11-14-2012, 10:51 AM
the Y axis is essentially using two axis's (what's the plural of axis?) rather than a single signal being sent.
In Mach3, you slave the A-axis to the Y. During normal operation, the 'A' receives the same signals as the 'Y'.
As you guessed though, when homing, each axis gets driven until it reaches it's own respective home switch. Using quality, repeatable switches is a good idea here.
A breakaway isn't (IMO) a true necessity but is a good piece of mind. Many people run successfully without one. For me though I'd rather control the risk as replacement Hypertherm parts are bloody expensive! Not to mention fairly scarce in Aus.
I'll just be using a hand torch for the time being which isn't as susceptible to damage as it's protruding parts are short from the mount. I plan on updating to a dedicated machine torch in the future which when mounted will have more length protruding, meaning easier breakage. If I don't build the option now, my history says, I never will.
It'll be interesting to see if I manage to get off my butt once the table is done to properly paint, powdercoat and anodise the parts rather than run it as is
In Mach3, you slave the A-axis to the Y. During normal operation, the 'A' receives the same signals as the 'Y'.
As you guessed though, when homing, each axis gets driven until it reaches it's own respective home switch. Using quality, repeatable switches is a good idea here.
A breakaway isn't (IMO) a true necessity but is a good piece of mind. Many people run successfully without one. For me though I'd rather control the risk as replacement Hypertherm parts are bloody expensive! Not to mention fairly scarce in Aus.
I'll just be using a hand torch for the time being which isn't as susceptible to damage as it's protruding parts are short from the mount. I plan on updating to a dedicated machine torch in the future which when mounted will have more length protruding, meaning easier breakage. If I don't build the option now, my history says, I never will.
It'll be interesting to see if I manage to get off my butt once the table is done to properly paint, powdercoat and anodise the parts rather than run it as is