Australian Mechmate transforms to Acorn

[Racedirector]

Hi All

Received my ether1616 today, the card is alot bigger than I thought!

My CNC is still in storage as my garage is still not built (hopefully by the end of January) but once my machines are in their new home I will rebuild the control box of the router to fit the ether1616 plus everything else that was included plus upgrade to whatever version of CNC12 is around at that time.

Really champing at the bit to get going again, this waiting is killing me!!!

Cheers

[Racedirector]

Interesting fact

Was getting the incorrect sizes for panels I was cutting so did some recalcuations on the axis steps. What I found strange was the X axis is different than the Y yet all axis have the same motors and belt reductions. Wasn't much difference but enough to be 1 mm out on the X. Funny what you find.

Cheers

[Racedirector]

I have a question, As above I recalculated the steps on my machine, now it will cut a perfect 1090mm as it should be yet it will not cut a 16mm pocket without it being set to 17.25. What could cause this? I am sort of lost as to why.

I have 30 tooth pinions on Nema 34 motors with metric racks. Any suggestions/help would be appreciated.....

Cheers

[robtown]

Not sure about Mechmates, but in my Shopbot that's just flex...

[martyscncgarage]

When you are FINE TUNING the DRO, make sure you always move in the same direction taking up backlash. When you return to Zero go further and then back to zero and then continue measuring in that direction.
Fine tuning DRO section of the manual is attached.

Did you also check your machine for backlash?
Here is the tech bulletin for properly checking backlash:
https://www.centroidcnc.com/dealersuppo ... ads/37.pdf

[Racedirector]

Thanks guys

Never thought of backlash, will check tomorrow.

Weird thing is all smaller operation require adjustment yet large distances do not. Cut a few things today and requested 450mm and got the same every time. Yesterday it was pieces 1090x2200 and they were spot on. Yet a 12mm pocket needs 12.97mm to get the 12mm stock to fit.

Thanks Marty, will read the attached.

[martyscncgarage]

Thanks guys

Never thought of backlash, will check tomorrow.

Weird thing is all smaller operation require adjustment yet large distances do not. Cut a few things today and requested 450mm and got the same every time. Yesterday it was pieces 1090x2200 and they were spot on. Yet a 12mm pocket needs 12.97mm to get the 12mm stock to fit.

Thanks Marty, will read the attached.

Take the time to check the machine MECHANICALLY for backlash, and THEN to set it up correctly and fine tune it.
You have backlash compensation, but its meant to HELP compensate for very small amounts. It will never correct mechanical issues. Folks overlook this, and sometimes they don't assemble the screws/pulleys/thrust bearings correctly and inadvertently create excessive lash. Not saying this is you, but checking for backlash with a dial indicator will tell you.

Marty

[Gary Campbell]

Calibrate your machine with movement against a qualified measuring device. DO NOT calibrate based on a cut. Bit diameter, deflection, backlash and cut direction will determine the actual size of a cut. Calibrate under no load

[Racedirector]

Thanks Gary

I think that is what I did wrong, calibrated against a cut that I needed. I have a Wixy measuring system that I will install and then do it properly.

Cheers