I noticed the thumbnail picture links aren't working...

I give up on pics here now.......but here's a link to a GOOD pic of the sign....

http://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=7116.0;attach=15291;image

swhite wrote:

That plate is really cool, nice job! Steve

Thanks, Steve-

Quote:

Hi Dave, Just got round to viewing the video. Great stuff! Just a couple of questions if I may: 1) What spindle speed did you use? 2) Did you use Cut2D to generate the G Code? 3) I take it that the plastic film didn't affect the quality of the cut. Cheers, Brian

1) What spindle speed did you use? 4200 RPMs

2) Did you use Cut2D to generate the G Code? No sir-

3) I take it that the plastic film didn't affect the quality of the cut. Not at all, the protective sheet just pulls away as it's engraving and I like to leave it on for the extra protection. Just put some painters tape on it when it's done and it removes the rest of the plastic when pulled off.

Thanks,
Dave

Testing........



Still the same thing Brian.

Now pics are fixed.
Thanks fellas-
Dave

Just thought I'd add a few pics of the 4th axis experiment I did a while ago.







What else would I engrave? lol!

Dave

Nice work there, I love 4 axis work on the taig

Thanks, Len, may I ask what software are you using for your 4th axis work?

Dave

I use rihnocam or manually edit the gcode myself if I am able to. Depending on the job or what is being done. I use enroute for most of my 2d and 3d stuff. Enroute is mostly for woodworking but i am efficient in using it as i use i daily for work.

Ah, I see, I've been playing around with that free program called "wrapper". It works pretty well but I need to use it alot more to get anywhere.

Dave

wrapper is new to me, I have to tear my controller (g540) to pull the z axis drive, i was having a issue with that axis missing steps, so i moved it over to the a axis driver and it hasnt missed a beat, other then swapping the drives to make sure its not a signal issue on pins 6 and 7 to be positive i believe it is the driver i need to send it in to gecko to have them look at it and i think i want to buy a spare drive to have on hand for emergencies. So i cant run 4 axis at the moment, but when i get this issue fixed im going to try wrapper.

Is this the wrapper your talking about?

Indeed it is the same little program. Seems fairly easy to use but I just have to find the time to play around with it more and try some things to get used to it.

I downloaded Rhino and it's a pretty tough software to start getting into. Looks like there are a million tutorials but I don't even know where to begin except the tutorials they give you. What's funny is they advertise it as a fully working software and after 25 saves, it will not save anymore, but I'm only 5 minutes into one of the tutorials and I try to copy a set of objects next to themselves and a message pops up and says that the evaluation version does not support copy and pasting, lol!!! Nice.

As for the 540, I remember issues were brought up on the CNC Zone about the earlier revisions having a "bad" drive installed. I think Rev 4 has been the best rev so far. Of course, the 540 I'm using is a rev 4 but it's on the lathe with only 2 drives being used so I should probably switch them around and try them to be certain.

Dave

I Like Rhino but it has a steep learning curve compared to others, i started just playing with it and then doing some of the tutorials. My 540 was bought on the special the had a little while ago and im not sure what rev it has in it. I may get around to pulling it out this weekend if i can spare a little downtime.

by the way, what kind of engraving bits are you using

Len, the cutters really depend on what engraving I'm doing and what material is requested.

The bit in the Taig Sign video was a 1/4" 20 degree Onsrud .005 flat tipped engraver.

They produce fantastic quality cutters .

Dave

I see, i am very familiar with onsrud I use their bits quite frequently, I gop through about 3 or four of their 3/8" compression bits a month and about 2 1/4" spirals. I always like to ask what bits everyone is using and if they know where to get any good deals. I wish I lived near a place i could buy bits but i have to buy most of them online, It would be nice to have a local supplier.

Hey brian could we get a section for people to post suppliers of bits and materials, and other things, like maybe a section where people could post links to a sale or a good deal on something taig or cnc related.

Ok...Created a Vendors to use Forum, Located in Misc area

Where did you get the corrugated chip guards? It seems that I have seen them, but I can't place where!

Rick

Those are available at LMS and I just cut them to fit. I do not know the measurements that I cut them at, I just kept going back and forth with the travels in all directions and trimmed as I went along.

Dave

Dave,

Thanks. I will look them up.

Rick