to DXF.
When I draw my part, and go to save it to disc "A", there is nothing but garbage there.
Like I mentioned before, I wrote all my programs in MS word, and they where DXF files. That is what I am used to, so to convert them to DXF in Onecnc, I have no clue. I just wanted to test out the program against my machine, to verify all was good.
Smitty

My mistake,
I use MS Notepad, not MS WORD.
Sorry about that,
Smitty

I'm a bit confused here Smitty. Do you draw the part and then save as a DXF and enter the drawing into the machine. Most people draw the part go to the NC cam wizard create the program there, save it as an .NC file and then imput that into the machine.

I think that is why you are seeing garbage because you are saving the drawing not the program.

Ken

Smitty,
Two ways:

1) file> save as> then when you get to the folder you want to save it to> at the bottom where it says "save as type", click on the little down arrow and it will open a drop down box > then select DXF. And it will save as a DXF.

2) file > export> DXF

Smitty, if you have time, go into more detail about the procedure you are using to get from concept to part. I also am confused by what you are telling us that you are doing.

A dxf file is a drawing file, not a text file. Most cnc's run nc code in the form of a text file, but the CAM part of your Onecnc program is what produces this special machine ready form of a text file.

The file type is totally irrelevant, if all you are creating is Gcode, you could call it anything. But a text file is all it is.

A dxf file is typically an Autocad drawing file, and I have heard that there is some stuff in there that you can edit with a text editor, but it is not a general purpose gcode file.

I got my ears on, come on. Over :)

Hu, Wms,

Looks like maybe Smitty went to bed. Can you imagine that. What nerve. Doesn't he know all die hard OneCnc men stay up at least half the night.

Ken

Lol, Mortek, he's not been properly initiated yet. Or maybe he's all tuckered out from a hard day at the hard anvil (smitty= blacksmith where I come from) :)

Well maybe it is half the night were he lives.

And on that note my clock says 12:03, so good night.:D

Man you guys are tough on rookies!!!
Ok, here I go.
First I am drawing my part from one of Onecnc's demo's. I then generate the "G" code, that is what I am trying to save to disc, so I can take that to my machines in the garage.
But, when I do that, I get nothing usefull. When I go to safe the file to disc, I get a pop up saying "Last line to file"
What exactly does that mean?
Thanks for the help, and I will do my best to prop my eyes open longer!
Smitty

Smitty, what version of Onecnc are you running? I'm not seeing that problem in the Mill EXPert.

You say you are running the demos? That would be Mill2000 you are looking at? The demo version did not allow saving a program.

Anyway, let us know.

Smitty,

When you save a program file you get the option of saving as a .cnc , a .tap, a .nc, or a txt file. If you choose the .cnc file all the info configure to show the tool path in onecnc is saved with it. If you choose .tap or .nc the program is saved as a text file ready to go into the machine. Perhaps you are choosing .cnc and this is the garbage you are seeing.

The add last lines to file are lines you setup in your machine configuration to do things like go to z home or give an M5 or M30 command to turn off the program, etc....

If you are using a demo program I don't think you can save a program file. But if you're getting the last lines prompt, you must be able to.

Ken

I just save a file as a .cnc file, looked at it in notepad like you and I must say, you could get pretty confused at what is there. So I'm sure that you are choosing the .cnc ext. Choose .tap or .nc and you will see the code as it should be.

Ken

Just a side note for dung... a .dxf file IS, in fact, a text (ascii) file that can be opened/edited in any text editor.

Unless you know how they're structured, it will likely make no sense to you.


0
SECTION
2
HEADER
9
$ACADVER
1
AC1015
9
$ACADMAINTVER
70
13
9
$DWGCODEPAGE
3
ANSI_1252
9
$INSBASE
10
0.0
20
0.0
30
0.0
9
$EXTMIN
10
10.55849474981285
20
1.175179752213567
30
0.0
9
$EXTMAX
10
22.24865407177474
20
6.966475220069384
30
0.0
9
$LIMMIN
10
0.0
20
0.0
9
$LIMMAX
10
12.0
20
9.0
9
$ORTHOMODE
70
1
9
$REGENMODE
70
1
9
$FILLMODE
70
1
9
$QTEXTMODE
70
0
9
$MIRRTEXT
70
1
9

I actually got a program to run, I do have the full version(4.5) of Onecnc.
Had a friend help with the drawing part, since that is what he does for a living. Got the file save properly, thanks guys!
Now, when I go to test run the program, I see that Z goes in the correct direction, but X is backwards. Thought I knew the problem with that, but when I move the X axis in manual mode, it moves in the right direction. Where did I go wrong there? In other words, X is cutting in the - and rapid in + if that makes any sence.
Thanks again for the help,
Smitty

Smitty,

Tell us more about your machine. Is it a lathe or a verical machining center. Sounds like your problem could be in the machine post configuration. Easily fixed with a little help from your friends here.

