Newbie- 1001 Questions

[MetalShavings]

I do have a whole lot of questions but in an effort to keep from overwhelming you with my ignorance, I'll only ask two questions this time around.

After a couple of weeks of frustration, I've finally gotten to the point where I can now import my CAD files, Rotate them to the correct coordinates, Create various job operations, run them through the simulator and save my files.

Question 1.--Does SprutCAM automatically insert a Stop for a Tool Chance operation in between each job operation?

Question 2.--Are all the numbers that are input into the various "Parameters" pages recalculated by the computer-driver software after the machine and the parts are referenced, or do they remain the same and function from the zero points that the referencing has created?

It seems like each different "Parameters" page has an excess of input fields. I still don't know what most of them are for. Figuring them out is next on my things to learn. Right now they just add to my confusion.

Even though I've managed to figure out how to do the things I've stated above, I'm still not sure I'm entering the correct depths of cut when doing a facing-operation or the depth of my drill and/or mill when doing a drilling operation.

MetalShavings

[avayan]

Actually, I just wanted to welcome you into the madness. Although I must admit that I have gotten better over the past 6 months since I got started, there are way much more questons than answers on my head at the moment. Eventually, the software grows on you, though...

I think the insertion of a tool stop is automatic and based on each operation you create. Whether you can disable this or not, I am not aware. I don't see why you would want to do it, though. Unless you had a gazillion operations with the exact same tool, but then I guess you can use Complex Machining and do all the passes at once. This is just a guess, though.

The Sprutcam Output generator is generating G Code output in either mils or mm's. Hence, all the driver computer does is execute the G Code. I don't think it can recalculate anything. I think you can add offsets and such, but that is pretty much it. Again, most likely based on a guess than on actual knowledge.

And one of the reasons I am willing to look like the ultimate fool is so that somebody with experience feels free to blow me out of the water. All I could do then is learn. Seems like a win-win situation to me!

And now to post my own question of doom... Good luck!

[Scott_M]

If the tool number for the next operation is different from the last operation then an M6 (toolchange) stop will be inserted in the code that is output. If you are doing several different operations with the same tool then make sure that the tool number is the same and it will continue to the next op without the M6 call.

When you first import your model under the model tab, select all faces or curves and then set up your zeros. With everything selected click the "transform" tab and in that box click the Locate Zero tab. Adjust it as you would the work. Like middle , middle, max. Then when you output your code it will be "referenced" Just make sure you zero your part the same way.

I Hope that helped

Scott

[MetalShavings]

avayan: My fellow ultimate fool. Thanks very much for the reply. It's good to know I'm not alone in this confusion.

My reason for asking about the tool change thing was because when I ran my simulations, starting from the top of my list of operations, and regardless of the tool-number, the simulations when non stop from beginning to end.

It went from my initial planing operation all the way down to the peck-drilling cycle without stopping. The good thing about it was that it actually did what I was hoping for.

As far as the computer-driver recalculating question: I had been reading several different descriptions about "Referencing and Tool-Offsets that caused more confusion than they cleared up.

I had the day off today so I was able to play around with my new machine. I turns out that all that G-Code studying I did on my own while I was saving up the money to buy my Tormach seemed to pay off after all.

I generated some code using one of the "Wizards" that came with the Mach3 software. My mill would only run for a few lines then the Z axis would quit moving. It just made noise like it wanted to move but couldn't decide if it should or not.

I was kind of proud of myself for finding the fault in the G-Code that was generated. I thought computers weren't supposed to make mistakes.

Scott: thank you too for your confirmation of that tool change question.

MetalShavings

[davidperry3]

The best thing I ever did with regard to SprutCam was go to Sprut Technology (UK) Ltd. support site
and buy a one month subscription ($40 three years ago). It is set up like a forum but in reality you are talking to their SC expert. The replys are quick and concise. If the problem is really bad I remember him offering to talk to me via Skype to explane it. For me the most value came from his videos and there are a lot of them on his site. Here are a sample of them on youtube
Dukes4monny's Channel - YouTube.
If you ask for a video explaning say 2d conturing he will make one.
Considering all of the time I have literaly wasted wandering the SC wasteland the $40 I spent on this site was nothing. Its been three years so my info may be a little outdated about his site. I would definintly say that SC can't be self taught.

[TXFred]

Originally Posted by Scott_M If the tool number for the next operation is different from the last operation then an M6 (toolchange) stop will be inserted in the code that is output. If you are doing several different operations with the same tool then make sure that the tool number is the same and it will continue to the next op without the M6 call.

Is there a way to alter this? I would prefer it if the machine went to an M01 optional stop at the end of each operation. There's probably a setting, but I haven't found it yet.

Frederic

[MetalShavings]

Many thanks to all who took the time to reply and console.


davidperry3: I got a chance to take a look at the link you posted. I watched a couple of the videos this gentleman has up and I must say, I got alot more out of watching just two of them than I did from viewing all the ones posted by Tormach.

I like the way this guy takes the time to explain things rather than just zipping through on the assumption that the viewer knows what he's talking about.

