Looking for anyone with a avid cnc table that can help me

[JeepGuy]

I'm having issue a thc issues, running sheetcam and mach4 with a hypertherm 45xp , when cutting 3/8 the torch is dropping and the end of a cut ,causing it to get knocked out of alignment for the next cut, doesn't matter if thc is on or off , I actually think the thc isn't working at all (I did a test cutting a line in 16 gauge that was propped so it wasn't flat and the torch just ran itself into the plate and kept trying to cut).when I cut 16 gauge I don't see the torch drop at the end of the cut but it may be because of the difference in speed, but if the sheet metal isn't perfectly flat the torch will hit it and crash. I bought this setup used ,no prior cnc knowledge (its fun to jump right in isn't it) when I got it the toolset in sheetcam was kinda weird, I found one on the supplied computer and loaed it so I'm wondering if the one I used was old and had a problem. Hindsight I don't see many people running a avid table for plasma but it's to late now . At this point I'll pay for someone to help me out. I emailed avid Sunday but no response yet.

[acourtjester]

Ok many here to help, first off I would try getting to the lowest type of operation and work your way up. This way you can learn what each function does. the simplest thing as many have done here before is to only look at the table movements. No THC no Plasma cutting, and a flat surface. Are you at a point of understanding how to generate a G-code, load and operate the table controller. If so that is a big help, next would be attaching an ink pen to the torch and running a simple G-code to mark on paper. You need to walk before running, ask questions take one step at a time, use the search function in the upper right to look for some answers.

[plasmanewbie]

Fantastic advice from AC. I too always suggest keeping it basic as possible and work your way up. Keep us posted on your progress and I think you will find you get plenty of help.

[adbuch]

I own two of the Avid tables, the Pro4848 and Pro 4824 and use one of them for wood routing and the other for high speed machining of non ferrous materials. One of them runs on Mach3, and the other one Centroid Acorn. My suggestion is that you start from the basics, as I believe Tom mentioned. I would suggest you place a large piece of flat material on top of your grates, install a pen holder in place of your cutting torch, and draw a basic square or circle and attempt to draw these on your material using the program you have created.

Once you are able to do that with no problems, then worry about using the torch and try cutting at a fixed height with no height control.

After you are able to do that, then add in the thc. In other words crawl before you walk, walk before you run, -----.

David

[adbuch]

If you need a pen plotter, Tom offers some very nice ones here. I think the cost is $30. I bought one from him and it work great.
David

viewtopic.php?f=57&t=33354

pen plotter.jpg

[adbuch]

I think you also will need to take a look at some Sheetcam tutorials to learn the ins and outs of that system for creating your g-code for cut paths. I expect you can find many on Youtube.
David

[acourtjester]

Great site to start at (other than PlasmaSpider.com )
https://arclightcnc.com/support/support-videos

[JeepGuy]

thanks for the replies and direction. I do know how to operate it, ive had it working for a few months, have cut things with no problems (although i've wasted quite a bit of metal lol) I have even made a few of my own designs using inkscape. Im going to look up some sheetcam tutorials to learn some more, ive also printed out the mach4 guide to read. still waiting on avid support to get back to me.

saw.jpg

shotgun flag.jpg

[acourtjester]

Looking good, always good to have positive results when starting a new thing.
Plenty of neat project posted here.

[JeepGuy]

little update, still no thc, and ive also found non of my rules are working either, talked to avid support but of course i wasnt at the table but i did check what he said to check but it all seems good.

[JeepGuy]

another update- i went and updated sheetcam and mach4, so far so good, i was able to cut some 1/4 with no issues so far, havent tested the thc yet

[adbuch]

another update- i went and updated sheetcam and mach4, so far so good, i was able to cut some 1/4 with no issues so far, havent tested the thc yet

That's great news! Keep us posted on your progress.
David

[plasmanewbie]

Great news, thanks for the updates, could be helpful to someone in the future.