Ken

Ok, here goes!
I have both a Sherline Mill and Lathe. I have the lathe CAD/CAM program. I use Turbocnc as my machining program, and so far has worked out well.
I have been machining Titanium on these 2 machines for about 3 years now, for the size of my parts, they work great! When I program by longhand, all works fine, but when using the CAD/CAM, all goes to heck!
So, onto my problem...
When I bring my tool into the material and set zero, I then back it off .100 for clearance.
Then I start the program, and all it will do is cut air. So I changed the .1 down to .010. Got closer, but still lots of AIR chips.
What have I missed, I know there is something in the CAD/CAM program, but unable to figure it out as of yet.
IF anybody is interested, I can send you the file along with a picture of what I am trying to make. Mind you, I that I made these manually before.
Thanks again,
Smitty

I don't have the lathe program, but I'm certain Hu, or WMS can help out. I'm sure it's simple to fix and you just need a little practice and more familiarity with onecnc. We all learn a lot by doing.

Thanks for the help anyways,
I was just poking around in the NC post settings, and I found that in the movements section, that X=Z and Z=X???? So I have swapped those to X=X and Z=Z and see what happens!
Smitty

Didn't see that you have the lathe program. Nevermind

I have the lathe program version 4.5
Now for a dumb question, where can I find the CAM wizard? God I hate to ask that one, but I just can't seem to locate it! Is that located within the NC CAM, or is that the pop up when you pick NC CAM?
I am using Turbocnc as my CNC controller, and I am sure that I need a new NC post, but very unsure as what to modify.
Anybody here using Onecnc and Turbocnc? Should I get another CNC program like MACH 1/2.
Thanks for all the help, THe learning curve is HUGE!!!!
Smitty

Yes it is under NC Cam then you pick an operation and the cam wizard pops up and guides you through the set up and such

Smitty,

You will have to remember most of us use the mill products, not the lathe. So the lathe stuff will be a little foreign to the mill guys, but we will get you fixed up. So bear with us as we all learn about the lathe product.

As far as the nc post, you should change the x and y moves back to (this is the default setting):

X move = Z
Y move = X
Z move = (blank)

This converts the "screen" axis to these values. So the x moves on the screen will actually be z moves to a lathe.
And the y moves are actually x moves to a lathe.

Now we need to know how your controler handles G code, if it uses g code. Does it accept G2's and G3's?

What config file are you using? I would start with the default lathe. Then if we need to we can "tweek" it to your controler.

If you could post one of your drawing here as an attachment, one you are having trouble with, then we could take a look at it and see how to get you up and running.

Also the Cam wizards in the lathe product are quite different than the mill product.

Under "Nc Cam" , you will find options for different operations, IE: cut chain, turn + face (both rough / finish), groove (rough / finish), threading ( internal / external), ect....

After you select an cutting operation, a tool box will open up, and you make a tool selection, (from the list or you can edit the tools to something other the the stock tool). The edit section is also where you set up your tool change code, if need be.

After selecting a tool, the next box will be the "Boundary selection", this is where you tell the program what type of boundary you want to use. Or if you want to cut a contour. And set up your clearances.

Then after selecting the boundary type, a box will open where you set up your depths of cut and direction of cuts and finish allowance.

Then you select the chain you want to machine and the code is generated.

Couple of things, Smitty,

Do not swap X and Z. Your problem with X values being reversed simply means that your drawing is on screen in the wrong quadrant. A lot of cnc lathes are designed with the toolpost approaching the work from the back side, and for these, you can position your drawing on screen in what I would call the "natural" position.

For cnc lathes that have the toolpost on the front (like a conventional manual lathe), you still have to draw your toolpaths in the Z- X+ quadrant on screen, which is the mirror image of where it is on the lathe. It is a simple mental transition that I make all the time, but for a newbie, it can be confusing to do the flip in your mind. The other way is to reverse all your X axis parameters on your lathe, if you insist in drawing on screen in the Z- X- quadrant.

Note: for lathe, the onscreen axis are renamed: the conventional X horizontal axis is now your lathe Z axis, and the screen's vertical Y axis is your lathe's X axis. That's just the way we like it so not everybody can run cnc lathes due to the confusion we create :D

HFD,
Drawing the part in the wrong Quadrant makes alot of sence. I will play with it once I get off of work, you know these Fords need lots of work!!
Thanks again,m
Smitty

Well,
I made another drawing of my part in Z- X+, and when I go to simulate the cut, I get a No material to cut, so made another one in Z- X- same thing.
Where oh where is the light!!
The only part that seems to work on Onecnc is the one that is drawn in Z+ X+
Smitty

Smitty, I don't have my dongle at home (where I am right now), but I'm not understanding what your problem is.

