Jewelry Makers and CNC

[ViperTX]

Welcome,

Is the software setup and configured for the milling machine? If not then read Chapter 5 of the Mach3 manual and document your set-up.

If your MACH3 is already configured for your milling machine. Then start MACH3 and use the Arrow Keys to move the X and Y axis. Use the page up and down to move the z-axis.

If all that works, then you should read Ch.5.5.2.3 and perform the Automatic Setting of Step per Unit which discusses Axis Calibration.

If all that works properly then you need a "test file" that you can load and run.

Paul

[jwlry]

Thanks Paul I will do that. I'll let you know when done.

[Fixittt]

99% of jewelry style modeling and machining is done with the work cordinate 0`s in the very center of the part.

This means that if your using a rotary table your zero points (tool tip) for Z and Y axis need to be in the center line of the rotary axis.

This translates into any Z+ move in the code means that the cutter is above the center line and any code of z- is below the center line.

For Y you want the zero point in the center line so when you cut the top half and then it flips to do the bottom half, the 2 halves line up. If you are not exactly in the center line, then when it flips and cuts, the 2 halves will look like they have shifted

So knowing this, when you create the cad model and use the cam software to create your toolpath, you want the model orientated exactly like it would sit on the machine.

[awerby]

Does it have a rotary 4th axis? Any special fixtures? Have you got it to jog yet, when you press the arrow keys? How are you designing your jewelry - on a CAD system? If so, which program are you using? Have you got any CAM software yet? Getting the mill to run is important, but translating your jewelry ideas into something it can execute is essential.

Andrew Werby
ComputerSculpture.com — Home Page for Discount Hardware & Software

[jwlry]

I got thru the configuration and I think I found the problem, but I got another One. Uh! My question is why the mill with the Axis Motor movement Profile of 8000, 60, 5 (X and Y), and 8000, 30, 5 (Z) and, 80, 3000, 500 (A) that came already configured with the mill Trigger the Switch Limits and engrave normal size (.25", 2" of the Textdemo.tap example) if I can get it to engrave some? I lowered the steps per mm to 2000, 2000, 2000 and 20 And I can get it to work without triggering the limit switch but the size of the engraving is a few millimeters. I have the Native Units to MM, I already change to Inches, did the G21 thing and I can't fix it. What should I do?

[ViperTX]

There is setting in Mach3 for the input signals where you can increase the delay to prevent what you are seeing....signal bounce. I believe mine is set for 1000.