Im so lost with CNC stuff... help...

[jimmyaz]

Ok geeezzz... Im so lost with the G-code and the Cam programing. I finally got my machine going it can cut the famous RoadRunner from Mach 3. But other then that, I can not tell it to do what I want. I know it a steep learning curve but it seem im strugle quite a lot.

So this is the step correct?

You draw a simple shape in Rhino, save it as DXF.

Import it to Lazy Cam from Mach (what exactly am I suppose to do with it in here? Let say I just want to cut a letter " H " . I need to set the dept correct? that about it? )

I generate the g-code, load the g-code into Mach 3 and just start?

Well, it never seem to go that well, I see the project in Lazy cam fine. But when I import to Mach 3, I don't really see my object the same as I would see in LazyCam.... and it never seem to cut the entire thing?

Would someone please just draw out a dxf file of a letter or something... and also make a LazyCam file out of it and let me try it?


Anywhere I can get some Dvd's tutorial?

[ger21]

There are 5 LazyCAM tutorial videos here. Click on the link and go to the "videos" folder.
Some may show older versions of LazyCAM, though.
ftp://anonymous:guest@machsupport.com/

[mxtras]

It's a steep learning curve, that's for sure but once you get going, it will come to you fast.

You have the basics down. You draw your part, DXF out, Go to LazyCam and load your DXF, then output to Mach.

Now, when you draw your part, you need to draw it accurately and to scale. This scale (drawing units) needs to be the same as the units your machine runs in. If your machine is scaled in inches, draw in inches. The drawing package (Rhino in your case) will output your drawing in units. It has no idea if these units are inches, millimeters or miles and it doesn't care. Same with Lazycam and same with your machine. A unit is a unit. That seems to be a stumbling block for a lot of beginners - sounds like you might have that licked, though.

Next - when you draw, you need to draw cleanly. No overlapping lines, no open lines, no unnecessary short line segments. Overlapping lines will cut twice and open lines (or short line segments) will cause a lot of unwanted retracts. Z will retract at the end of each segment - even if they are end to end, unless you join them together. I am not sure how to polyedit lines in Rhino, sorry. Watch out for stray points, too.

Once in LazyCam you might be on your own. I use an older version of it as the newer version kinda sucks for now, so I don't think the way I use it would make a whole lot of sense to you.

I am sure we can help you after you run through some of the tutorials. There are a lot of folks here that are experts at this stuff, but just don't have the time to start from scratch.

Scott

[jimmyaz]

Thanks Scott,

Clear enough about the Unit stuff, I think this might be one of my problem.

Allthough I've been trying it all night and this is what going on... Take a look at a image which I draw 2 simple shape (rectangular and circle and imported to LazyCam).

Nice and clean enough? I did not set any depth and so forth... just clean it in lazy cam and generate g-code... the problem is, when I import that g-code to Mach 3... in my JOB DISPLAY, it does not display the entirely correct project. Take a look at the below image.

LazyCam - http://img457.imageshack.us/my.php?image=shapesxu5.jpg

Mach 3 - http://img219.imageshack.us/my.php?i...hshapescy5.jpg

So what happen, it only cut 1/4 of the circle... and it stop... This is odd is because I drew the cicle as ONE LIne... .because it a circle. Also in lazy cam, it only show up as one CHAIN...

What did I do wrong?

[neilw20]

I note wa few things froim your Mach 3 screen shot.
1). You have not referenced your machine. Read section 6.6.2 of the Mach 3 manual.

2). You have soft limits, off. Do You want to hit the stops by accident? Refer 1 above for this to have any meaning.

3). I notice you are using G91. Do you intend Incremental Mode, referenced to what?

4). Is the circled clipped because of the limits of your machine.

At least:
1).Reference the machine.
2).Move the table to mid travel away from the stops. Head up and clear of work area.
3).Select an offset table to use. Say 50. In MDI or program G59P50
4).Zero each axis.
5).Load your program. Put a line in it like GF59 P50.
6). Have you seen a later version of Mach3 with Z inhibit on this screen?
This can be set to say 10, then the tool won't come too low while you check things out.

RTFM

(Read the F...riendly Manual)

Keep tinkering. You will get it eventually.

[jimmyaz]

Hey Bud,

1. Yes I did reference my machine (the mach 3 I showed in the pic is the one on my laptop, which is not hook to the machine, because I use my desktop.... )

2. I couldn't get the soft limit to work correctly, therefore I didn't use it. But I do have home switch and limit switch enable, so the machine should run safe.


3. I have no idea what is this G91 is.


4. Not really, because I only see like 1/8 of the circle when there's still more space in the Job display box that can show more of the circle.. but it doesn't.


What seem to be so akward is that how come it cutted the rectangular shape by itself completed... but not the circle?

[neilw20]

The machine will have some axis limits in the setup.
I believe you are trying to make it work outside these limits.
You should do ALL of the Mach3 setup so you have less mysteries.
Make sure inch/metric settings are as desired.
Are the axis calibrated?
I assume you have hard limit switches each end of each axis. That's good.

I have had this problem of clipping near the setup limits.

Can't help any further. Sorrey.

[ger21]

Can you post all the g-code?

[jimmyaz]

Hey,

here's the DXF

http://helivu.com/images/cncstuff/shapes002.dxf

here's the g-code

http://helivu.com/images/cncstuff/shapes002.tap

thanks

[Switcher]

3. i have no idea what is this g91 is.

G91 puts the Control (Mach3) into incremental mode.


.

[Switcher]

Here is your g-code plotted in NcPlot (1/4 circle).

.

[jimmyaz]

So what did I do wrong in Lazy Cam? how come it only draw 1/4 of the circle... when In lazy cam as you see I had the entire circle... Is it because it not a full version of Lazy Cam?

Im using the free version of Lazy cam and so on with Mach 3.