Is it just that you cannot get the simulation to run? Are you defining the simulation area in the same bounds as your drawing actually lies within?

Without you posting a pic of your part, I am not sure of how you are orienting everything. You should draw the end face of the part right on the X (the vertical) axis where Z0 begins. Then, the rest of the part is drawn in Z-, X+. The chuck would be considered to be placed at the left side of the screen, facing right.

Very frustrating!
If I only knew how to post a picture of the part I am trying to make. It is a very simple part, but harder than I thought to make with CNC.
I will try and get a picture up loaded here, and you can see what I have got going
Smitty

There is a nice shareware program I use for taking screen shots. It is called 5 clicks, and makes nice compact png or jpeg files, that are great for posting.

It will work for you for 30 days before registration, so try it out. Its much more convenient than "print screen" into Paint, which makes huge bitmaps

Here is the link to 5 clicks.

http://www.screen-capture.net/spider/SpiderReg.asp

Thanks Hu, this is a good program.

IrfanView

It's very quick and extremely powerful. Does slide shows and all kinds of things. Including screen capture.

http://www.irfanview.com/

'Rekd

Downloaded that Click5, works pretty slick!
Spent some time with HFD last night, thank you very much.
I guess this is just a little over my head, 'cause still making air chips. Sorry to waste your time HFD, but I am not doing something right. I will play with it later today, frustration is getting a little high, time for a break!
Thanks again HFD, you are a true asset to this group!
Smitty

Smitty,

If you could get a file posted here or a picture then we would have a better idea of how to help.

Sounds like you and Hu have hooked up, so maybe you have sent him a file, if so he will, I'm sure, get you up to speed.

Don't get discouraged, all new things take a little time to get a hold of. Plenty of help here. Lots of good people to light the way.
You are no different than anybody else, we all went thru a "learning" curve.

Just keep at it Smitty, it will click pretty soon, there is just something that you don't know that I can't seem to pick up on just yet. The software is simple to use, but you do need some general understanding of how programs are written for any cnc lathe.

Were you able to get any results similar to the screenshots I sent to you?

If you are cutting air, where and why? Do you even have a method of defining the work's reference position on your machine? I assume you home the machine on startup, or do you just set all coordinates to zero, wherever the toolpost happens to be?

It is common to define the tool position relative to the workpiece end face with a G92 command. The distance from the lathe centerline is also defined in this command. Suppose your toolpost is Z2.25 to the right and X5. from the centerline. Define this position near the beginning of your program:
G92 X5. Z2.25

This does not cause any kind of machine movement, it merely defines the work coordinate system from which all the rest of your nc code will be referenced. After this, then a command:
G00 X.5 Z.1 will move your tool to the 1/2" diameter position, and .1" from the end of the work stock.

Of course you need to set tool offsets for this tool as well, which will be used to make small adjustments to your tool position, in the likely event that your G92 definition is slightly inaccurate. The tool offset must be called, however your controller is set up to handle it.

I presume by now that you do have some kind of toolpath going on. Once you have created your roughing toolpath, you can backplot the code to get a "hard copy" of the toolpath drawn on screen. Save it on layer named "backplot". Then email your file to me, or you can zip it and post it here for anyone with Onecnc lathe to download and look at.

At times like this, I look forward to the Lathe XP series when it comes out, because it will be so much easier to show you how to set up the process in the nc manager. However, we will make do for now.

What little hair I have left, is running for cover!! HAHA
When I set the tool at the beginning, I set both Zand X at zero. X just touching the material, same in Z. Then I back them both off .1 for clearance and reset both to zero.
Go to run the program, and the program thens backs the tool of an additional .320 and then starts to run the program. Again, air chips.
I will play with it again later today, and see where my mistake is at. At this point, I just would like to see something being cut. I have a piece of Delrin just begging to be machined!
Thanks again
Smitty

Smitty,

I noticed that you said that after you "touch off" the material, you back off the cutter .100 and then reset your Zeros.

Well....this may be why you cut so much air. Onecnc lathe will put .100 default clearance to your Zeros. ( you can change this, it's under the "Boundary selection" dialog box.

Check what value is in this clearance box, sounds like maybe you have a value of around .220. (your .100 plus .220 in dialog box = .320 clearance)

The boundry/countour section is set at zero. The BOUNDRY has me confused. What does it do, and how do I adjust it. I will try and post my drawing and NC file. If this comes through, I can render the drawing fine, and pull the G codes fine, but once on the machine all goes to heck.

