Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] CNC Control SW

Hey Donn,

I remember when one of the first CNC crafters was on display at a Chicago tool show. The software they were using back then was about all that was available at the level of the machine. Like you have mentioned, the Indexer program runs much faster than the other. Have you called out to Ability and asked Art how long it will be until he is done with his G-Code interface ? I know he was finally working on one. Finally !

I only know of three other G interfaces for it. One is From Production Automation Tech, another from CNC-LPT, and one from Hoyt Mckagen. All DOS. I am thinking they were like $800 -$500-$300 in that same order.

Another thing you may want to examine is how your machine is actually geared. If you are able to sacrifice resolution, and if your motors are strong enough, you could slow them down via a belt-pulley combination which in turn could speed up the revs on your leadscrews. More speed, less steps necessary out of the control. It kind of depends on what you are making and your current resolution.

I know that a lot of individuals will have totally different results with the same CNC programs that have been talked about. This is often due to "the rest of the components" (drives, motors, and gearing of it). There are no sure bets that if you change out the control for a different one that your particular machine will run any better, at least without doing some mechanical gearing changes. I've been through this as I have been lucky enough to beta test some PC controls. Even from one version to the next...... things can change to
cause a particular "lead" on a screw or torque curve of a motor throw things off so far it doesn't work as well as it could.

You might want to sit tight for Ability's release. Sounds the easiest to apply that's for sure ! When you hear something from them on a date, Please let the group know. I've got a copy of Indexer sitting on the shelf because I needed G-Code too. Someday I would like to put it on something again.


Chris L

Donn Busby wrote:

> With a couple of exceptions of replying to computer questions (which I am very comfortable with), I've been a lurker for over a year. I hope this plea for input is not too long, because I feel some need to make clear my situation and needs.
>
> I have a small cnc router (the CNC Crafter), a pretty decent machine. G code creation is with BobCad or most often now, Cimagrafi. CNC Controller from Buckhannon directs the steppers. My version of the CNC controller is a few years old, but still similar to their current bottom line version.
>
> I'm really frustrated with the speed my cnc cuts at. I'm just guessing, but I think it probably tops out at 50ipm or some such and much slower through the curves of a 3d cut. I also have Indexer LPT HPGL controller and it seems to cut much faster, but I'm doing full 3d so I gotta have G-code.
>
> Buckhannon says that they have a DOS upgrade out that has improved curve smoothing and better look-ahead that will improve my speed for a couple c-notes. But I've been seeing comments about Master5 and EMC, among others, here on the group. EMC sounds a little daunting tecnically, so I would probably rather spend a dollar or two than face the learning curve. I'm settled with DOS OK, but I wouldn't mind having a good reliable Windows controller either. There is also an ad-on for Indexer LPT that does G-code at a lot more money.
>
> So, basically, my cnc needs are pretty simple. No spindle speeds, coolant, tool changes, etc. I just want to speed up the actual cutting speed. Any comments / suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
>
> Donn
> www.cnc-works.com
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