Topics

61

CamBam help (General usage) / .cb file XML Load Error (9232,5)

« on: November 20, 2010, 18:47:20 pm »

I've many hours invested in a 0.9.7f .cb file and since my last File > Save last night I get this error when trying to load the file this afternoon.  This .cb is for refining parts layout and clearances an not for milling parts and it does have a ton of layer objects but no defined MOPs.

I assume the "9232" is a line reference, but what does the "5" denote, 5th character?  And what are the chances I can fix what is wrong?

When opening the file in a text editor and viewing the lines around line 9232 I don't see anything wrong that stands out.

Any ideas what has happened?

62

Members Projects / DIY Stencil Cutting Drag Knife Solution - Update 4!

« on: September 06, 2010, 21:07:05 pm »

Here is a link to a site where someone has already solved the problems involved with taking a stock vinyl drag knife and mounting into swivel bearings and holder. His trial and error process is well documented which brought him to his final solution.

http://www.cuttingedgecnc.com/vinyl.htm

My solution is a variation that adds a compression spring.

To make your own DIY Swivel Drag Knife Cutter all you need are:
  1.  one .25" x .125" rare earth magnet from Amazon.com
  2.  one 5mm OD, 2mm ID bearing from http://www.bocabearings.com
  3.  one 4mm OD, 1.5mm ID bearing from http://www.bocabearings.com
  4.  one 3/8" x 12" brass tube from Hobby Town USA or your local hobby store
  5.  three Carl Goldberg 3/16" wheel collars from Hobby Town USA or local hobby store
  6.  one spring that slides easily down the 3/8" brass tube, has an ID > .25" and a compression force of 80-150 grams when compressed 3/16"
  7.  Roland replacement blades 45 or 60 degree from Ebay.com
  8.  A copper pipe cutter such as a Rigid Model 104.
  9.  A tiny amount of thin CA (Cyanoacrolate also known as Super Glue)
 10.  A tiny amount of Loctite 609
 11.  Digital calipers (very helpful)

To see more of this article go to http://www.buildyourtools.com/forums/index.php?f=8&t=944&rb_v=viewtopic

Hope it inspires you.

63

CamBam help (General usage) / Stencil Cutting Profile with Swivel Drag Knife Question

« on: August 28, 2010, 03:46:12 am »

I just made my DIY swivel drag knife for cutting adhesive and non-adhesive vinyl/Mylar stencils.  The swivel blade is a Roland 60 degree blade angle with a tip offset of .25mm.  You can see images here:
http://www.buildyourtools.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=944&sid=1baefa911e8fb2b53f9131382d71b83c

FYI: The knife tool shaft is 2mm where it rotates in the bearing.  My table XY resolution is better than .00075" and Z is better than .00025".

My first trial stencil cuts were very good using the latest Mach3.  I cut out the letters "CNC" in Times New Roman with the actual font height about 1.5".  I used a profile MOP: tool diameter .001" and later .0005". Both worked, however, when inspecting the cuts I noticed the start and end of the tool path on each letter did not close exactly, I'm mean just a sliver off.  This is most noticeable when trying to lift the letters from the backing.  There is a tiniest undefined "holding tab" which usually breaks but sometimes will cause a tear in the vinyl.

Is there a way to define the knife point offset in the profile MOP or anywhere?  I'm not sure I understand about the Tool Offset parameter.  I currently don't use tool tables.

Any help appreciated.

Thanks

airnocker
Everything depends on everything else

64

CamBam help (General usage) / Drill MOP G-Code Problem

« on: June 23, 2010, 20:10:38 pm »

Newbie here, trying to do a test drill MOP.  I have a really simple 9 point rectangular point list I want to drill down to -0.050" with a .1" dia. bit, but the G-Code has a tool change code I didn't ask for and there are no G1 position or Z plunge change codes.  The point list was created by right clicking the inner rectangle then selecting Draw > Points > Fill Geometry.  I then added the Drill MOP.

Why is this not working?  See attached files.

Many Thanks

65

CamBam help (General usage) / Translation Matrix needs some explanation

« on: June 14, 2010, 22:34:41 pm »

I'm new to CamBam, but have created about a dozen simple projects that worked for the most part very well.

In the process more than a few questions have arisen because I couldn't find any pertinent information in the manual or on the forum.

1.  When copying an drawn object e.g. circle, is there a way to move the object copy while locking either the X or Y center point coordinate of the object?  I know you can fix the final location in the Center Point property.

2.  When copying and moving an object e.g. circle, I find there to be values related to an offset(?) of the original object in the pasted objects Transform property values buried within a string of 1's and 0's.  I need this explained thoroughly.

3.  In the Transformation topic in the manual, there seems to be a lack of information of the nature of the 4 x 4 matrix cells ( I get it that you put values in the cells).  But what does "Translation" actually mean or imply in terms of the actual operation that takes place, and "Rotation" occurs about what?

4.  The Transformation dialog box "Identity" button seems to clear the matrix cells to default values, so why is it called the "Identity" button?

5.  What "values" does one put in the matrix cells?

6.  What does the "Amount" refer to?  Is it the amount of "translation"?  By an offset value, percentage?

7.  Is there a way to draw a polyline after selecting the start point so that either X or Y coordinate is locked?

I'll stop here for now but I've many more questions yet to post.

Thanks in advance.

So far I'm lovin' CamBam.

airnocker