Mach 3 Soft Limits & Offsets The Complete Breakdown
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- Опубліковано 17 сер 2018
- This video covers setting Mach3's soft limits in detail from the errors you might receive when trying to set them to you using offsets for digital repeatability IE Homing.
I ask that you all take notes as you watch this video to help digest what your watching, and that you watch it to the end as I break some myths of using these powerful settings.
Please understand you can't set soft limits without axis calibration performed. Please watch this video first to calibrate your system if you haven't done so yet. • Mach3 CNC Axis Calibra...
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Finally!!! Thank you so much for explaining this. I've spent numerous hours and videos trying to figure out why I couldn't get my table set to the home position. So glad I came across your video.
Thank you again
Joe,
Thank you for your support. I really appreciate it. Soft limits, and offsets are very powerful once you understand how to use them. I'm glad to have helped you. Thank you, Vince
Thank you so much for this very clear explanation. I've been looking for different videos to teach me how to set offsets and homing and finally. I got this. Thank you so much.
I'm glad it helped you. Thank you for your support. Vince
Bravo my friend. FINALLY someone made the video I needed! (start to finish, WITH reasons why and possible issues.) I wish I could like this video twice.
Willbuilt, thank you for your support, and kind words. I'm glad to have helped. Here's the link to the accompanying video for offsets. ua-cam.com/video/u8oFqMQit9E/v-deo.html Thank you,
Vince
Someone already said it. I'll say it again. Finally!! Best explanation of soft limits and offsets I've come across on UA-cam. I've watched you videos for several months now. This one made me a subscriber. And it's the reason I'll visit your e-store and make purchases as I need them. Thanks. Keep it up.
Hey Barry, Thank you for your support I really appreciate it. I'm glad to have helped, and will keep be sure to keep the videos coming... :) Thank you, and have a great weekend!
Vince
This is for me the best explanation of soft limits that I have found on UA-cam. Thanks so much. I suspect I will watch a few more times before I get my machine setup and I understand what is taking place.
David, thank you for your support. I really appreciate it. That's exactly the best way to learn them, and their potential. Once your system is setup, and their live you'll quickly see its much faster to digest, and get the hang of. Thank you again, and have a great weekend! Vince
Pp
The best video i have ever seen on this subject by far! Thank You for taking the time to make it!
Christian, thank you for your support. I really appreciate it. I'm glad the video has helped you. Have a great weekend! Vince
I’ve had a mini CNC machine for 4 or 5 years and never used it because I didn’t know how to set the limits, now that I’m older I decided to give it a try and you video made it super simple, so thank you, very well done!!
GohanDoesUA-cam, Thank you for your support I really appreciate it. I'm glad to have helped. Please be safe.
Vince
Thanks for taking the time to video this!
Frank, thank you for your support. I really appreciate it. Vince
very good presentation - the best I have seen on Mach3 offsets and homing
Nev, Thank you for your support. I really appreciate it. I'm glad the video helped. Thank you,
Vince
Thanks Vince...
This was the third time I watched this video... I finally understand it and can appreciate how it would have helped me save myself some grief and a stepper motor...lol. Thanks for all you do...
Chris thank you again for your support. These videos are longer, but I feel worth the time to watch. I'm glad you got it. :) Vince
Best video on limits and offsets by far!! I usually don't have the patience to sit through a 49 minute video, but the was well done, and very informative! Thanks for sharing!!
Greg, thank you sir for your support. Its greatly appreciated. Unfortunately the video is long as there's no real way to cover all the detail without going down the rabbit hole. :) Thank you again, and have a great weekend! Vince
@@corvetteguy50 No worries it was worth it. I'm now watching your video on calibrating the axis. Thank you
@@gregraso728 Great, thank you again. :) Vince
Hi, This is a great video with things that many people are confused.
As you said he mach3 manuals are hard to find and I was looking for one in case you happen to know.
Great Job,
Adrian
Adrian,
Thank you for your support, and kind words. Please email me direct in the video description, and I'll forward you a Mach3 users manual.
Thank you, and have a great weekend!