Smitty, you will need to set your nc driver for incremental output if you want to touch off as you have been doing. If X0 is anywhere else but on the lathe centerline, you will be screwed in absolute mode.

Typically, we create start lines for our machines. There is a box in NCPost Output settings, Save options, which allows you to create and save some code for the start and end of your program. This is where we put stuff that we will always call:

G80 (safety cancel any drill in case of a program abort and restart)
G40 (cancel tool compensation in case of abort and restart)
G90 or G91 (sets your controller for an upcoming program written with absolute or incremental values).
G92 X___Z___
T___ M6(tool change command or tool offset call out)
There could be other codes for tool offset, but they should all be described in your controller manual.

Note: your controller will have a default mode upon startup, either incremental or absolute. Consult your manual. But regardless, it is imperative to define how the program is written within every program itself.

G90 or G91 mode affects your NC Post general settings for G02 /G03. You may have to change these settings depending on what you do. Check your controller documentation about it.

Typically, in incremental G91mode, all arc outputs will have to be incremental, but in absolute G90, they could be either absolute or incremental, depending on how your controller software is configured and designed.

Note: onecnc will not output a G91 or G90 code when you switch the NC Post from one mode to the other. YOU will have to make sure the proper code appears in your nc code after it is produced.

Smitty,
The boundary box is where you tell the program what you want to machine.

You can use a boundary box, (you have to draw this prior to opening the tool wizard), or most commonly you would use contour.

With contour, you select the "chain" or tool path that you want to machine, in the direction you want.

With boundary box, the program would machine every thing inside the box.

The clearance is set here. This adds clearance to your model, so the tool has room to rapid back to start the second, third, ect.... passes.

Normally you would "touch off" your part, in x and z, then set that as zero. Then add clearance in the boundary box.

Smitty,

HU brings up a good point.

If you are using anything but the centerline of the spindle for X zero, then there is going to be problems with absolute programing.

It is most common to use the spindle centerline as x Zero, as this is also most common the x zero for your drawings and parts.

Looking at your drawing that you posted, your part is drawn with the centerline at x zero. Then when you touch off the outside and add .100 to that, then set x zero there, you are (half the diameter of your stock + .100) to far above where you should be.

Example diameter of stock = .500

.250 + .100 =.325 (to far in X plus) = (lots of air and no cutting action!)

Ooohhh,
I think a light bulb just came on!!!
Be right back, time to go do some testing!
Smitty

Ok,
Pulled the tail stock back, and measured from the center line of the Spindle. Now that got me VERY close, but I still am unable to change the .3208 value, (thats how far the X pulls back before any maching takes place) without editing the G-code. I will edit the code and see what happens next!
Smitty

Originally posted by smitty
Ok,
Pulled the tail stock back, and measured from the center line of the Spindle. Now that got me VERY close, but I still am unable to change the .3208 value, (thats how far the X pulls back before any maching takes place) without editing the G-code. I will edit the code and see what happens next!
Smitty


Smitty,

How big is you stock and what is the largerst dimension of your part.

I hate to see you hand editing. We can figure out what is going on so you don't need to edit.

Please try and post your drawing file so we can all get on the same page.

.3208 may be ok if you have .500 stock and have .100 clearance.

Smitty,

What config file are you using?

Here's a shot of how you might need to set up your config file.
It's under Nc setup, top of your screen.

Looking at you code, it apears that you are using the Grooving funtion. Is that what you meant to use?

Here is my Config and a picture of the Part.
The balls are .300 wide, shaft is .170 wide. Total lengh is 2.361, ball to ball. I have a .05 fillet where the balls meet the horizontal lines
The extra shafts on the ends of the balls will be cut off later.
Helping the handicapped is over time!
Smitty

and the part

I use the "R" in absolute, that has been working so far, at least in the air it has

Smitty, if you want, try switching your NC post setting to incremental code before you generate the toolpath. I think you are still mixing together absolute code output from Onecnc with your incremental tool start position of X0 somewhere away from the lathe centerline.

Smitty,
Here's screen shot of your part and the code. Using a grooving tool, (.125 wide, .100 step over, .100 clearance).

As you can see it moves to .500 (diameter) for clearance. (.300 diameter of part plus .100 for clearance, (times two, .100 for each side,) equals .500 diameter.

Again the center line of part and spindle is x zero and the end of your part is z zero.

WMS and HFD,
Thanks for all your help. I still have the problem. X comes out way to far.
I wonder if it is within my CNC controller program, but I doubt it.
It has to be something that I am missing, but I have spent way to much of my day, and all your time and effort for one day!
Monday is another day,
Thanks again,
Smitty

Smitty,

You are going to have to Zip up your program file and post it here so we can download it to our systems and see what is going on.

