PROBLEMS WITH CAMCUTCNC PLASMA

[ayer1719]

I bought a kit from Camcutcnc. We built the 5x10 table and connected everything to the computer and downloaded all of the software, yet we could not understand the so called instructions for setting up the table to run the part programmed. We could not even figure out how to change the dxf to g-code according to camcut's manual. So, I then decided to purchase sheet cam, because the jetcam that came with the kit is crap! We were finally able to get the machine to move some, but when we start the cycle to cut the part, it is starting the part too far over and it is trying to go off the table and it is trying to go down too far. I really am discouraged right now, I have had my table built for at least 10 months now and haven't been able to cut anything yet! Do you or anyone else know how to fix this problem or am I gonna be better off to to buy a whole software and motor bundle and just use my table with that. I am just about ready to give up, I've talked to the guy at camcut a few times and he is no help whatsoever. Please help A.S.A.P. thanks, Brian Ayer

[Larry83301]

I?m not familiar with your machine, but it sounds like the program X / Y zero is in the wrong place on your table. Does your software use offsets for program X/ Y zero, like G54 - G55 etc. what do the first few lines of program look like? Anything like this?
N100G20
N102G0G17G40G49G80G90
N104G0G90G54X8.7264Y-1.4818

Or like this ?

N1 G90
N2 G40 Offset right
N3 G00 X11.9409 Y28.7898 Fast motion to the start pierce
N4 M07 Torch on
N5 G01 X11.7575 Y28.8698 F0.0
N6 G03 X12.003 Y28.4946 I12.0032 J28.7626
N7 G01 X12.003
N8 G03 X12.0921 Y28.5097 I12.0033 J28.7622
N9 G01 X12.0921 Y28.5097
N10 G03 X11.7575 Y28.8698 I12.0032 J28.7626
N11 X11.8609 Y28.6065 I11.9409 J28.7898
N12 M08 Torch off

If it looks something like the first one then you set X / Y zero in your offset section of your software, with the second one you go to where you want X / Y zero and set it there. I hope this helps with the problem.

Larry

[beefy]

Brian,

I have not even heard of that table so can't offer suggestions specific to it.

One thing I do advise is learn how to read the gcode and single step through the code. Your machine should have a single step function. At least this way you can get an idea if the produced gcode is correct and if it is you know exactly what the machine SHOULD do at each line of code and you can confirm it's doing it right or not. There's not really a great deal of commands with plasma cutting.

It's also extremely useful for modifying the code if your cam software doesn't give you exactly what you want. I use Sheetcam and it's great but I've sometimes modified bits of the gcode for custom moves.

Sorry I can't be of more help.

Keith.

[tm america]

i too bought a camcutcnc kit.. There is alot of issues with his g code convertor.. i went thru hell trying to figure it out but finally i got a system that works.. first off i didnt like his free cad program so i bought torchmate cad.. best 900 bucks i spent.. second tochmate does give you a working option to use it with mach3 so i had to find a good g code convertor.. this is where it got tricky?I found Cad2plasma.. the guy who makes is named bob it sells for around 50 bucks and gives you flawless g code conversion..if you dont mind using the cad program andy give you i would just at least buy the cad2plasma and you will be able to use your machine without issues.. Andy is a pretty knowledgeable guy but still hasn't worked out all the bugs of his post processor otherwise his design works pretty nicely ..if there is anything else i can help with just let me know..

[tm america]

My email is gmuzek@yahoo.com..i am pretty sure i can talk you thru fixing your issues..i went thru it all already it was over a yr before i was finally able to get my machine up and running..but now that i did so i am damn near an expert at knowing what is wrong with these.Also you will have lots of crazy issues if you don't restart after installing mach before trying to use it..also there was issues with the xmls he origanally sent me..There are tons of things that could be getting you into trouble with mach.. You could be running in metric rather than inches or running an offset...Either way i can walk you thru your issues by simply giving you my setting