CNC Quilting forum

[lmlamb]

Hello All,

I just found this forum. I've been thinking of adding x-y drive to my wife's quilter for some time ( http://www.pfaffusa.com/5201.html ) and I'm glad I found others who are interested in the same.

I price a Q-Bot, and for $3K decided to pass on it and try this myself.

I already have a laser cutter that follows Corel Draw vector lines, but have no idea on how to duplicate the printer firmware to run my own steppers from.

I'm familiar with PIC and Arduino coding, and stepper motor operation and hope I can get some help here.

My original thought was to use a belt drive on the x, and acme screw on the y since it only has to travel about a 16". Still looking for proper motors that would be fast and strong enough to move the 40 pound mass back and forth.

Well I just thought I'd throw my hat in the ring and introduce myself.

Take care,
Tom M
State College, Pa

Hi Tom,

Glad to hear you are interested in my project. The CNC Quilter has been a labor of love for the last several months. I'll be posting some videos soon on the forum so that folks can see the finished project. My wife has relegated all of the control, setup and operation of the CNC portion of the quilter to me, so now I am hip deep in the Quilting Hobby too. I find it to be rather relaxing, and stimulating at the same time. I am continually finding new things to try out, such as adding drive belts and using cable as the drive mechanism on the Y-axis. The cable works very well for that purpose, I am going to try using a stronger cable on the x-axis soon (my wife will be bringing some 50 lb test stainless steel fishing wire with poly-U coating back from the states.)( I am in Germany). If I can be of help with your project please let me know.

Larry

[lmlamb]

Hi All,

Well, the CNC-Quilter is finally completed. I have it hooked up to an HP ZV5000 laptop and a handheld game controller that works really well as a remote controller. The buttons are fully programmable and easy to use. I don't have to touch the computer to control it.

My wife and I have finished a couple of quiltes using patterns downloaded from the internet. We found that using the scale function next to the DROs allows us to adjust the size of the patterns with much ease simply by punching in the numbers that we want. This has solved a lot of the problems that we were running into with our CAM software. Now we don't have to worry about the scale being correct when we do the conversion from DXF to G-Code. We simply set the scale in Mach3 and a few minutes later we have the right size. It does take a bit of experimentation with the scale to find the right ratios but that is to be expected. I am finding that the initial setting for most patterns is approximately 0.0700 as the initial setting, although some will be different based on the size of the file and what machine they were made for . I am really having a lot of fun working with the quilter. I've learned much about automation and control of the machinery during this project. I have posted a bunch of new fotos on the gallery, so if you are interested, please have a look.

[lmlamb]

Hello All,

I just found this forum. I've been thinking of adding x-y drive to my wife's quilter for some time ( http://www.pfaffusa.com/5201.html ) and I'm glad I found others who are interested in the same.

I price a Q-Bot, and for $3K decided to pass on it and try this myself.

I already have a laser cutter that follows Corel Draw vector lines, but have no idea on how to duplicate the printer firmware to run my own steppers from.

I'm familiar with PIC and Arduino coding, and stepper motor operation and hope I can get some help here.

My original thought was to use a belt drive on the x, and acme screw on the y since it only has to travel about a 16". Still looking for proper motors that would be fast and strong enough to move the 40 pound mass back and forth.

Well I just thought I'd throw my hat in the ring and introduce myself.

Take care,
Tom M
State College, Pa

Hi Tom,

Glad to hear you are interested in my project. The CNC Quilter has been a labor of love for the last several months. I'll be posting some videos soon on the forum so that folks can see the finished project. My wife has relegated all of the control, setup and operation of the CNC portion of the quilter to me, so now I am hip deep in the Quilting Hobby too. I find it to be rather relaxing, and stimulating at the same time. I am continually finding new things to try out, such as adding drive belts and using cable as the drive mechanism on the Y-axis. The cable works very well for that purpose, I am going to try using a stronger cable on the x-axis soon (my wife will be bringing some 50 lb test stainless steel fishing wire with poly-U coating back from the states.)( I am in Germany). If I can be of help with your project please let me know.

Larry

Hey Tom,

Here is some info for you. If you are using Mach3 as your controller software, you won't have to worry about duplicating the printer firmware. As a matter of fact the Arduino and PIC boards should work just fine with MACH3. It's just a matter of getting the hookups correctly made. I don't have much experience with either of those boards, as I am using a Rockcliff 4 axis board that I have had great success with. I have two other boards that I am hankering to try out, but one of them is USB only and I have no software that will work with it. The other is a universal Toshiba board that will work with everything from serial to USB and Parallel. The little USB 2 axis board that has to be programmed using VB6. I'm going to play around with it and see what can be done. I have modified the MACH3 screens to more closely resemble a quilting software package so that my wife will have an easier time of learning it. So far she is pretty impressed with the whole thing. Keep me posted on your progress, I would love to see some Pics of the project as it progresses.

