help with candcnc and mach3 touch off

[adbuch]

I am posting this request for help from Jerry Walker. He is new to cnc plasma and having a few problems. If anyone has any useful ideas about possible solutions to his problem, or needs more information, please post it here so we can try to help him.
David

"Im new to plasma tables and cad and was wondering if somone could help me out. I have a candcnc machine running mach 3 with a bladerunner2 computer. My problem is when i go to run a program the z-axis doesnt touch off and start cutting. It just jams into the plate. Ive checked the switch and made sure its getting a signal and both are fine. Im at a loss and hoping somone can help me out. I cant get candcnc to help me out because they are closed before i get off of work everyday and closed on weekends."

candcnc help needed.jpg

[djreiswig]

You/he can post to the candcnc forum.
https://www.candcnc.net/supportforum/index.php

[acourtjester]

When I used their DTHC-IV setup I have a similar problem and I think it was a delay setting for the THC start. I think I used about 1 to 1.5 seconds from the M3 until turn on for the THC. This allows the arc to stabilize before the THC starts controlling the torch movement.
From their manual

CNC 1.JPG

[djreiswig]

It sounds like he's having problems with ihs not thc.

[WyoGreen]

I'd second having the OP post this problem over on the CandCNC forum, Tom is very good about responding, even on weekends.
It's been a long time since I've run Mach3, but it sounds like the touch-off is not being reacted to by Mach3. So I'd look at the diagnostic page and see if the touch-off indicator is lighting up when the touch-off switch is activated. If it is then we need to figure out why Mach3 is ignoring it. If not, we need to trace the problem down, perhaps to either a bad switch or wiring.

Steve

[adbuch]

Guys - thanks for your input. I will forward your suggestions to the "OP".
David

[BTA Plasma]

With mach if he is using ohmic he must set the probe input port and pin to match the z home.(port 1 pin 13) Also he may have to change a feature in his port processor for the correct G code for using the probe.

[BTA Plasma]

If he is using a floating head with a secondary slide he should have his switch offset set in the post processor. Also have him go to diagnostics to test his switches.

[adbuch]

If he is using a floating head with a secondary slide he should have his switch offset set in the post processor. Also have him go to diagnostics to test his switches.

Thanks for your input. I have no personal connection with the "OP" other than he was looking for help on one of the Plasmacam forums and I posted this here as a courtesy. I have had no response from him on any of the forums, so It is pretty much out of my hands.
David