Getting better but still need some help.....

[xtremein]

Hello all,
I have been using our "home made" CNC Router for several weeks now and I pleased with not only my progress but the Dolphin Cad/Cam system. Just like most software the more one uses it the better they become with it. With that said I do have two issues to ask about: To start, I have a rather simple part. I am at home and not sure of the size so I will just guestimate. I will try to post copies in the morning......anyway...... I have a 11" by 15" rectangle with a 10" by 14" cut out of the middle (like a picture frame). I am cutting it out of 1/4" HDPE. I have the Cam set up to drill 8 holes then cutout the inside rectangle then the outside. When I run the simulation in Cam it works perfect, but when I load the Gcode in Mach2 and run it does not work so well. It drills the holes just fine. When the last hole is finished the tool does not raise and instead of going to the lower left corner to start the next cut it goes across the work to the lower right corned, starts there and then only cuts out 3 sides of the inside rectangle.........any suggestions.....

Also....if you are still here after a long story on the first issue....lol. I am still having issues making a simple chamfer. Lets say a 5" by 5" x 1" block. Using a 1/2" ball end, how do I make a 1/8" by 1/8 chamfer along all four sides?

Thanks in advanced,
Micheal

[metalworkz]

Originally Posted by xtremein Hello all, I have been using our "home made" CNC Router for several weeks now and I pleased with not only my progress but the Dolphin Cad/Cam system. Just like most software the more one uses it the better they become with it. With that said I do have two issues to ask about: To start, I have a rather simple part. I am at home and not sure of the size so I will just guestimate. I will try to post copies in the morning......anyway...... I have a 11" by 15" rectangle with a 10" by 14" cut out of the middle (like a picture frame). I am cutting it out of 1/4" HDPE. I have the Cam set up to drill 8 holes then cutout the inside rectangle then the outside. When I run the simulation in Cam it works perfect, but when I load the Gcode in Mach2 and run it does not work so well. It drills the holes just fine. When the last hole is finished the tool does not raise and instead of going to the lower left corner to start the next cut it goes across the work to the lower right corned, starts there and then only cuts out 3 sides of the inside rectangle.........any suggestions..... Also....if you are still here after a long story on the first issue....lol. I am still having issues making a simple chamfer. Lets say a 5" by 5" x 1" block. Using a 1/2" ball end, how do I make a 1/8" by 1/8 chamfer along all four sides? Thanks in advanced, Micheal

Hi Micheal,
We can make a more accurate attempt at figuring what may be wrong if you can post the .dra file. I suspect that the tool was not raised high enough after drilling and the 'Feed change plane' setting may need to be set a bit higher in the Drilling Dialogue window. As far as only cutting 3 sides perhaps you did not include the 4th side in the profile when you selected the toolpaths? Try viewing the simulation again in the isometric view so you can get a better look at the Z depths for the tool if you haven't already. Also you can slow the preview down so it is easier to see everything. I hope this helps you some.
For the chamfer, to make it simple I would recommend using a chamfering bit which would have a 90° included angle. Then you will simply create the toolpath with an appropriate offset to the area needing the chamfer and cut at a depth that leaves the correct chamfer. You can do this operation with the profile option and a ball nose tool but it will be more work in the program and time wise. I will check back to see more feedback from you.
Regards,

[xtremein]

Thanks for the info Wes. I was swamped at work today and did not have time to upload the files. I will be working all weekend and wil try to post them.

Thanks,
Micheal