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Robot training part one

Posted on March 2, 2011 by Podforge

This afternoon I finally got a chance to start dialing in the CNC table. I wrote up a simple Gcode file to do a few major traverse of each axis and then a couple of cut moves, one straight one radius. Turns out that 300ips == badness.. lost steps and just sort of jammed up the steppers. This was the default set into the machine. Got to learn quite a bit about resetting the and re-zeroing the machine. Turns out 200ips is a fine traverse speed. I’m not worried about minimizing the program time and can live with a slower traverse speed. I think the next thing I’ll do with it is to make a holder for a pen and determine if it is calibrated accurately for axis travel.. In other words if I tell it to move 10 inches how much does it actually move.

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Progress with the torchmate

Posted on February 27, 2011 by Podforge

So I’m making more progress on the permanent install of the Torchmate CNC table. Due to the grinding dust I wanted to keep the computer that runs it in the next room. So I have run video and 2usb cables through the wall. When I was out picking up a video extension cable I came across an HP wireless keyboard that is really small and has this optical sensor you use with your finger in place of a mouse. Thus I was able to solve the problem of how to keep the keyboard/mouse cables out of the way and actually made the system easier to use. So now I have the CNC table in a corner of the garage with a flat panel mounted on the wall. A pic is simpler so here it is..

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Tick Tock….

Posted on February 22, 2011 by Podforge

Less than one calendar week remaining until I’m finished with the tech Job. Speaking of weeks, with how I feel right now I am going to sleep an entire week once the day job is over. After more than a decade I get to sleep at least a week right? Probably not considering that the Oregon Knife Collectors Association show is the beginning of April, and I’m going to be helping a good friend with his table. Guess that means I’ll only sleep for 3 days straight.