Vince
Tried for a couple of days trying to learn this from the manual getting more and more frustrated. Thankyou for the clear and concise instructions. In 40mins approx managed to achieve what I could not in 2 days. much appreciated from a grateful Aussie
Harry, thank you for your support. I really appreciate it, and am glad the video helped. Have a great weekend! Vince
Wow! Thank you, thank you, thank you! I read the whole manual that came with the program and was lost. This will get me going.
S S thank you for your support. Glad it helps. Thank you, Vince
another great video thanks, man. you make things so easy
Steven, thank you again for your support. I'm glad the video helped. Have a great weekend! Vince
Great tutorial very helpful in what I was looking for!!!!
I'm glad to have helped. Thank you for your support Vince
Excellent video...Learned a bunch of things in this vid. Your a great Teacher.
Todd, Thank you for your support. I'm glad it helped you. have a great weekend. Thank you, Vince
Awesome video thanks so much certainly will reference it again. Great job
Ronald, thank you for your support. Its greatly appreciated. I'm glad it helped you. Vince
Excellent breakdown. Thanks very much sir
Thank you for your support. Vince
Great Video man!! thanks for this.
Freedom,
Thank you for your support. I really appreciate it. I'm glad to have helped. Have a great weekend! Vince
I am self-taught. That was the best Mach 3 tutorial that I've seen. I had knew what the machine coordinates were used for. I never knew how to use the soft limits and have exceeded my limits. Thank God I did not destroy my CNC. Thanks to you, I will now be able to set up Mach 3 correctly to save time and my machine. Thank You
Hey Tom, Thank you for your support, and I'm glad you now know how to use them. Vince
thank you for all this info..very interesting..
Fred, thank you for your support. I really appreciate it. I'm glad to have helped. Thank you,
Vince
Worked smoothly, tysm
I'm glad to have helped! Thank you for your support! Vince
Hi, I am not sure if you will still get to read this as its an old video for you. I cant thank you enough. I purchased a machine with no help at all. You are a star my friend, take care.
Dave,
Thank you for your support. I really appreciate it. I'm glad to have helped! Have a great weekend! Vince
I have literally just spent about 3hrs going over and over this video wondering where I was going wrong untill I realised I had my home limit set to port 3 when I'm using port 2.
So anyone else having trouble check your settings for homing switch port.
I should add the video is actually really good and well put together the mistake was all my fault 🤦♂️
Hey Scott, thank you for your support, and you bring up an excellent point. The devils certainly in the details. Check your settings carefully! Thank you,
Vince
Great video ! Thanks
Benjamin, Thank you for your support. I really appreciate it. I'm glad it helped you. Please be safe.
Vince
i totally agree with this. i think sift limits is the smartest..easiest way to go. great video as usual vince.
Daniel, thank you for your support as always. I think so to. Their the easiest way for maximum system protection once your comfortable using Mach3. Have a great weekend! Vince
great video...Im a computer guy but this is not your average computer program and its controlling a a machine...so it was fairly alien to me. great help!
Daniel, Thank you for your support. I'm glad to have helped. Thank you,
Vince
Great Works Thanks !!!!
Marcetigreshark, Thank you for your support. I really appreciate it. I'm glad to hear you got them working. :) Have a great weekend! Please be safe. Vince
Thank you..i will try that after i try doing the procedure without the cnc connected..
You bet :) Vince
Best Video EVER!!!!!!!
Steve,
Thank you for your support. Mach is very powerful, and these settings will streamline your system, and its safety. Vince
thanks for your help I have a problem that corner of rectangular pieces dont cut with zero angel and that be cutted curvy
Saeed,
Thank you for your support. I really appreciate it. Vince
Thanks Vince, I knew I could depend on the Master!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I just reset my static system and if my other system works the same I think I'll have it. Once I clicked on Ref All I clicked on Soft Limits with none of those Pesky Soft Limit Warnings. I just need to figure out how to set up my Safe_Z.
You were whispering into the microphone so I had to turn volume right up, then you hit 'go to zero' and deafened me with the windows DING! But other than the temporary deafness I enjoyed the video and finally learned what to do.
Alun, thank you for your support. I adjusted the MIC in future videos. I'm glad you got them figured out. Thank you Vince
Great video Thanks.....................
I agree!
Thank you for your support! I'm glad it helped! Vince
This is absolutely invaluable info and well done. Do you have any type of Patron page or a way to have question/answer dialog?
