Project 1 from EmptyNester. Category: Custom Shop Tools - CNC Table

[EmptyNester]

I am really confused.

I can't seem to figure out how to configure Mach to use the Arc Okay signal. The signal is working, but I can't find anything in the doc or online about how you actually configure Mach to use Arc Okay.

Anybody have any ideas?

I'm still trying to figure out why the torch cuts out while cutting. I don't hear the relay click off, or see the Arduino say the torch was turned off. It could be so fast that I don't see and hear it. I'll have to watch voltages. But, I really think its a configuration issue.

I feel like Mach and Sheetcam are each a "universal mounting bracket" from different companies that need to work together. But, you just can't figure out how.

Thanks.

[Rambozo]

I would think that ARC GOOD would have to be configured in that custom G28.1 routine for THC.

Since your corners end up a basically a big hole, maybe because you are going too slow the arc just cuts out from the gap, and not from any signal. I would think you would be able to tell from the relay and status indicators that the plasma has been stopped by a signal. Maybe that was part of the reason for the high speed in the corners? Now that you have your arcs fixed, you can go back to corner loops and maybe make them a little larger so there is some metal under the plasma jet and not a hole from the other part of the loop. All of these are more SheetCAM issues. I think you have Mach doing just what it is told to do.

[Rambozo]

Is Mach honoring your pierce delays?
This post seems to indicate that with the THC set, the arc ok signal is being used and the delay might be expected from the THC which is probably not the best system. You can modify a macro to fix this, but i believe it has been reported as a Mach bug.

http://www.machsupport.com/forum/ind...?topic=17435.0

I believe the proper path should be:

Move to pierce height
Start arc
Test for Arc ok and wait for it, with a timeout after a long time and end program with an error.
Start pierce delay
End pierce delay
Move to cut height
Start X-Y motion

It looks like you have to make some adjustments to get this to work.
It might be to be compatible with THC's that do their own pierce delay internally. Maybe research this a little to see if it's something you want to add. I think I would rather have that added by the CAM program. There are pros and cons to each method.

[sportbike]

Looks good. Congrats on your first "Real" part.

Best part of the whole thing is that your wife likes it. Time to call Alro and have them drop off a truckload of sheet materials...