PDJ Pilot Pro

**hacksaw44** · 03-15-2012, 12:27 PM

Any Pilot Pro build threads out there ? Started to get my stuff together for a build and would like some help. Thanks

**Chapin** · 03-15-2012, 06:52 PM

I built my Pilot Pro 2 years ago. I have been running it every day since. It's a great machine. If I can help just let me know. Contact me and I will help in any way I can.

Scott

**Deep Groove** · 03-16-2012, 03:30 PM

Originally Posted by Chapin

I built my Pilot Pro 2 years ago. I have been running it every day since. It's a great machine. If I can help just let me know. Contact me through my email account xxxxxxx at xxxx and I will help in any way I can.

Scott

Scott, you might want to edit your post to keep your email address from being picked up by spambots.

**hacksaw44** · 03-17-2012, 09:38 AM

Awesome. I will email.

**HangmanRocketry** · 03-21-2012, 10:32 PM

I have just ordered the 26 x 50 version and decided to take the easy way of choosing the asembled version. Should be here in about 2 weeks. Everything I have seen it looks like a great machine.

**hacksaw44** · 03-22-2012, 07:48 AM

Cool Deal. Keep us updated on it. Have you got the Software yet ?

**HangmanRocketry** · 03-22-2012, 09:14 PM

I have finished the stand, made a pendant and waiting for my Super PID to arrive. I hope to have it all wired up and ready for the machine when it arrives.

For software I am using TurboCad and DeskCnc. I have not run the licensed version but have downloaded and run the trial versions.

What are your thoughts on software.

**hacksaw44** · 03-23-2012, 09:45 PM

Looks like there are a few good ones out there. DeskCNC ,I already have Mach3, and DXF tool.

**HangmanRocketry** · 07-28-2012, 02:30 PM

Finally got the machine put together. I decided to go with the deskcnc package and I added a SuperPid speed controler along with a Xkeys pendant controller.

I have been able to exicute simple pocket and contour operations but since I am new to cnc I have a few questions and issues.

The first is connecting the toolsetter/digital probe. I have double checked the wiring and switch on a breadboard and it seems to work fine. When I config desk cnc to check operation of the switch(config as a nc switch) the machine will only jog steps regardless of the feedrate setting.

Next question I have is how to face a spoilboard using the amana 2x2 mini surfacing bit. from the Toolstoday website:

Note: This tool is not designed to plunge! You must ramp down to a depth of 1/4" deep over a 20" run. Use the max RPM allowed (18,000) and start the feed rate at about 320 inches per minute, and go up until you get waves, then back down to a smooth cut/finish.

I have done a few web searches looking for a setting for the X-y step and it seems that people are using 1" step using a 1.5" tool. Is this right as it contradicts the 50% step that I have read else where?

Next is exicuting the rampdown. At first I wanted to create a rectangle the size of the spoilboard in cad and then use deskcnc to do a pocketing routine.
The problem I run into is that Deskcnc seems to only use the entry exit on the finishing pass. This leaves me with the contour operation.

More reading online sugests that the direction of my cuts should done on the x axis but the video on the amana site shows what looks like a pockiting operation. What is my best approach here?