IT Lives
Achieved first motion today, got it lashed up to an old BOB and very poor PC (way below Mach3 specs) and it seems happy, a short video...
https://youtu.be/n34DDnw8org
It was running this file...
IMG_0983s.jpg
Which was the simplest file my mediocre G-Code skills could manually type
Have played with motor tuning and it will go way beyond requirements so pegged it back at my 9000/mm/min target. Acceleration seemed very willing to perform but I'm not sure if the PC is hampering it there or not, its only a 500mhz CPU and Mach is supposed to need 1Ghz or more.
Still, it runs and runs VERY well indeed, smooth, fast and gives me the impression it will work nicely with the torch on.
I have tried to make it lose steps - pushing the Mach "Stop" button when running at 9000mm/min give a very abrupt stop indeed but no lost steps, can't get much more severe than that i think.
Next i need to do some book-speed tests with real cut files and verify the home position after each cut, not even sure its worth doing a pen test - it just seems happy and gives me confidence.
The final step is the tricky one - I need to strip the BOB, THC and plasma from my running table, dismantle that to move it out of the way, move the new machine into position, level it and fit the last parts to it. Then install the extract system, bed frame and slats and start test-cutting. Sounds easy but I know for a fact that as soon as i decommission the running table, jobs will come in!!! The only safe way I think is to put up the "closed" sign for a few days and get it done - we are away in a weeks time for a week so i might just extend the holiday closure period a bit to give me some slack.
Good day today
![Very Happy :D](./images/smilies/icon_e_biggrin.gif)