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Post by sneakydragon1313 on Nov 10, 2021 15:59:08 GMT -5
I have noticed that in many YouTube videos re routers, that you MUST unplug the router when changing bits. I am pretty sure this would be problematic with the Axiom Pro-8. The first thing it wants to do when plugged back in is home all axis’. Royal pain and I don’t like running it without the limits (or Home I guess is a better term as Limit seems to mean “The extent of travel from 0,0”) set.
I think a good compromise would be setting the VFD to 0.
Your thoughts?
Also, is there a way to hook up a really cool program, specifically Mach 3 CNC Controller to run on the Axiom?
If not, what would it take to “theoretically” replace the RichAuto pendant? Are the driver boards inside the CPU box specific to the RichAuto or are they an industry standard that a knowledgeable person or engineer can “Frankenstein” together with the Mach 3 software?
Thanx, Alan
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Post by kadcock on Nov 15, 2021 10:29:40 GMT -5
I guess I am really careless (not). I have made thousands of bit changes on my AR6 without even considering unplugging the machine or altering the program. Unlike a handheld router, where it is relatively easy to flip the switch whilst fiddling with the chuck, I would opine that you have virtually zero chance of initiating a routine unless, of course, you allow someone to hold the controller as you change bits.
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Post by Gary Campbell on Nov 16, 2021 9:55:06 GMT -5
"I have noticed that in many YouTube videos re routers, that you MUST unplug the router when changing bits."
Good hand tool safety practice especially for those with minimal experience. Reality is, that you can change bits just fine with the router plugged in, just dont bump the switch as you fumble around with the wrench(s)
"Also, is there a way to hook up a really cool program, specifically Mach 3 CNC Controller to run on the Axiom?"
OF course there is, but I'm not sure that I would use a control that has been "dead" (no further development) for 15 years. If you think Mach is really cool, you should see what CNC controllers look like in 2021
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Post by lynkspyder on Dec 15, 2021 17:42:47 GMT -5
"I have noticed that in many YouTube videos re routers, that you MUST unplug the router when changing bits." Good hand tool safety practice especially for those with minimal experience. Reality is, that you can change bits just fine with the router plugged in, just dont bump the switch as you fumble around with the wrench(s) "Also, is there a way to hook up a really cool program, specifically Mach 3 CNC Controller to run on the Axiom?" OF course there is, but I'm not sure that I would use a control that has been "dead" (no further development) for 15 years. If you think Mach is really cool, you should see what CNC controllers look like in 2021 I can't disagree with you on Mach 3. But the stock controller on these devices really isn't much better. Don't get me wrong. I love our AR8 Pro; rugged and solid and has been a good investment. But I am very interested in replacing the steppers with closed loop devices and a controller that at least has feed override, e-stop, and better jogging capability on the pendant. And while Mach 3 may be outdated, something where you could send g-code line by line would very much simplify the process of proving out a program. The current "press go and pray" process is sometimes a stressful venture. Again, not knocking Axiom. But if there were a plug and play option to upgrade the controls, I'd lay money down. |
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Post by Gary Campbell on Dec 16, 2021 0:58:14 GMT -5
"I can't disagree with you on Mach 3. But the stock controller on these devices really isn't much better. Don't get me wrong. I love our AR8 Pro; rugged and solid and has been a good investment. But I am very interested in replacing the steppers with closed loop devices and a controller that at least has feed override, e-stop, and better jogging capability on the pendant. And while Mach 3 may be outdated, something where you could send g-code line by line would very much simplify the process of proving out a program. The current "press go and pray" process is sometimes a stressful venture. Again, not knocking Axiom. But if there were a plug and play option to upgrade the controls, I'd lay money down."
I have never been a fan of the pendant controllers, but they serve a purpose. They are cost effective and provide a much simpler learning curve for new users. It is much easier to learn 20 features or routines than a hundred. Modular replacement parts are often easier to diagnose when there is a problem. And except for a few accessible settings the end user is locked out of making changes, which is the 800-pound gorilla in the CNC tech support world.
That said, every controller cannot appease all users. To that end my company has been building upgrade and replacement controllers for a number of years. I have upgraded AXIOM machines, mostly servo models for commercial users. We use Centroid Acorn controllers, LeadShine or Teknic ClearPath servos along with many of the existing OEM components.
There is no "plug and play" solution that can be installed in the field by an end user. We install, calibrate, test and tune the new combos in our shop. They run well, in fact, very well and we have happy customers that have been running them almost daily for a couple years now. There are also some ambitious users that have upgraded their stepper machines to other controllers with varying degrees of success.
Your last statement: "But if there were a plug and play option to upgrade the controls, I'd lay money down." will most always get me to disagree. I speak with close to a hundred CNC'ers a year and when they hear the price, only a very few do.
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