I'll give that a try.

Just a shot in the dark here, but here goes

Smitty,

Look ok to me. I generated code with the config setup as I posted above and it looks good. Goes to the right clearance and the step overs are good. Compare the code in the screen shot to what you have. I you have something different then "tweek" your config to match what's shown. I don't know what you controler needs.

I can't see why this would come out to far in X, if you are using the spindle centerline as X zero.

Does your controler need Radius programing Instead of Diameter programing?

If it did then the tool would be coming out twice as far as it should be. Anything about this on their web site? Also when you were hand writing the programs did you use diameters or radius'?

And did you use incremantal programing or absolute?
Is there a way change the controler to use absolute?

Smitty,

Look at the second page of your nc setup and make sure the scale factor is set to one as shown.

If this were set to 2 in x then it would double your x code.

But looking at the code you posted, it looks right, so I doubt this is not set to 1.

HMMM,
Well at least it works on your machine, that's good news.
Default is absolute in Turbocnc, I'm not to sure on the radius VS diameter programming, I will check on that.
Thanks for the help, Time to put the Kids to bed and think about this a little more.
I'll keep you posted!
Smitty

WE HAVE CHIPS!!!!!!
If I knew how to do a back flip, I'd be all over the place!!!
I removed the diameter cutting, set me zeros, and by george, we have a dogbone!!!!!
I can't thank you both enough! WMS and HFD, could not have done this with out you!!!!! I was just about to give up, now I see the light, it may be dim, but I can see it!
THanks again,
Smitty

That is great news, Smitty!

Now you can settle in for some less stressful learning :)

Does Turbocnc allow you any option for diameter programming? I always found it more convenient to program diameters, because that's what my micrometers read: diameters.

You might even be able to change a scaling parameter in your Turbocnc so you can input diameter values. Just "lie" to it about what your screw thread ratio is ;)

The first step always seem to be the hardest! But once it is done, it all seems to flow.
As for diameter turning, that I will have to look into.
Thanks again for the help, I am off to the real world now.
Smitty

Originally posted by HuFlungDung

Does Turbocnc allow you any option for diameter programming? I always found it more convenient to program diameters, because that's what my micrometers read: diameters.

You might even be able to change a scaling parameter in your Turbocnc so you can input diameter values. Just "lie" to it about what your screw thread ratio is ;)

Hu:

Yes, but it's sort of a hidden feature at present. Needs a hand edit to the ini file to make it kick in. I learned radius programming originally on lathes and didn't add it to Turbo until recently - about a year ago.

Lying about the thread pitch works well too, as long as you don't use G02/03.

-Dave
Author of TurboCNC

Hey Dave,
You made it!
Just finished making a part out of Delrin, although it looks close to the design, it is different.
Should I consider another tool for the final finish pass. I am using a .040 wide tool, with a full radius on the end.
Thanks for all the help guys!!!
Smitty

And yes there are more questions!
When I go to set up my tools, are the dimensions for the tools all in metric, and does that also apply to the diameter of the material?

Smitty,
The box you are looking at only aplies to the simulation, not the tool setup for generating code. But you probably knew that.

The tool is metric and all the rest ( diameter ect.) are Imperial, (if you are using imperial.)

And don't ask me why the tool is metric....because I don't have a clue.:confused:

Thanks WMS,
Just thought I would ask. It got me wondering, because it comes up after the code is generated. Now I know!
Smitty

Originally posted by smitty
Hey Dave,
You made it!
Just finished making a part out of Delrin, although it looks close to the design, it is different.
Should I consider another tool for the final finish pass. I am using a .040 wide tool, with a full radius on the end.
Thanks for all the help guys!!!
Smitty

Hi Todd.

Well, ordinarily I like to use the same tool for rough and finish - a toolchange for that is sort of academic on a benchtop machine. Takes too much time away from the primary goal of making scrap besides. :p

Sure that part doesn't need support? Seems a bit long to make out of delrin all in one setup.

I guess we're getting a bit off topic for the forum here...

-DK

Originally posted by smitty
Hey Dave,
You made it!
Just finished making a part out of Delrin, although it looks close to the design, it is different.
Should I consider another tool for the final finish pass. I am using a .040 wide tool, with a full radius on the end.
Thanks for all the help guys!!!
Smitty

Hi Smitty,

Describe the differences you see. Is it just part flexure?

You may be getting into the area of tool nose radius compensation.

How would you tell? Well, typically you would have already been making adjustments to your tool offsets until the measured diameters are correct, however, the ball ends would appear to be compressed or stretched in the Z direction, because the cutter is overcutting or not cutting it enough.

