Event Sequence Questions

[SPEEDRE]

In using Mach 3, " reference home" should mean, a position I choose on my machine by setting all axis to zero, correct? If that is true, then , the next step is to set the part zero, or top of part surface, correct. Next, I should lift the Z to clear the part and any clamping devises, click " reference home"correct. If this is true I can then load my program, click RESET, and cycle start. At the end of each cycle will it return to my 0,0,0 as set in " reference home"? I must then set part zero and run next part, correct?. Please correct any missteps. I plan on a run of twenty four pieces and don't want to loose any to bad set up.

[ger21]

Next, I should lift the Z to clear the part and any clamping devises, click " reference home"correct.

This will change the Z axis zero that you just set to it's current position, which is higher than you want.

At the end of each cycle will it return to my 0,0,0 as set in " reference home"?

Only if your g-code tells it too.
But if it returns to Z0, it'll be at the surface of your part. What you probably want to do is zero all the axis at the correct locations, and program the part to finish somewhere other than 0,0,0 to make unloading and loading the part easier. Something like this:

G0 Z2 (move up to clear clamps)
G0 X-2 Y-2 (move a little away from the part )

Have the last line be M30 (rewind).

Then jog the machine away from the part. Load the part. Hit Cycle start. When it's done, load the next part and hit Cycle Start again.

[SPEEDRE]

Seems like I have more problems than first suspected. My X axis moves opposite to the way it should and the program sends the machine in a different direction than I think it should go. Does this mean I need to change something in the wiring, i.e. step and direction pins?. I will post a few diagrams to show clearly what is happening as soo as I recover from this f***up. I can't write G=code so I would'nt know if it did. So then, what do I do? I am confused, and sick of breaking bits. Once I set the part zero do I just jog away and cycle start or are there other things to do?. I have the parts doubled taped to my table so there are no clamps to clear this time. See, I can draw the part, use V Carve to make toolpaths, load the file but I'm not sure how to set up the machine so the cutter starts at the chosen point. HELP!!

[SPEEDRE]

This diagram shows my X,Y axis as it relates to the keyboards page arrows and numeric key pad. I believe I have the co ordinates in correct relation. If you take the point x as dead center I mount my part to the left of it on center. Meaning the - X and + Y lines are the bottom and right side respectively. Or octant 2. Now if I click the page left, or home key, the X axis moves to the right. That is not correct, but what will cause that to happen? The Y, and Z axis function properly. Page up it moves up, page down it moves down. Numeric key 4 the Z travels up, key 1 it moves toward the table, negative and positive respectively. When I start G code the machine wants to go in Y positive direction and the X negative direction to the upper left hand corner of the table and crashes into the end of travel there. I have set the part zero at the upper left hand corner of the part piece, which is only -4.00" in the X and +5.75" in the Y. Any ideas as what is happening here???

[ger21]

You can change the X direction by going to the home /limits window and checking the "reverse" box for the X axis.


Also, make sure the origin in V-Carve Pro matches your machine orientation. In V Carve Pro, the origin should be set to the bottom left.

[SPEEDRE]

I've done that now it won't move at all. I've done something wrong here and need help from another source other than Internet. I hope to be back. I've been trying to get this damm machine running for three years now and still no luck. Maybe I'm not suited for cnc.

[neilw20]

3 years ! ? ?

Find a person who uses a CNC regularly for a job and they will show you the basics. That's easier than trial and error and snap. Learn what referencing really is. Read the Mach3 manual from cover to cover.

[SPEEDRE]

Well that is on and off. I just need to know how to set up a part to start machining it. I'm sure that three or four well planned steps will work. And I've read it and re read it many times. It is not Mach for Dummies but when it's over and I know what to do I may just write a Dummies pamphlet.

[neilw20]

In using Mach 3, " reference home" should mean, a position I choose on my machine by setting all axis to zero, correct?

That's the position where the machine moves to find all the homing switches, which are not necessarily at the end of travel and are usually at some arbitrary place. You can call it 0,0,0 but just where the homing switches are.

If that is true, then , the next step is to set the part zero, or top of part surface, correct.

