Re: Newbi needs advise on torch table. - now THC

> MACH2 is cheap, well written, constantly being improved and the THC
> is real and working. I cut for 4 hours today using it.

Hi Tom, and all,

I am not totally clear on the THC problem.

it seems that the table requies an X/Y to move the head, but the Z
can be independant. lower to part, start cutting, let it be
independant of the rest of the CNC software and just keep it's
location based on voltage.

Then just wing that sucker around the table as needed.

why is it so critical to have the CNC software keep track of the
head ?

a command up with an end switch prior to any non-cutting moves, and a
start cutting with a resultant 'go' from the independant head control
seems like a simple approach.

After all, don't a log of guys just ignore THC all together ?

My EDM is similar in that the electrode postioning in seperate from
X/Y and even total feed is not counted as electrode wear has a huge
effect on distance.

I 'home' to home, then re-zero on the first spark, then burn to depth
figuring no electrode wear, then home again, then back to the
starting zero and then measure the electrode wear. From that I can
caluclate wear in that part and how much farther I need to go.
Mind you none if this is critical, I'm still setting things up.

Dave







Dave