CNC Quilting forum

[jalessi]

Larry,

http://www.savebase.com/infobase/dow...B6560/TB5M.pdf

I believe this is what you need,

Jeff...

[lmlamb]

Jeff,

Thanks for the info on the setup of the TB6560. I got my Rockcliff board back the day after I posted that request, so I am setting it up for operation. I think the Rockcliff is a better board anyway. One thing I am puzzled about. When I do a pattern file, I run it through a raster to vector converter, then I run the dxf file through Lazycam to convert to gcode. The problem is when I run it through LazyCam, numerous rapid jums are inserted into the file when what I really need is continuous line capability, any thoughts?

[jalessi]

Larry,

I am not sure however I believe you may be able to use something like VCarvePro "quick engraving" tool-path generator.

http://www.vectric.eu/support/VCarve...ck_Engrave.pdf

I have no idea if Lazycam has the ability to generate the type of tool-path you require since I don't have any experience using it.

You may want to present your question on the Mach3 forum.

http://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php

Jeff...

[Switcher]

Jeff,

Thanks for the info on the setup of the TB6560. I got my Rockcliff board back the day after I posted that request, so I am setting it up for operation. I think the Rockcliff is a better board anyway. One thing I am puzzled about. When I do a pattern file, I run it through a raster to vector converter, then I run the dxf file through Lazycam to convert to gcode. The problem is when I run it through LazyCam, numerous rapid jums are inserted into the file when what I really need is continuous line capability, any thoughts?

Sounds like you have a dxf file that has open vectors, that is, the lines & arcs in the dxf file are not connected.

Post a sample dxf file, I'll have a look & see If that's problem.

[lmlamb]

Jeff,

I believe you are right regarding posting the plea on the board. I suppose there are any number of programmers out there that would jump at the chance to write a program that would do this kind of line drawing. I have found that computerized quilting is about the only type of work that would this type of CNC file.

[lmlamb]

Well, I have the cnc quilter set up now, don't have the SSR in place yet, as it doesn't appear to operate the switch for the stitch regulator the way it should. I know the regulator is operating, becuase when you throw the manual switch it controls the stitch just fine. Maybe I don't have the setup correct in Mach3, something to play with. I plan on doing the first full scale project sometime in January, before that I should have some more photos and a small video completed so that you can see what I have been doing. Before I can do anything, I have been told by the Chief of Staff (Wife) that the hobby room has to be cleaned up and re-arranged to facilitate operation ease. So now you know my new years resolution. Everybody have a great and prosperous new year and I hope each and every project you start earns great returns.

Larry

[lmlamb]

Hey Jimmy,

I am still open to suggestion regarding the interface, the problem that I see is that the board that I am using must have a visual basic translator to convert the gcode to machine language. I am using a Rockcliff 4 axis controller board with Mach3 as the software. Do you have anything that can interface with that? I would love to design a GUI that is geared toward quilting only. It would have such things as a button/control to start a basting stitch either horizontally or vertically. It would also need to have the size of the quilting area included into the control input as well as the throat size of the sewing machine being used. I suppose this could be based on the type/brand of machine being used. There are many other things that would be needed as well, but these are things that can be worked out in development. If I can be of help, I believe you have my email address, just send me an email and we'll start working it.

[lmlamb]

Switcher,

I'll get a copy of the file posted later on between now and Monday. I have been pretty busy at work and wasn't able to even read email, so I'm not ignoring anyone. Hope you had a great Christmas and got all the toys you wanted.

Happy New Year to you and yours.

[lmlamb]

Well, it's been a very busy two weeks around the Lamb household. We have been working hard to tweak the CNC Quilter, and we have just started the first quilt. So far so good. The final tweaks consisted of learning how to use CorelDRAW to interface with the Vector to GCode converter that I use. (DX2GCode) Our most challenging problem was in the scaling of the drawings to an acceptable size. This is where DX2GCode really came in handy. It allows the scaling to be set prior to loading the file for conversion. It also lets me see the nodes inserted into the file to control the speed of the system. All in all, we have really come a long way since the first posting on this project, and I am excited to see the first finished quilt. That should occur over the next couple of days. I'll keep you posted on the progress. Oh, by the way, does anyone have a reliable macro that will allow repeating of patterns? I am not a macro programmer and I haven't the foggiest idea of where to even start looking. Any help would be appreciated.

[Glidergider]

Larry,
Do you have a build thread detailing some of the aspects of your CNC Quilter? Sorry I can't help you with your need for a macro, that's over my head.

[sdman]

Is there a CNC kit for an add-on to an existing quilting machine that is economical?
Even a DIY project would be okay>

sdman

[Glidergider]

sdman,
Sadly, I don't think there is a kit for a cnc quilter. The part that I don't quite get is how to make and control a stitch regulator.
Dave