Todd, thank you for your support. I really appreciate the kind words, and am glad it helped you. Please forward a donation to this Paypal address (payments only) Len1007@yahoo.com I do provide consultations, and Q&A support at the email listed in the videos description. Have a great weekend! Vince
Thanks Very Good educating Video, Thanks again.
Rafael, Thank you for your support. I'm glad it helped you.
Vince
@@corvetteguy50 Not at all... Vince I may have to reach you soon for help, I am starting a possible business that will require SMD placement and soldering in a transfer table, but I have hardware job before, Thank you again. Rafael
You bet :)
Vince
Thank you for the time you spend to make this video. I have one question, I couldn't find it anywhere, hopefully you could help. Sometimes during milling, machine stops, lets say after 5min of work. Normally, I want to continue from the place its stopped, but machine won't spindle, machine moves on X, Y and Z, but it is not spindle on the same time. Do you have any idea what to do?
nellinhos, thank you for your support. I would have to see the build your working with to analyze the potential issues as there's no way I can tell you what's going on from your description. I offer consulting, and can forward you the pricing if you email me. A place to start would be with my troubleshooting protocol here ua-cam.com/video/FSQGvfGt2Qs/v-deo.html
Thank you have a great weekend, and please be safe.
Vince
Concise and to the point! I installed switches, configured Mach and have a happy homing lil 3040 now. Yet one thing has left me starring clueless... With machine coordinates active (lit to red), soft limits do their thing on the spot. As soon as I toggle machine coordinates off (unlit) to one of the offset coordinates the soft limits apply to the offset coordinates. Aren't soft limits supposed to apply to machine coordinates irrespective of the status of the "mach coordinates" toggle button?.... Thank you so much for your thorough and multidisciplinary breakdown of the cnc subject. Especially the coverage of the often overlooked RF/EMI noise issue.
Y, thank you for your support. You don't need to use physical home switches with digital fixtures, and you shouldn't be using both physical switches, and soft limits. Your correct, that soft limits are simply to allocate chassis end stop positions. I recommend reviewing the video, and resetting them without the physical switches. Thank you, and you, and your family please be safe. Vince
@@corvetteguy50 You are most welcome. As far as the SL problem goes I have a suspicion that it may be attributed to the USB adapter/controller that came along with the machine. It is utterly disrespectful to the absolute character of the soft limits and to the role of the slow zones. Oh well....I thank you again. Wishing you the best through the circumstances.
I found this very useful but I couldn't get the Mach3 to remember my Machine Coordinates XYZ zeros between sessions. This was finally solved by ticking the Persistent DROs checkbox in General Config. I'm not sure if this was mentioned in the video but I hope it helps if anyone was having a similar problem
Lucian, thank you for your support. I really appreciate it. Thank you for providing the tip as well. Please be safe. Vince
Did you tick it or untick it?I was having the issue that the machine coordinates wouldnt zero until i unticked persistent DRO and then everything was working as it should.
Great Video I have watched it many times everything works except my z axis can't get it to ref all home it just keeps going???? any ideas?
Hey Frank, thank you for your support. Unfortunately without seeing the process your doing I can't define what you're doing that is causing your error as there are a couple of variables. I do offer remote consultations if you're interested in scheduling one we're I use Microsoft Teams to remotely access your system, and diagnose the issue as if I were there with you which offers my clients the best learning experience. Thank you,
Vince
good stuff
Thank you for your support. I really appreciate it. Vince
Yes please send me the mach 3 user manual if possible. Great tutorial btw
Thank you Jon for the support. You have to email me for the manual. Vince
I have a five axis system with an extra "X/Z" carriage, (B=X,C=Z). both share the same "X" rail. (I have a gantry style router set up) How would I go about referencing and setting the extra carriage when setting up my soft limits?