Let us know, so then we can discuss the correct issues. :)

Dave,
I was using Delrin just to test how things where going to work. HFD, you are right about the balls, they seemed squished in the center, I do not think Turbocnc has cutter comp.
When I mounted some Titanium and ran the program, the shaft is .030 to thick, and the final pass never touched the material.
I just finshed re-loading my PC, so I need to re-load Onecnc as well and re-do the program.
I hope to be back on this tonight or tommorrow.
Thanks for the help as always!
Smitty

Not to worry, Smitty, your controller doesn't need to be able to do cutter radius compensation, because you can do it within Onecnc and get correct results.

You need to think of your tool reference point (TRP) as being located at the center of the nose radius. This means that the tool material actually projects outwards from here by the amount of the radius.
So, if you were to force the TRP to follow the exact profile that you drew, then the part would be too small, by the amount of the tool radius (*2= diameter).

Thus you need to create an offset profile to make allowance for this tool radius. But, don't draw an offset, let Onecnc's finishing cut routines do it for you, that's what they are there for.

When using the Onecnc lathe roughing and finishing routines, tool nose radius is already accounted for if you specified a proper tool radius in your tool setup.

Since the compensated path is away from the lathe axis and away from the chuck, your X and Z tool offsets should be adjusted in the respective opposite directions.

If one finish pass is too much material to remove, then you can opt for more than one, of course.

Originally posted by smitty
Dave,
I do not think Turbocnc has cutter comp.
Smitty

You're right. It doesn't, yet... :cool:

Thanks,
I hope to have things running again later tonight, and give it another whirl!
I am optomistic to say the least, when I make these parts manually, it takes me an hour for only one,.... 7 min. using Onecnc!!!
Was I happy? Understatement!!!!
Smitty

I am REAL close to the real thing now!!
Just a couple more questions,
I have just finished turning a piece of Ti, and the X is only moving half the distance needed. In other words, the shaft diameter needs to be .170, and right now it is at .233.
So, I am assuming that the Dimensional turning in the NC post needs to be on, but that will cause my X axis to move away from the material to far, like before.
So, that brings me to Mr. Dave at Turbocnc!!!
How do I turn on the Dimensional turning within Turbocnc?
I also stopped using the grooving cycle, as I like the one tool option instead, takes a couple mins. more, but not a problem.
Thanks for all the help, Just about gave up on this!!
Smitty

Smitty, do you mean "diameter turning" instead of radius?

Originally posted by smitty
So, that brings me to Mr. Dave at Turbocnc!!!
How do I turn on the Dimensional turning within Turbocnc?
I also stopped using the grooving cycle, as I like the one tool option instead, takes a couple mins. more, but not a problem.
Thanks for all the help, Just about gave up on this!!
Smitty

Easy.

Edit your turbocnc.ini file with a text editor like Dos's EDIT command or NotePad in windows.

Change the line that reads:

ABSprescale=1.000

to

ABSprescale=0.5000

for the X axis only. All absolute moves will then be divided by two internally, and incremental moves left in actual units - which makes everything work properly on a diameter programmed lathe, assuming you zero the tools at the centerline.

Depending on which version of Turbo you're running, the values in the ini file might be in scientific notation:

1.0e+0000 is the same as 1.00

5.0e-0001 is the same as 0.50

Just input 0.500, the computer doesn't care and it's a lot easier for most folks to think in radix point.

Good luck. I'll have to drop by your place again sometime and see what you're making.

Come on DOWN!! You are more than welcome.
Basicly, I am making the same stuff, but NOW with CAD/CAM!!
What a learning curve, but it is good to teach old PUPS new tricks, thats what the wife says!!!
I will give that a try and see what I come up with, closed eyes and all!
HFD, yes you are right, Diameter turning. I got excited again, I am so close!!!!
Smitty

Now I am really confused!
I went and changed the X axis to 5.0, now, to get to the center, I have double the amount?
In other words, when I touch off to the material, I set zero on X,
then I move in half the diameter of the stock, and it only moves half way(Stock is .312, move x in .156 for the center line of the spindle) then I set zero again.
So when the program is running will it take into account the differance?
Lost in Seattle!!!
Smitty

Smitty,
Set X to .5 not 5.0.

Smitty, make sure that you set your Onecnc NC Post output "General settings" back to diameter programming.