Another sticking point about the Tormach tutorial videos are the screen shots. The SprutCAM version that these tutorial were made in is clearly not the same version that I have now. I must be dyslexic or something because this causes me some major confusion.

I'll have to look further into the offerings of this "Dukes4monny" fellow. Looks like it may be worth while.

Maybe he can answer all my questions.

While I have your attentions: Here's another question. I'm wanting to set up a "Plane" function on a rectangular part that's 3" x 1" x .425". I just want to shave .1 off of all flat surfaces. I can get the software to set up the job/s and run the simulations but, I still don't know exactly what numerical values to enter or where exactly to enter them to achieve the desired depth of cut. Little help please.


MetalShavings

[Gerry Sweetland]

Originally Posted by MetalShavings While I have your attentions: Here's another question. I'm wanting to set up a "Plane" function on a rectangular part that's 3" x 1" x .425". I just want to shave .1 off of all flat surfaces. I can get the software to set up the job/s and run the simulations but, I still don't know exactly what numerical values to enter or where exactly to enter them to achieve the desired depth of cut. Little help please. MetalShavings

Hi MetalShavings,
Do you mean you want to take .1 off the .425 thickness? I'm not sure what you mean when you say "all flat surfaces".
If that is what you mean then I would create the model at .325 then in SprutCam add .1 to the box around part +Z. Then locate Z 0 + .1 as well.
Then in perimeters you can set the cut to take the whole .1 or divide it up into more than one pass.
I have attached a SC project showing what I did. I was in a hurry and created my model in SolidWorks a full .425" thick but it will give you the idea I think. I had to change the file extension to .zip to get it to upload to the forum, It is not really a zip file, just change .zip to .stc by re-naming the file and you should be able to load it in SC.
HTH,
Gerry

[MetalShavings]

Originally Posted by Gerry Sweetland Hi MetalShavings, Do you mean you want to take .1 off the .425 thickness? I'm not sure what you mean when you say "all flat surfaces". If that is what you mean then I would create the model at .325 then in SprutCam add .1 to the box around part +Z. Then locate Z 0 + .1 as well. Then in perimeters you can set the cut to take the whole .1 or divide it up into more than one pass. I have attached a SC project showing what I did. I was in a hurry and created my model in SolidWorks a full .425" thick but it will give you the idea I think. I had to change the file extension to .zip to get it to upload to the forum, It is not really a zip file, just change .zip to .stc by re-naming the file and you should be able to load it in SC. HTH, Gerry

Thanks Gerry:

I'll give it a look.

I figured if I could see exactly how this is done using a rectangular block with the dimensions I listed I could reverse engineer it (so to speak) by comparing the numbers you used to the ones I used and sort of extrapolate from there.

MetalShavings

[MetalShavings]

Hi Gerry:

I've tried opening up the file you posted but I haven't had any luck. I also took the time to register for that "Sprut Technology (UK) Ltd. support site" that davidperry3 listed.

From watching three or four of the free tutorials they have there, I'm now able to get the correct depth of cuts I was having trouble with before.

I wish I had the cash to subscribe to this site. To me, that support forum is more like a "SprutCAM For Dummies" kind of site. Their tutorials are more informative than those put out by Tormach; and many of them are up to date using the current version of SprutCAM.

Kind of pricey for me though.

Since I've been struggling with this SprutCAM software I've been playing around with the "Wizards" that come with the Mack3 controller software. Those too have their learning curve but, they're a little more straight forward.

For doing one time runs of odd-ball parts they have their place but, using them all the time kind of defeats the purpose paying for and having this SprutCAM software.

MetalShavings

[saabaero]

I had subscribed to the UK site and found it to be worth the money for a months subscription.

I have also found the Tormach videos very informative and appreciate their taking the time to make them. I do think they could cover a lot more topics though. There hasn't been anything new for a while.

Sprutcam does seem to do a lot of things differently than we are used to in the US but once you learn it you really get to like it. I'm sure any help that could be offered to new users to get on board quickly would surely help boost sales.

[Gerry Sweetland]

Originally Posted by MetalShavings Hi Gerry: I've tried opening up the file you posted but I haven't had any luck. MetalShavings

Hi MetalShavings,
Did you change the file extension from "MetalShavings Block.zip" to "MetalShavings Block.stc"? .stc is the file extension that SprutCam uses.
If you just click on the file as is after downloading Windows will not recognize it as a compressed Zip file because I did not actually compress it but I just simply changed the file extension (the three characters after the period) so this forum would let me upload it. IIRC you do not know Windows OS very well as you are coming from a Mac background.
Here is a step by step on how to change a file name in windows, not sure if Mac is similar or not ...
Download my file
Goto where you downloaded the file to on your hard drive and right click the file and click on "Rename" in the list that appears.
Place your curser at the end of the file and backspace three times to get rid of the letters "zip".
Type in "stc" so now the file should read like this "MetalShavings Block.stc".
Hit enter and answer yes in the dialog box that pops up warning you about changing file name extensions.
Now you should be able to click on that file and SprutCam will open up with that project in the work area.
HTH

I have checked out that site from the UK but it seems most of the video's are for 4 axis but I did view one video about Chamfering and learned something!

Gerry