[Tom_M]

Hi Larry,
I'm thinking of changing direction.
I was looking at kit like this:


http://cgi.ebay.com/3-Axis-NEMA-23-S...item3efd999bf2

Any opinions on this?

The reason I'm shying away from Arduino is that I'm unsure of the Gcode to Arduino. I only found one source and it's an unproven beta.

Anyway, what type of motor are you using? I'm wondering if a NEMA 23 rated at 175 inch ounces or torque would be good for moving a 30-40 pound sewing maching around the frame.

Also, after researching belt drive costs (it has to be a LONG belt), I'm going with wire drive around a spool.

Hey Tom,

Here is some info for you. If you are using Mach3 as your controller software, you won't have to worry about duplicating the printer firmware. As a matter of fact the Arduino and PIC boards should work just fine with MACH3. It's just a matter of getting the hookups correctly made. I don't have much experience with either of those boards, as I am using a Rockcliff 4 axis board that I have had great success with. I have two other boards that I am hankering to try out, but one of them is USB only and I have no software that will work with it. The other is a universal Toshiba board that will work with everything from serial to USB and Parallel. The little USB 2 axis board that has to be programmed using VB6. I'm going to play around with it and see what can be done. I have modified the MACH3 screens to more closely resemble a quilting software package so that my wife will have an easier time of learning it. So far she is pretty impressed with the whole thing. Keep me posted on your progress, I would love to see some Pics of the project as it progresses.

[Rene Nuñez Paz]

Hi
Could you explñain how Mach 3 works in your quilting machine.
What is the use of encoders?
Is there some macros?
Please explain a little how your machine works?

Another question.. I saw two ways of machine works, what of this are you using?

1-Needle motor runs constantly and optical switches in rotor shaft send commands for X and Y movements, when needle is out of fabric, in this case OEM triggers hotkeys activate OEM CYCLE START button, working in Single BLK mode

2-X and Y axis run continuously G code and Needle operation is done when X and Y axis are stopped using optical encoder to Know when sewing machine is stopper or moving to next stitch position.

Thanks in advance, sorry my ignorance and my bad english

Regards

Rene

[lmlamb]

Hi
Could you explñain how Mach 3 works in your quilting machine.
What is the use of encoders?
Is there some macros?
Please explain a little how your machine works?

Another question.. I saw two ways of machine works, what of this are you using?

1-Needle motor runs constantly and optical switches in rotor shaft send commands for X and Y movements, when needle is out of fabric, in this case OEM triggers hotkeys activate OEM CYCLE START button, working in Single BLK mode

2-X and Y axis run continuously G code and Needle operation is done when X and Y axis are stopped using optical encoder to Know when sewing machine is stopper or moving to next stitch position.

Thanks in advance, sorry my ignorance and my bad english

Regards

Rene

Hi Rene,

My CnC Quilter is pretty straight forward. Since I am using the stitch regulator that came with the sewing machine, I don't have to worry about using any encoders except the ones that came with the regulator.

I am using Mach3 (modified version that is suitable for the quilter) that is set up to operate only the the x and y axis. I use it with a Rockcliff 4 axis board that is only using two axis right now. I have an optical relay attached that controls the motion of the needle(on/off) that is controlled by port 17 of the rockcliff board and mach3. The Estop button is controlled at the estop output of mach3 going to port 10.

Actually my quilter is not using either of the methods you mention, as I said above, I am using an optical relay controlled by Mach3 using the M7 command to start the needle and the M9 command to stop it. This is done by inserting the M7 command in a convenient spot in the Gcode that will start the needle sewing, and at the end of the file before the M30 (or what ever command is being used to end the program) I insert the M9 command to turn off the needle before the end of the file.

The X and Y axis are both under the control of a Gcode file running through Mach3. I have found that it is both possible and convenient to scale the size of the output of the file to fit the quilt that is in progress. This makes the output fit perfectly to the project.

I am quite happy with the results of my project, and It pleases me greatly to share my experience, project and knowledge with other enthusiasts.

Keep the questions coming, I love it.

Larry

[lmlamb]

Hi Larry,
I'm thinking of changing direction.
I was looking at kit like this:


http://cgi.ebay.com/3-Axis-NEMA-23-S...item3efd999bf2

Any opinions on this?

The reason I'm shying away from Arduino is that I'm unsure of the Gcode to Arduino. I only found one source and it's an unproven beta.

Anyway, what type of motor are you using? I'm wondering if a NEMA 23 rated at 175 inch ounces or torque would be good for moving a 30-40 pound sewing maching around the frame.

Also, after researching belt drive costs (it has to be a LONG belt), I'm going with wire drive around a spool.

Hey Tom, good to hear from you.

