Re: MillWizard + MaxNC-10, SuperCam & Millwizard...

Message: 8
Date: Sun, 11 Feb 2001 16:12:13 -0000
From: tnorris@...
Subject: Re: MillWizard + MaxNC-10, SuperCam & Millwizard...

Hi Stan!

Welcome to the group and thanks for the reply. I am successfully
using MillWizard on the MaxNC-10 mill and it works great for a novice
(and even more experienced types!). I've downloaded several .3DS
and .DXF models from some "artsy" web sites (you know, those people
that like to make the models to LOOK AT, not mill-out) <grin>

These models work EXCELLENT. Some of the nice things I can say about
MillWizard's handling of 3D objects is that it allows you to rotate
it easily, set the "centerline" (base) for milling (invaluable!) and
its very easy to use. I downloaded the "Demo" version on Thursday and
placed an order through Andrew at United Artworks (free plug) for
$200. It should arrive Monday and allow me to actually mill the
models *I* created.

[Thanks, Tracy- it should be there by now.]

I think its an interesting combination using the MaxNC DLX software
on a Taig Micromill as I've not heard of it being used anywhere
outside of a MaxNC machine. It's pretty good software but one of my
main gripes with it is that it doesn't support "variables" in the NC
code. The closest I could get to "acting like" a variable is to use
the "Relative" positioning on it. Hopefully they will put this in a
future version.

[How do these "variables" work? Is this for shifting the starting position
of a set routine, for cutting multiple parts?]

As for your confusion, Yep! The MaxNC-10 (-5, and -15) are CNC
milling machines available from www.maxnc.com.

[I sell them too, at a 5% discount off list.]

My only complaint with
the MaxNC-10 is its slow milling rate (6 inches-per-minute) and I
plan on retro-fitting mine with the Closed Loop servos (should get
over 100 ipm according to some sources).

[What I've heard (from Dan Mauch) was that 20 pitch screws weren't built to
spin that fast, unfortunately. The 20-pitch leadscrews would have to spin
at 2000 rpm to feed at that rate. He suggested 72 ipm as a working maximum.
If you use ballscrews, with their lower pitches, you coan go faster,
though.

I'm assembling all the gear to build myself a deluxe 4-axis
servo-controlled mini CNC mill for cutting metal: a Taig extended-frame
CNC-ready mill, a rotary table and step/direction software from MaxNC, some
320 servo-control boards from Gecko-drive, and a set of motors, wiring
blocks, power supply and enclosure from Dan. I'll keep you posted on my
progress, or lack thereof... ]

One major "upgrade" I've
made is using 20" X & Y tables from techno-isel to give me more area
to work with. It works great but really needs stronger stepper motors
that the 70 oz/inch ones that came with the machine.

[You attached these to your MaxNC's Z-axis column? I'd think most of your
travel would be wasted due to the milling head's limited reach, unless
there's something I'm missing. If you don't mind my asking, how much did
Techno-Isel get for their X-Y tables? Would you care to post a picture of
this interesting modification to the files area?]

I don't have the SuperCAM software (wish I could afford a copy right
now!) but I am sure there is *some* way to set the Z axis "base" for
your relief milling. From what I understand reading the instructions,
it will take the total depth of the material and divide that by 256
(grey scale colors) to arrive at a milling depth for each shade of
grey. If your material is not very thick then I can understand why it
might be a very shallow milling. Might want to get some 1" thick foam
and try something to see if it mills deeper.

[There are other programs, like Knoll Cybermesh from Puffin Designs (which
is freeware), that will contruct 3d reliefs from grayscale images. It can
export DXF files that MillWizard can deal with.]

Your now on my CNC-Novice mailing list (like me!) and I'll keep you
updated on any new stuff I find out.

Thanks again!
Tracy

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@y..., "Stan Nipper" <stan@l...> wrote:
> Hi Tracy,
> I am new to this list and new to CNC as a hobby, so I hope the
other members
> will bear with me.
> I am trying to use MillWizard with MAXNC DLX software on a Taig
MicroMill. I
> have only just got the thing and I haven't played with it much yet,
so I am
> still in the very confused state. MaxCN 10 is the machine, isn't it?

[ He started with a MaxNC 10, but it sounds like he's stretching its
possibilities some.]

Andrew Werby
http://www.computersculpture.com


> I have also got SuperCam software, which, amongst the other things
I still
> have to find out, scans B & W TIF files cutting deep on black areas
and
> shallow on the whites. My problem is the Z axis moves only a few
thou on the
> passes, hardly enough to show a shadow on the finished article, let
alone a
> picture.
> The user guide is written for someone far more intelligent or
knowlegable
> than me. From the for going you can see I won't be much help, but I
am
> hoping to pick up some tips from any answers you receive.
> Best wishes
> Stan (novice)
> Loughborough
> UK



Andrew Werby - United Artworks
Sculpture, Jewelry, and Other Art Stuff
http://unitedartworks.com