Right when I thought I was close, and all heck breaks out.
Went back into Turbocnc.ini, and changed the value to 0.5 instead of 5.0....
Now when I input .156, the x axis will barely move! So I am thinking that when ABSprescale was set at 1.0, and I was close there, why not try 2.0 in ABS prescale.
I also changed the NC post in Onecnc back to Diameter programming. Any thoughts?
Another question, am I zeroing X correctly!
I first touch off, zero X( just to keep the math simple) then I move Z out of the way of the material, and move X in half the distance of the material, which is .312, and zero X again, then I do the same for Z. Bring X out enough to clear the material, and run the program.
Seems simple enough, but again, I am missing something.
Smitty

Also,
What about the scale factors in the NC post. I have both X/Z at 1,

Smitty, now you're using diameters, okay? So, to move in from a touch up on a .3125 diameter, you must move in .3125" in X, because now it is a diameter. :) Think of it in terms like this: now my toolnose is at a .3125" diameter. I want to move it to zero diameter. The difference is .3125

As for your Turbocnc, you should be able to find the right factor with just a couple of tests, if need be. The parameter Dave told you is a simple ratio. Either halve it or double it, one way will get what you want.

The scale factors you leave at 1 and 1.

Only adjust these on the occasion where you want to generate new code for a scaled up (or down) model. I've never had the occassion to do that yet.

Well, as luck would have it, I removed Turbocnc from the system, and now I cannot get it re-installed!
Times like these I just want to quit!
Tommorrow is another day, thank god!
Smitty

Sometimes, you have to shut right down and do a cold boot to fix who knows what.

HFD,
Heres one for ya'
Should I draw my part in X-/ Z-?
I was wondering if that is the reason why I am not getting the correct results, since my cutter is on the front of the machine and not the back like in Onecnc.
Worth a try,
Smitty

Smitty, that depends on how you want to configure your controller software. It is likely possible to invert the X axis ( through parameters or rewiring) on your machine if you prefer to work in X-Z-. I wouldn't recommend this though, because it is non-conventional. Who knows where or what you might be running for a controller or a machine someday? :)

I have lathes of both configurations, but I program the parts with a conventional part position in X+Z- on screen. One lathe has front and rear toolposts, so in those circumstances, I need to draw both views of the part (you know, mirrored on the horizontal axis). Then, I can get nc code from either side as required.

Machining from the other side (X- on screen) requires the use of Onecnc's so called "ID" or boring tools, but that is not difficult to keep track of. After all, it is just the shape and approach of the carbide insert that matters.

I gave it a try, I agree, not the way to go!
Still trying to get the controller to do what I need it to do.
Need Daves help with that one.
The thing that bugs me, is that when Dimensional Programming is off, I get a part that is close, but when it is on, I am nowhere close, even with Turbocnc set at .5 instead of 1.0
Oh well, I still have Fords to work on to pay the bills! This is still just a hobby???
Smitty

Smitty, what kind of error do you get? Are you zeroing correctly, taking into account the diameter is the amount you need to move from the outer touchup to the centerline?

Do the X axis readouts seem to be showing you diameter? Do you have a manual dial on that axis, so that you can compare axis readings to machine movement and make sure that what you get on screen is what you see on the dial? I'm assuming that Turbocnc has some kind of on screen axis displays?

HFD,
The error I am getting is about half of what needs to be removed.
I just cut another one, and same thing. X is going in .0425 when it should be going .085.
So, I was wondering, should I lie to the lathe, and set X zero an additional .0425 in past zero(where I have zero set now), and put in enough clearance when the tool is brought back? Now if I do this, will the BALL diameter be the correct diameter?
Here is a pic of what I just finished....ok, I would but the pic is too big!!!
Any good programs for dummys like me to download for this picture problem?
Smitty

Hi Smitty,

Hmm, I don't know what your files are like currently, but I take it you did generate a brand new nc code file after you changed the option in Onecnc to Diameter programming, right? What you are describing sounds like what would happen if the program was still written for radius values, when your machine expected diameters.

Maybe zip up your current dogbone Cad file and also, the nc file you are using and email it to me so I can see what you are currently working with.

mcewan.machining@sasktel.net

Well, I cheated and set my zero .0425 pass my first zero, although this is not the right way to accomplish this, my part came out just about perfect!!!
Now to figure out the proper way, or what I am missing more like!
Smitty

Just had another thought, with the concerns I am having now, maybe I should draw my part in full scale instead of drawing half of it, just throwing out random thoughts again.
Smitty

Smitty,

It really doesn't matter if you draw all of your part, as you are only selecting a chain or profile to machine.

Burst the bubble!!
Well it was worth a try! Learnin' all sorts of new things with this thing!!

Well Smitty, I don't see any problem with your drawing. Now if only I could see your NC code. Even if you post a screenshot on here, it would be fine. :D

try this

second half

Smitty,

Try changing your machine cfg to this.

You have absolute I,J,R, checked , change it to incremental I,J as below.

A few more things required to know Smitty:
what tool radius did you use,
did you use a standard tool shape from the list or make your own,
and,
did you set your amount to finish in X and Z both to zero before generating the nc code?

