I set the steps per unit and save the settings. But every time I try to use my CNC Router, it's all out of wack again. I go through the process again and save the setting. And again, when I go to cut a project, it's all over the place. What am I doing wrong?
Sorry. Using Mach3 software and a Geckodrive G540 controller and NEMA 34 stepper motors. After setting the steps per unit, do I need to restart Mach3?
Its been a while since I have used Mach but make sure the .xml file is not set to read only or it will not save.
When you set the "steps per" you should move the accel and velocity sliders after saving the Axis settings. If you do not follow this step the setting may not take affect. Depending on the version of Mach3 that you have you may also need to restart Mach3.
There is one more thing that you can try. Uninstall Mach3 re-boot your computer. When windows comes back up then re-install Mach3 and re-boot your computer. When windows comes back up then input all of your settings into Mach3. This is the step that I had to take when I put Mach3 on my Windows 7 computer. Mach seems to work best on XP that has been trimmed down.
Trimmed down is basically un-installing software that is not needed on the computer. I found that even having internet signal on the computer will affect how Mach3 will react.
any idea why my ox comes out with a different step on each axis when suing auto calculate with a dial indicator , dose that sound right??
XY are usually close since they use belts, Z will always be different since it uses a screw. However, X and Y can differ by small amounts because of belt tension differences. Belt tension affects how much the belt stretches, which affects the tooth spacing, which affects the calibration. That is why you must try to get the 2 Y belts to be the same tension. HOWTO Calibrate your CNC Machine for MACH3 or GRBL
