Visit to Camaster

[rrrevels]

I was testing the movement of the axes and took a short video of the test. The machine is moving from one corner to the diagonal corner with z moving about 3 inches up. On the way back z returns to the original position. The movement is about 48 inches x and 26 inches y.

YouTube - Camaster 1500ipm movement test

YouTube - Camaster 1500ipm movement test

Russ

[rrrevels]

I ran the 4th axis for the first time yesterday. I still don't have the controller box wired for the 4th axis so I used the box from my Taig mill which has stepper drives in it. I have the axis configured so that it rotates one full revolution as a 1 inch setting in Mach3. I am still playing with the numbers and trying to figure out how the rotational axis is supposed to be configured. I am reading and trying to get that straight in my head.

I guess at the moment I could make an oscillator with a 555 timer chip and run the stepper as a motor. Then all I would have to program would be the x and z axes to use the lathe. It wouldn't be a real 4th axis but I could make spindles and table legs.

Russ

[rrrevels]

I put together an oscillator with a 555 timer and connected it to a breakout board and gecko 201 to drive the stepper on my 4th axis lathe. It isn't a real 4th axis at this point but the lathe turned and I used the router spindle to cut a cylinder. It works! The spin rate is rather slow (there is a 4.8 to 1 reduction) but with the spindle of the router doing the cutting that isn't a problem. I can now turn spindles with the router lathe combination until I can get my controller box rewired to include the 4th axis driver. My current controller box is too small to fit the driver in it.

Russ

[rrrevels]

Here are some pictures of some of the items I have experimented and played with since I got the MC3050-R. The nosecone is for a friend's air rocket. The spindle is experimentation for making table legs. The Engraving is for a box (coffin) a friend made for his dog.

The Mini Cobra is a fine addition to the "Playhouse". It is the most used machine in the shop.

Russ

[rrrevels]

My controller has been reworked to include the 4th axis driver. I think I am getting close to the final configuration and can concentrate on playing instead of setup and installation. Now to learn how to use the new 4th axis control.

Russ

[rrrevels]

I have had the MC3050-R for over a year and have had a lot of fun with it I have made a few things other than just playing. I have the 4th axis wired and working well and have been playing with 3d carving on the flat and rotary.

Russ

[cabnet636]

now you are kicking in well!!