New member and CNC user

[sharkbait]

Hi,
Even before I became a member I learned a lot from you guys. Just purchased a NM-135 and am in the process of learning the machine and will probably have many questions, I am just glad there is a site like this, and people willing to go to for help.
Thanxs,
Sharkbait

[TOTALLYRC]

Welcome to the zone.
How do you like the NM-135 so far?

Mike

[sharkbait]

Hey TotallyRC,
I just received a demo unit from Novakon with full warranty and was told it has never cut material and was completely tested. The unit arrived with no homing switches (which I was told would not be needed, they may be right but I am a beginner and it has taken me a while to use the machine without them), now when I run my programs sometimes the machine goes haywire always on the -z axis digging into the material disregarding the g-code. I realize this will hopefully be cleared up by Novakon, just thought you might have some advise.
Thank You,
Sharkbait

[TOTALLYRC]

If it is a stepper machine them many people don't use limit switches, myself included.
Sound like you might be loosing steps on the z axis due to a tight gib or something.

Mike

[sharkbait]

Hi TottallyRC,
After I reset the unit, (after hitting estop when the damage happened) I have to home the machine using an indicator every time to reset x,y,z, The program will run perfectly past the point of the last error and then error at a later time. I have not talked to Novakon yet, but I paid an experienced programmer to check it out today and he was frustrated, and had no solution that he could perform, he thought I should return the unit. I have little experience in CNC and want to make sure I am not screwing up. I will call Novakon tomorrow and I hope they can help me, I really need this machine to earn money and it just keeps draining me of it!

[Crevice Reamer]

Hi Sharkbait and welcome!

Mike is right about the limit switches, you can set soft limits in Mach3, but homing switches are a MUST. Get after Novakon to supply them.

What steps per inch do you have your axes set to. Maybe you need to calibrate them.

CR.