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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Feb 2005
    Posts
    53

    Question New Build Questions

    Ok So I have probably gone about this the wrong way but :0 I'm new to lasers.
    .
    I have bought a chinese 100W tube and Power Supply.

    I want to use Mach 3 as I am use this software for my laser. Plan to do engraving and cutting (Model Aircraft Parts). Will mach3 be suitable for what I want to do?

    How do you suggest getting the laser to fire with Mach3? Im sure for the parts it wont be an issue to just use the spindle but not sure about the engraving on/off speeds.

    Is there a controller (BOB) I should be looking at which will run the g-code as it comes either way I decide to run it. I'm on a budget.

    Suggestions would be appreciated.

    Prboz

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Apr 2005
    Posts
    304

    Cool Re: New Build Questions

    On what kind of machine you're going to place the tube?

    Mach3 is bad when it comes to control laser. I can suggest you to use GRBL (on Arduino platform) as motion controller when dealing with lasers.
    On machine that I use I have a router () and 2.5W laser module. Routing-cutting-engraving is controlled with Mach3, when it comes to laser, I just swap BOB with GRBL and use different software (LaserGRBL) or LightBurn.

    LaserGRBL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7El-Vc4RBg

    Mach3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9PeqHJFd0uY
    Make no mistake between my personality and my attitude.
    My personality is who I am. My attitude depends on who you are.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Feb 2005
    Posts
    53

    Re: New Build Questions

    I'm actually making a machine from scratch.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Apr 2005
    Posts
    304

    Re: New Build Questions

    As I wrote, no mather is it is machine built from scratch or you intend to modify the existing one, I would not recommend Mach3/4
    Make no mistake between my personality and my attitude.
    My personality is who I am. My attitude depends on who you are.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Posts
    35538

    Re: New Build Questions

    Here's some info on controlling a laser with Mach3.
    http://tweakie.byethost10.com/27_files/Page652.htm
    Gerry

    UCCNC 2017 Screenset
    http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2017.html

    Mach3 2010 Screenset
    http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2010.html

    JointCAM - CNC Dovetails & Box Joints
    http://www.g-forcecnc.com/jointcam.html

    (Note: The opinions expressed in this post are my own and are not necessarily those of CNCzone and its management)

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Nov 2013
    Posts
    4280

    Re: New Build Questions

    Hi,
    Mach3 was developed before laser operations were commonplace amongst hobbyists and given that all development of Mach3 ceased six years ago the prospect
    of Mach3 being a good control solution for laser operations is poor.

    Mach4 is a very much newer and developing software solution.It has some specialised instructions for laser operations and the Ethernet SmoothStepper has realtime
    laser vectoring/rastering features. My understanding, from others, who have used the combination report good results.

    Craig

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