how do i solve a "softlimit system movement aborted" error even after setting my soft limits? it appeared all of a sudden
i only get the error when trying to run my code, which has worked before without issues. not when jogging*
Hi Mate I'm still having problems with my Safe Z Setup. No matter what I do I'm still having issues cutting through my material after milling is completed and spindle moves back to home position without lifting Z axis clear of my milled material. Highly appreciate your help. Cheers
Martin, If you set up the Safe Z setup in Mach3 it should be functioning, and if it isn't I suggest uninstalling Mach3 after copying all your setup information down, and reinstalling it as the Safe Z settings should be functioning. Thank you,
Vince
With my cnc router grbl based i have to home the machine every time i start the machine in order to use soft limits.....on my cnc router that is mach3 based is what im trying to set up soft limits and very unclear how mach3 can possibly know where your machine is after powering down
Hi I watch your video it was very interesting
what I what to ask is how I will connect the soft ware (mach 3) to the computer with com3
Thanks
Chal, thank you for your support. Please review the video here which covers what your trying to do. ua-cam.com/video/KiCLoQmuJ3g/v-deo.html Thank you,
Vince
Thank you, I needed this.
If I understand it, turning it off, on the next power on it will think it was at the same place.
As long as you did not manually move any of X, Y, Z it will be on the mark.
If you did move it then you will be off, right?
Lee
Lee, thank you for your support, and your correct. Vince
Hey vince, where exaclty do you mount you home switches on Y axis? I always thought that you would mount the home switches to the top or rear of the machine. I ask because i want to have home switches for Y and A axis so it will auto square when sent home.
Hey Ernest, Thank you for your support as always.
The switches for your Y, and slaved A axis should be mounted at the end of the axis you plan to home towards. Mounting location is really arbitrary as its based on the end users preference. In order to have both axis make contact with the switches, and provide the best possible repeatable accuracy they must be mounted symmetrically with as close a tolerance as possible to perfect. Thank you,
Vince
The REF ALL HOME didnt work for me when i was trying to make the machine coordingates. It started traveling across the CNC, and then my Zeros were reset.
Wesley thank you for your support. Do you have physical switches on your system? If you have physical switches setup for your system hitting REF ALL will move the axis to find them. Thank you,
Vince
I had this. When setting up some months ago I had enabled Ports and Pins X Y Z Home. Unticking solved issue. Plz note I do not have physical switches.
Hi. I have a question. What is the best spindle and feed speed to cut a 1/4 inch polycarbonate with 1/8 cutting tool. Thank you
Alan,
Thank you for your support. When it comes to feeds, and speeds there's simply no way for a precise measurement without some trial, and error. That being said plastics are fine to be cut with 800kw-1.5kw spindles. The best way to get a starting point is to contact the manufacturer of the endmill as they usually will recommend a starting point. If you don't have the support from the vendor here's a great little tool to use for a starting point. littlemachineshop.com/mobile/speeds_feeds.php Each tool will have their "sweet spot" based on the material their made out of which you didn't disclose above.
Thank you,
Vince
Thank you so much, I watched your video 10 times and I can't zero my "Machine coordinates": to zero DRO's when I am off that switch i can home the system but I when activating the "machine coordinates" I can try to send it to zero and no mater if I follow you they will not work or run the wrong wak still showing that is park in the center of the table. I am getting bald pulling my hair for days now!!! Any words of wisdom? Is there any way to reset the machine coordinates by entering all zeros in a table?
mtabernig, thank you for your support. You have to first turn off any physical switches you have on. The next thing I highly recommend doing if you were using physical switches is to copy all your settings down, and reinstall Mach to make sure your starting the program without any possible incorrect settings. Thank you, Vince
What i may do is just put a pen mark on my machine where machine is at in home position so that i can visually verify its at proper position prior to using my cnc machine before every use..and before shutting down i will home the machine...that way i can verify that nothing was messed with and soft limits will work as set up
Could you please help me with the mach's weeds? Currently, I can exit the terminals in both directions, this is a mistake because I should only be able to exit in one direction
I'm sorry without a remote consultation to see what's going on its very difficult to diagnose the issue. If you're interested in scheduling one email me in the video's description. Thank you,
Vince
I assume if I don't have home switches that I need to return to the soft limit home position before closing Mach3 and powering off the router. Then on the next start up while at the home position toggle "Ref All Home" to get the red indicator boxes switched to green. Everything works great with soft limits if I follow that process. If not the machine coordinates are lost and the machine no longer has a ref point. Is this correct or am I doing something wrong? Maybe there is a setting I am missing somewhere or missed it in the video.
