Mach 3 axes question

[Funkyjunk]

Hi guys,
I am new to the Zone.

Been lurking for a couple months and finally ponied up for a machine. I have a couple questions.

I tried to make the roadrunner in mach3 but it came out all wrong. My machine is correct in the distance it moves but I am not sure if the travel directions are correct. If you are facing the front of the router plate this is how it moves: x+ right, x- left, Y+ away from you, Y- toward you, Is this correct? And if so what else should I look for?

The router I have is an aluminum kit from ebay (2'x2') kinda like a k2 cnc but the seller is not much help. It came with 133 oz steppers which I think are too small. What do ya think?

[jhowelb]

That's the way mine is set up.

Perhaps a pic of the roadrunner would be illuminating?

[rowbare]

You really don't provide enough information about your machine for anyone to be able to conclusively answer your question. Movement is from the perspective of the spindle so the answer for a machine with a moving gantry is different than that for a machine with a moving table which is different that that for a machine with a fixed gantry and a moving table...

From your description, it sounds to me like your axes are mislabeled. I am assuming that you have a moving gantry router. On these the X axis is normally the axis that supports the gantry and the Y axis is the one on the gantry. Thus when facing the gantry, X+ is towards you and Y+ is to the right. Your axis labeling mirrors on X.

bob

[ger21]

Thus when facing the gantry, X+ is towards you and Y+ is to the right.

That doesn't sound right. On mine, when facing the gantry, X+ is away from me and Y+ is to the right.

[Funkyjunk]

This is an attempt to upload pics. I uploaded them as an attachment. From the view of the machine pic it is x+ right, y+ away. The other pic is my roadrunner attempt.

[mcphill]

This is an attempt to upload pics. I uploaded them as an attachment. From the view of the machine pic it is x+ right, y+ away. The other pic is my roadrunner attempt.

This is well beyond a swapped axis problem - your machine ain't movin' right! I suspect you are losing tons of steps due to binding or friction, or slipping components...

[Funkyjunk]

I think I may have to put set screws in the couplings, there is some slippage. do I need those plastic shock absorber things in the couplings or could I just use a metal tube and set screws instead of manufactured couplings altogether?

[Mike 1948]

This is an attempt to upload pics. I uploaded them as an attachment. From the view of the machine pic it is x+ right, y+ away. The other pic is my roadrunner attempt.

That is the way mine is set up also. My machine uses the front left corner for homing to 0,0.
You have to get rid of the slippage!! You can buy couplings with keyways if your motors and shafts have them cut in.

Good Luck
Mike

[Funkyjunk]

Thanks so much everybody. Drilled set screws to my couplings so I am good there. Drew the roadrunner ok!

Now I have some new questions.

It seems hitting the goto zero button skips the motors. How do I slow down goto zero?

I am also losing steps for any speed over 10 on z and over 25 on x and y. This seems pretty darn slow but i can turn all the axes by hand. Do you think my 160 oz motors are too small?

I've been thinking of getting a gecko with some 380 oz steppers. Is this necessary?

Thanks to all for replies!

[neilw20]

Read, and follow section 5.5 of the Mach3 manual.