Planet cnc software - layers

[ravihotwok]

I see, slowly getting more knowledge on this, do you think my motion speed is a tad slow as ive set it to 400?

I got the motors up to 2500 but they were making some mad noises and defo didnt like it.

Also in the estlecam software i cant set the z exis depth to a - value. I have it set up so that if I want to engrave 4mm deep the cutting depth is -4mm but it seems to only like positive values?

[johnsattuk]

The depth is what it says it is, itworks from the start level, which is usually the top face of the workpiece. When it generates the Gcode you will see negative no's. Be careful if setting depth with a start level value as it drives the Z axis the sum of the two

[ravihotwok]

i see,

im going toi purchase the license late

just doing another tag with some new setting just with the cad - dxf - planet method.

believe it or not I found the estlecam a bit tricky when I just had a quick go, kept selecting things multiple time lol

Once ive got a few mins this evening I shall post up some pics and if you dont mind please talk me through it if thats ok chaps :-)

[johnsattuk]

believe it or not I found the estlecam a bit tricky when I just had a quick go, kept selecting things multiple time lol

Once you have selected an operation ie: 'a part' it will keep selecting every time you click, I usually go to 'select' in between operations.

I think you would find most other programs more tricky than Estlcam, it does have it's own little quirks but so do most others

[ravihotwok]

i see, I have a lot of text, but i have had to explode it in autocad due to the font so there is shed loads of items to select :-(

[m_c]

I see, slowly getting more knowledge on this, do you think my motion speed is a tad slow as ive set it to 400?

That brings you on to the next area you'll need to learn about, speeds and feeds.
Every cutter will have recommended ranges for feed per tooth, and surface cutting speed.

From those figures, you can calculate the recommended feedrate and spindle speed, however the recommended feedrate will either be limited by either your machines feedrate, or spindle speed, so a compromise has to be reached. Tooth loading is ultimately king, as too low and the cutter will rub and wear out far quicker. Too high, and the cutter will likely snap.
The recommended feeds/speeds, are just that, recommended. They are a starting point. As you gain experience you'll learn what works, or doesn't work with your setup.

[ravihotwok]

thanks m_c, currently ive just been using the spindle on full speed and adjusting the feed rate to just under a speed when it doesnt distort

Yep I know, how crap am i.

When you specify the feed rate, is this the speed when it is cutting? not the speed of which it moves from tool path to tool path?

[m_c]

thanks m_c, currently ive just been using the spindle on full speed and adjusting the feed rate to just under a speed when it doesnt distort

Yep I know, how crap am i.

When you specify the feed rate, is this the speed when it is cutting? not the speed of which it moves from tool path to tool path?

Everybody has been there. I don't think anybody will deny to begin with it can be overwhelming, but you've just got to take it one step at a time. You've at least made it to the point where you can machine things, so it's just a case of gradually learning more about each part of that process.

You have two key modes in terms of feedrate.
G0, which is move at rapid speed, aka as fast as the machine can move.
Then G1, G2, and G3, which is move at the set feedrate, or as fast the machine can move given the requested moves. G1 is a linear move, whereas G2/3 are arc moves. There are more G-codes that use the set feedrate, but I very much doubt you'll use them for engraving.

[ravihotwok]

Cheers for the advise and making me feel a bit better knowing others have gone through the same lol. Well tonight im going to start taking apart the cnc machine wiring (plugs n stuff) and the enclosure I made, as now I know how it operates I want to create a better enclosure with a good extraction system, as im hoping to be doing some proper machining at some point very soon.

I am also thinking about buying some ball screw bellow thingies which help to protect them against abrasive dust. A few things should be arriving in the next few days for the new enclosure, I am also installing disco light for no other reason than shits and giggles. Why not? lol

[Leadhead]

Must be a hell of an enclosure if you are going to dance in it ??