The top of the job is usually where you set the tip of the current tool you are going to use. You can set it relative to machine Z0 but at the end of the day it is least confusing if it is the tip of a tool or your standard tool for setting Z.

Next, I should lift the Z to clear the part and any clamping devises, click " reference home"correct.

By all means JOG to Z30 or so before you start,
Why would you want to reference home? You just did that. It was done a few steps back. This will cause the machine to move and other than put the tool tip at your original machine reference which achieves nothing other than increase the opportunity of crashing the tool into something.

If this is true I can then load my program,

Yes that's OK. Nothing will move and no coordinates will change.

click RESET,

Why do that? The machine was referenced and now it might not be !

and cycle start.

That's OK but is the program using the same reference point for X0 Y0?

Where did you set X0 Y0. Where have you selected and offset table.
Before you set Z above you should select the same offset table that the machine will use. G54 P1 would be OK, and have that line in your program too. On some other fixture you might choose to use G54 P65. Any number between 1 and 255 is valid in Mach3.

At the end of each cycle will it return to my 0,0,0 as set in " reference home"?

No it won't unless the end of your program has G0 X0 Y0 Z0 and I suggest that might hit the job if the reference location has not been machined off.

G0 Z30 (move up and away from job as appropriate)
G0 X0 Y0 ( some other location might be better for removing the job)

I must then set part zero and run next part, correct?.

No. Just put M30 at the end of your program after it has parked and the next time you hit cycle start the program will commence.

G54 P1 (just a suggested starting offset table)
G0 Z30 (just in case it was somewhere too low to save a crash)
X0 Y0 (G0 is already active so this is a RAPID MOVE)
(0,0,0 is often the top corner of the job but not necessarily. It might be )
( more convenient to use the center of a round job sitting on it's end. )
X5 Y5 (maybe you wanted to start here)
G0 Z2 (Safe height)
M3 S900 (Select a speed and start spindle)
G1 Z-0.3 F20 (Height of first cut)
G1 X-5 F100 (don't forget to select a feed rate)
(...)
(WARNING THIS EXAMPLE IS METRIC NUMBERS IN IMPERIAL it will be X 25.4 and that is big and FAST)
G0 Z30 (Safe Z)
G0 X30 Y30 (Out of the way)
M5 M9 (Compound off. Stop Spindle. Any special turn off codes here)
M30 (end of program)

Please correct any missteps.

I tried.

I plan on a run of twenty four pieces and don't want to loose any to bad set up.

Walking before you can crawl can lead to a fall. Get the basics right first.
It is a little more than trivial (except for me).

[SPEEDRE]

Here's what I plan on doing. First make sure my part is in the proper position and its 0,0 is in the proper octant on my table. Then I will set the part zero, surface of piece part Z axis. Then lift my Z to clear everything. and start the cycle. If that seems like a good starting plan please respond. I have no current knowledge of G-code, so if I need to insert any lines I'm cooked, no can do. But anywho will this get me started??

[ger21]

I suggest that you start by learning G-code. It's really pretty simple. For example

G1 X1 Y1
is "move to X1 Y1 at current feedrate".

G1 X1 Y1 F20
is "move in a straight line to X1 Y1 at 20ipm".

At the end of your code, you'll want the tool to move up and away from your part.

Add:

G1 Z1
to lift the tool up 1"

and

G0 Xxx Yyy (replace xx and yy with the X and Y values you want to use)
This will move the tool to a location that allows you room to load and unload.

Running your machine with no knowledge of how it works is a recipe for disaster, or at least a bunch of bad parts and broken tools.

[SPEEDRE]

I've got another diagram. What is the parking position called. Is that where I zero out the DRO scales and call it " Ref Home " ? If not what is it, in Mach 3. This is where I want to start, and stop from. If it's a line of G code, please write one for me, I don't know G yet. I'm getting a book on it soon as I find one called G code for Dummies. On the diagram, the part is set at the tables 0,0, So, if I set the part zero at +Y0.030,-X0.030 that would be,
G0 +Y0.030 -X0.030, correct ?. Then I could load the program from V Carve and cycle my part correct ?. When making a response please reference the diagram so I can understand your answers and correction. I just want my machine to start at the parking point and end there. HELP PLEASE( boy that sounds needy huh)