Randy,
Thank you for your support. You're correct you will leave Mach3 in G54 position, and upon reentering Mach3 following the same process. with hitting the Ref All button. Keep in mind you can't use physical switches in conjunction with soft limits. You can only utilize one or the other.
Thank you, and have a great weekend!
hi unfortunately after when i set my home position correctly and i want to press "ref all home"(like at 21:02) in machine coordinates its won't go to zero. can someone help?
Mezei, thank you for your support. I recommend reinstalling Mach3 after copying your initial machine settings down to make sure nothing is corrupted, and then attempting the soft limit setup again. Thank you,
Vince
You have Flood Ctrl F button but how would you control Mist, where is mist button?
Vince, am I wrong in thinking that this won’t work if there are limit switches enabled in settings. It might get dangerous because hitting Ref All will start to move the motors, Z first. And since there are no actual switches there will be a crash. Also, why not advocate setting soft limits to represent the actual machine? That way a 4x8 router would allow placement of stock in many different spots on the table. Am I thinking about this correctly?
Ken,
Thank you for your support. When you setup your soft limits you will be setting them to your actual table size. If the table is 4ftx8ft you would convert that to inches of travel, and then input the inches in Mach under the soft min, and soft max. You won't be hitting REF ALL once you soft limits are set, as there's simply no need to. You will use the offsets AKA fixtures in Mach to assign machining locations. This streamlines the entire machining repeatability process.
If you have the switches enabled in Mach while using soft limits they will work, but I would suggest using them to substitute the G54 offset default I use when setting up soft limits in the video. This would make your physical switches home switches if you feel you really need them once trying the digital assigned machining locations, and see how fast you can be machining its hard to justify using switch option.
Thank you,
Vince
Great detail in this video,thanks, however it seems that if I shut my machine and computer down upon restart all coordinates are zeroed regardless of tool position. Seems ridiculous to have to repeat the process on every start up, am I missing something?
Hey Ben thank you for your support. I really appreciate it. If you haven't tried uninstalling the software I recommend copying the settings down, and reinstall it. You want to make sure you remove all remnants of it using the program discussed in this video. ua-cam.com/video/K_9fvehvv-w/v-deo.html Thank you, and have a great weekend! Vince
Thanks Vince I'll give it a go
You bet :) Thank you,
Vince
A great explanation for the soft limit settings but having a hard time setting my offset on G55. The the corner of my job I want to mill won't move to my G55 position in the display. It's staying at G54. Could this be a CAM issue because I can see a G code of 54 in the code. I'm stuck...
Ok I think I've figured it out. One you've set your G55 setting physically on your machine you have to go back to "OffSets" press G54 and Zero your axises to Zero then go back to "Program Run" turn on "Machine Coords" to check your G55 Settings, turn off "Machine Coords" and hit "Regen Toolpath" and the display will move your workpiece in the right place. Puhh.. lost a few brain cells there. lol...
Hey Martin, thank you for your support. The way to move the job over to G55 is to hit the REGEN TOOLPATH button once you have selected the G55 offset. , and your problem should be corrected. Thank you,
Vince
With the soft limit in place, should you be able to jog beyond it once it stops from the soft limit? What would cause this if it should not?
JJ, thank you for your support. No, you shouldn't be able to jog past the set soft limit if its done correctly. I suggest uninstalling the software after copying down all your system settings, and then resetting them to see if this corrects the issue. Have a great weekend!
Vince
Hi have a general mach3 issue....in jog mode it wont move in step...only moves continuous....any ideas why?.....i use the mpg on screen navigation and have i in step mode at .100 per step and no axis moves
Der, thank you for your support. This can be do to various issues. Have you contacted Mach3 about the components your using, and what your experiencing? Its certainly from your setup configuration. Thank you,
Vince
I can machine fine all day long out of G54. Which iI only learned to define from this video. I have however had issues and a couple mishaps with my home made cnc. So I'm attempting to set up my soft limits following this tutorial. Everything works exactly as the tutorial until about the 21:00 mark. When I press ref all home.... The Z just moves up continuously. It kept hitting my E stop safe switch. So I thought... I'll cut power and I'll just let this thing finish whatever it believes its doing.. .then tell it the real zero.... But it just "moves" the z axis forever and doesn't stop. I let it run until the Z was over +50" and then mach 3 froze up. It's not actually moving because I've cut power to the steppers..... but that's all Ref All Home is doing for me. None of the axis ever turn green. The Z just moves forever upwards.