Yes, it is possible to use just about any size motor that fits your budget. I am using a pair of NEMA17 motors with 75 in ounces of torque. So for that size machine the NEMA23 should be perfect. The biggest problem you face is the size of the machine throat. I am using a 9 inch throat Husqvarna Viking Mega-Quilter. It is a bit small when the take up rod is full, so a larger throat is a good thing. As far as the belt is concerned, I bought 15 feet of MXL 3/8 inch wide neoprene belt with some small gear pulleys that fit it, from a local hobby store, and my cost was very affordable, only about $25 all total. I found that the wire is a great way to go, but I would recommend that you use something heavier than 30lb test, maybe 50lb test or higher, just consider the stiffness of the wire and how it will fit the pulley or shaft. Also, be sure to put at least one turnbuckle on each axis to adjust the tightness of the wire. It needs to sound like a c chord on a guitar when you pluck it. Additionally, when you mount the wire, be sure that you loop it at least three times around the pulley and that it runs straight across the table and the pulley top. If there is any angle in the wire at the pulley, it will get very tight as it travels from the middle of the table to either side of the table. This will cause a lot of power loss and heat generation in the motors.

Good luck with your project, and keep me posted on it's progress.

Larry

[trickey]

Hi all I'm a retired diesel engineer Living in Australia
and have been to many quilting shows and seen the grossly overpriced computer operated quilting systems.
which I could not justify their cost.I have been looking at how to build a cnc myself.any design or construction poses me no problem.my problem is software
as I have not been involved in cnc programing before.but am enthusiastic
hope you don't mind me joining you

trickey

[trickey]

Hi Larry
I my wife's quilting frame which I built myself had the same problem with a medium throated sewing machine ( brother 1500s 9 inch) and have overcome this by constructing the frame so the rear roller slides back and forwards which gives another 6 inch movement.
at the moment I have it working manualy but have assembled all the parts and have bench tested the idea, it should be able to have it move electronicly using a 12vdc motor
I know this may be to late for your project but may help some others
regards
trickey
your eyes are your windows to your brain (my Grandfathers old saying)

[ec_buss]

Looks like you have done it all Larry. Thanks for sharing your experiences with us. This site has inspired me to build a quilting machine myself--and it turned out well. Follows test patterns provided with Mach 3 just fine. I've tried (with no luck) using Lazy Cam and Corel Draw to make some usable quilting g code patterns, and am now a bit depressed thinking I will never get this thing to do anything productive. Could you steer me to sites where I might download such patterns? Thanks, Ed

[lmlamb]

Looks like you have done it all Larry. Thanks for sharing your experiences with us. This site has inspired me to build a quilting machine myself--and it turned out well. Follows test patterns provided with Mach 3 just fine. I've tried (with no luck) using Lazy Cam and Corel Draw to make some usable quilting g code patterns, and am now a bit depressed thinking I will never get this thing to do anything productive. Could you steer me to sites where I might download such patterns? Thanks, Ed

Hi Ed, thanks for the kudos, I really appreciate it.

Yes, I purchase my patterns from Ellen Munnich's site. They are pretty reasonable. The site name is www.quiltrecipes.com. She is really easy to deal with and will do most anything to help short of giving her product away.

ALso, you might want to go to the www.candcnc.com site, which is where you can get a really good macro called DXFtool for CorelDraw X4, that will convert your drawings to DXF format, then you can load it into LazyCAM really easy. The macro will cost you a few greenbacks, but I think it is a really good buy for what you need.

Do me a favor, and when you make the purchase for DXFtool, mention that I directed you to it. Also, take some pictures of your setup. I am really interested in what you are doing, and I love being a mentor.

Good Luck, Ed, You are going to have a great time with this project, it's really a blast.

I'm sending you a copy of my 1024.set file so that you can see what I have done with it. I have made some very special changes that allow me to input the number of repeats that I need, as well as the number of repeats that are still left to sew. Just unzip the file in your mach3 folder, and then you can see what I have doe with it. Disregard the second page, it is still being developed. I am working on setting up a page that will allow me to set the size of the sewing area so that the program will figure out the number of repeats to put in it.

Larry

[lmlamb]

Hey everybody, I'm back,

I've been out of the loop for a while, you know, when Uncle Sam says go, ya go! I've made some more advancement on the cncQuilter screens, I now have the ability to input the number of repeats to sew, and it tells me how many still have to be sewn. I am working on doing a second page that will allow the input of the linear size of the x axis of the area to be sewed, and then calculate how many replications will be sewed based on the length of the pattern in the gcode file. This is taking a bit longer than I expected, since I had to be away, but I'll get to it shortly. I know I have been lax in reading the zone, but I promise to do better. I would love to hear about all the quilter projects that are being worked on, and I would also like to see some photos and/or vids of your projects.



Larry

"Just remember, never discuss secrets with the monkey while the organ grinder is in the room." Winston Churchill.