It would be best if you post a screen shot of the settings you make in each dialog box as you go through each stage.

Ok, here is a play by play action shot of what I have going on....

next in line...

last but not least...

and my current NC post

Now, the tool I am using is what I call small. Total thickness of the tool is .040 with a full radius on the end.
Now, when I lied to the lathe and re-set my X zero .0425 past my first Zero point, the part cam out just about perfect, except the main shaft is to thick, but the balls are just right.
So if I can get this small problem figured out, I'm in bussiness!
Thanks to everybody for helping me out!!!
Smitty

Smitty, I think you accidentally unchecked diameter programming in your NC Post Output settings. However, it would appear that your nc code looks like it was done with diameter programming on.

So, where in your nc program do you tell your controller that you are using G90 absolute mode? If you say the lengths are right, it must be running in absolute, but the appropriate Gcode for the mode (absolute or incremental) should always be near the start of your program.

You also have not established a G92 work home which means we have no way of knowing where you are starting from. If you touch up to the end of the part, right on center, this is X0Z0 as you are already doing. Back off to X.5 Z.1 and then edit in this line near the beginning of your program:

G90
G92 Z.1 X.5
T0909
S(spindle speed command, if you have a variable speed spindle drive)
M3 (spindle on, forward command)

All the rest of your nc program should then run in relation to this "virtual G92 home".

Second, you should not keep reconfiguring the default config, because it is a default. Configure it as you like, then click save as, and give it a meaningful name.

Apart from that, I looked at the last line of your nc code, which would be the finish cut, and it appears like the X diameter values are correct: .170" + (.02"tool radius *2) = .210".

So, I would think it is something you are doing in setting up your tools or zeroing. Do you know how your controller calls up tool offset commands? We do not rely on zeroing our tools all the time, in order to make slight (or major, for that matter) corrections to the all-over cutting diameters. This is what the tool offset tables are for. Chances are when the command T0909 is read, your controller software is checking for a value in an offset table somewhere, and adjusting your tool position. If you have a zero (both in X and Z) in that table right now, no adjustment will be made to the tool, but if there is a value in there, then you need to know if it is being applied or not.

Smitty,
Turn off your nose compensation (select none).
And try one. But set your x zero at centerline before you do.

If I use auto nose comp with the setup you have it outputs code that is .040 to big. ie the shaft dia. ends up .210.

Yes, Ward has a good point. The reason your parts are too big is because you are zeroing the edge of your tool, but the program is writing code for the center of your tool! The correct zero for your tool is farther in than you thought !:)

However, programming to tool radius center is correct for the offset you need to make the balls the right size. Let me check something.

Okay, it does produce the correct offset code whichever way you choose to do it. The X values will be different because of the zeroed position though. Sorry for the confusion. I forgot, Onecnc won't let you gouge the part :)

Tool offsets would be the best solution to modify your tool position. What you can learn from all this, is that there are a few different ways to create the code, based on where the tool reference point is. "Mixin' 'em up will not work :D

I made the change to Turbocnc INI file. Changed it to 0.5 instead of 1.0
Removed Nose comp. Ran the part again, and the only thing that was re-cut where the balls. Shaft Diameter is at .210, balls are at .312.
Now, I am only taking .010 per cut, should I take .020 off. I see the program made the changes to the depth per cut, just wondering if that might make the change I need. Random thoughts again!!!

Smitty,

Take a screen shot of the last 15-20 lines of your code and post it here.

I'm starting to get dizzy, now :D

I think you should just turn Comp back on to Auto, and adjust your tool X zero position in the X- direction by .04" Thats all that was wrong with your method, was the X zero was no good. When zeroing the center of the tool radius, it is physically impossible to "touch up" to the center line of the toolnose, so you have to touch up on the edge, and then keep going further towards the lathe axis by the amount of the tool nose radius.

Or, as I said, do this in your tool offset tables, from the zero point you have already established. Is any of this tool offset stuff getting through? :)

Then run the program as you posted above.

I think the dizzyness is over!!!
The last thing I changed was the CONTROL POSITION of the tool.
At first I had it at Nose center, and changed it to Tool edge Tangent, and made a run. Came out just fine, so I was thinking that with the tool at Nose center, the program was over compensating for the radius?
Anyhow, it works great. Thanks to everybody that chipped in, Esp
HFD and WMS. I know I tested their patiance, but I learned much about this program through their help and advice!!
Thanks,
Smitty

Way to go Smitty.

I thought we had lost you there for a minute.

Glad things are going your way.

Glad to have helped.

Now go make some parts.:D

Lost me you did! But you guys stuck with me, so I thought I better do the same!!
Hey, I see from your Avatar you are into Sleds?
If so, very cool. Grew up on the darn things!
Smitty