Your tutorial seems solid. I think I've got some kind of other error from some previous messing around when I first set up the cnc. Probably a setting somewhere in some menu I can't spot that's wrong.
I think it's looking for a physical homing switch that is not installed on my cnc.
Thank you for your support. I always suggest first removing Mach3 after copying your settings down to reinstall when you're experiencing odd issues. I suggest using Revo-Unistaller ua-cam.com/video/K_9fvehvv-w/v-deo.html to make sure the software is uninstalled as if it were never in your computer before.
Then after that you want to make sure no physical switches are activated. Its then time to proceed with the tutorial. If your version of Mach3 came bundled overseas its most likely pirated which can also have all sorts of issues.
Thank you,
Vince
Thanks for the reply and your info about the subject.
The Chinese breakout board did come with a mach 3 install disk which I didn't trust at all... so I actually paid for a legit copy of mach 3 and downloaded the real mach 3. Haven't seen a single bug to date with the software. It's all been user error to some extent or another so far haha
After a little more digging I'm pretty sure the machine is searching for like a proxy switch at the top of Z and that's why it never stops ascending the z axis. It would then search for the x and y proxy switches in the negative direction, if it were to ever find the z proxy switch.
I'll have to either install some proxy switches or find a way to disable the physical switches in the software. Probably end up installing the proxy switches. Just in case the machine ever did lose power and the g code runs or something then I could tell it the same safe, secure, determined zero again.
Until then, I've been able to run fine out of G54. It's just that each time I go to use the machine I have to zero everything for every work piece individually.
But I would like a solidly defined fixed home position so I could use other work offsets. I could have jigs for neck blanks, fingerboard blanks, body blanks etc... these jigs would mount against stops in the table and it would make staging the work much less of a hassle. I only would need to clamp the work piece in the jig, zero the z axis for the cutter, turn the spindle on, mash to go button and go about other business while the machine creates the part.
Again thanks for the info 👍 it's been a great help.
I will eventually learn to use this machine effectively.
If I have any other questions is it ok if I ask you? I'm a novice with the CNC table and learning as we go.
I don't mind general questions, but if you require in depth support then I'll have to be compensated for my time. Thank you, Vince
Can you make a video in setting up to fire a trigger for a plasma cutter in mach3?
R, you should review my video here on dry contact relays. These are used to trigger your torch to fire. Here it is. ua-cam.com/video/OgKC3CC6opo/v-deo.html
Thank you,
Vince
Tnx
Poh Di, thank you for your support. I'm glad to have helped. Vince
Good morning CorvetteGuy,
I'm fairly new to cnc and so far I've been manually jogging to my x&y zero in bottom left corner. Wanting to learn the system more to get the max out of it I came across your video. In my mach 3 G54 it reads
Axis. Reversed softmax softmin
X checkmark 100.00 100.00
My table has a max Y of 22.6 and X 24.5
This is how it came and since I'm nervous about changing things and messing something up im asking whats probably rhetorical but for reassurance. I need to change those 100.00 to reflect my max Y to 22.6 min 0.00 and X max 24.5 min 0.00. Correct?
My table is two axis only.
Thanks
Tools, and toys thank you for your support. What your asking is covered at this point in the video ua-cam.com/video/zFk_U3yqrks/v-deo.html
You're correct in your assumption.
Thank you, and have a great weekend1
Vince
@@corvetteguy50 thank you. This is going to be such a huge help
@@toolsandtoys6606 you bet...:)
Thank you,
Vince
So when I went to REF ALL HOME on machine coordinates. It racked my gantry. I have a slaved A axis to my Y axis. Not sure what Im missing. Please help. I also have limit switches wired up as well. Could that be an issue? Was thinking of adding the soft limits for double protection. THANK YOU FOR THE AWESOME VIDEO!
