Cutting from template

[StefanV]

So I have a 4x8 routing table and mach 3 and my new quest is to cut out simple glass pieces according to templates customers bring. I looked at systems using hi-def cameras to build high resolution pictures, trace and turn to g-code. That system scans the whole surface while I only need the outline, costing a lot of “empty” time. And so far it looks like it won’t be in my budget.

Years ago I build a small line follower “robot”, wrote the code in a basic stamp and off it went. By drawing an enclosed path on a large sheet of paper, it would go around and around until the battery died.

Now, if I take the template, put a piece of paper on the table and trace it. Can I build this “probe” and put in my router, get it to follow the line while Mach 3 builds a G-code file? I don’t need the 0.0001 precision, for glass, customers are thrilled about 1/64, very satisfied with 1/32.

I suppose, it could be written outside Mach.
- Take a step in the going direction.
- Detect and correct if line is off center.
- Write coordinate to a g-file every 3 or 5 or 50 or so steps depending on the precision you need.
- Feed the g-file to Mach ,….

For some reason I think this can be done for less that $50 and some programming. I have the parts sitting around in a box somewhere.

Am I making sense?
Am I reinventing the wheel here?
Am I in the right forum?

Lot's of questions.

Stefan

[ger21]

The j code plugin might work for you. creates g-code while you jog around the template.

http://www.machsupport.com/plugins.php

[StefanV]

Gerry, so my simple logic;

Get Mach3 jogging to move from a game type joystick. Instead of the joystick get a basic stamp to feed the pulses when and where to move while keeping track of the line to follow,... All this while Jcode records the path. Idea?

PS. I'm new to plugins, I installed Jcode, I'm now looking hard to find where I can find it in Mach3. Nothing new under the plugin control menu.

Stefan

[ger21]

Go to Config>Config plugins to enable it, then close and restart Mach3. When restarted, it'll be in the menu bar

[StefanV]

that was easy