Matt, thank you for your support. You can only utilize one or the other, and not at the same time. Soft limits must be used by themselves. I recommend removing the switches, and starting the process over again. Thank you,
Vince
Thank you for your reply! I did find out later that evening thats what I needed to do. I did have to uncheck the "persistent coordinates" to reset the REF ALL HOME for machine coordinates. That allowed me to set machine coordinates to zero. I had then made the mistake of closing the program which didn't save my machine coordinates. So I re-zeroed everything set my coordinates. Then went back in and re checked the persistent coordinates box. Now all is set and everything is working! From reading the comments it looked like a few others months/years ago had similar issues. I'm not sure of they ever resolved it but I found this method worked for me and my set up. Thank you again for this detailed video it was extremely helpful!
I'm glad you got it worked out, and their working. Thank you again,
Vince
I really need to get in touch with you. I bought a CNC and did my zero like you but my g54 is way ofset like it's out of my table limits .... Can I reset the ofset ?
SlashPatry, thank you for your support. If your having trouble with Mach the first thing to do is to reinstall it to make sure your using its default settings. I would copy down all your motor tuning information if the machine has already been calibrated in order to move the settings to the new reinstalled version. Starting fresh usually always corrects the issues. Thank you again Vince
@@corvetteguy50 should i just copy all my pin selections and so on for the reinstall of mach 3 ? about to reinstall it tommorow, its gone crazy
@@airgunningyup Yes, and all additional settings if you have any set. Thank you,
Vince
hope you're still commenting on this video which is awesome info I just have 1 question. I have 4 axis machine where A is a slave of Y. Would I need to put the measurements in A also or since it's a slave MACH will already know this. Cheers
Hey Martin,
Thank you for your support. You're correct with a slave axis Mach looks at the other Y axis motor as the first Y axis motor, so you need not worry about the axis measurements. Thank you,
Vince
Hi, thank you for this video. Definitely worth a like!
I got a small issue on my Mach3 with regards to the soft limits. What I want is for the machine to start at G54 (0,0,0) then in the G code I tell it to go to G55 (0,0,10), perform the operation and then head back to G54 (0,0,0).
I get an error saying that there is a soft warning on Z max, I presume because it sees the Z+10. However, this Z+10 is perfectly possible in my G55 system, so I am not sure if there's anything I can do to tell Mach3 that the +Z is safe after it changes system.
Is there a way to solve this without disabling soft limits? Thanks again.
A soft limit warning for whatever axis its related to means you've exceeded you're soft limits. This has nothing to do with what offset you're in as soft limits are based on the table's dimensions, and ends stops positions which won't change regardless of what offset you're in
The Storyist is correct in what they explained. Thank you Vince
Hi Vince, It's me again. Could you tell me what the TO GO button does (if anything)? also you mentioned a Mach3 user's manual. Where can I get one. Thanks.
Hey Bob,
Thank you for your support. If you email me I can forward you the manual. The TO GO button shows the distance to go on a commanded move rather than from the position you are at.
Thank you, and have a great weekend!
Vince
@@corvetteguy50 Ah, that makes sense. I haven't got your email address, I believe we 'communicated' via this site. You can get me on r.bailey923@icloud.com. Thanks again.
I sent it your all set! Thank you again, Vince
Oh dear.....I'll have to watch this vid a few times more at least as I'm hazy at best with CNC for the initial setting up procedure, although I've hand written and run a few short G code programs with a dummy part set-up and dummy tools etc just as a trial exercise learning curve.
Ian,
Thank you for your support. Take your time, and review the video as many times as required preferably with notes, and I'm sure it will make sense after trying it a few times. Thank you again, and have a great weekend! Vince
@@corvetteguy50 Referring to your video.....if you have limit switches on your mill does this mean you can/should use them to home the machine?
In other words, if you set the program....whatever the code is...…..to go to home at the end of the program, isn't this a long winded way with long table travels etc to park your spindle out of the way when unloading and setting a new work piece as opposed to first raising the Z axis and then moving to a convenient X and Y position just clear of the vice, fixture...whatever? ….which is what I do.....just 2 extra lines of code.
I have been told (if you want to) that you can home the mill to any place and not necessarily at the extreme limits of the table to the right end and the table up to the column with Z all the way to the top......so that would mean you would need to actually assign the home values and not have them by the limit switch.
I think that it would be standard practice (in CAM software) to have the home position as table to the right and forward to the column with Z axis up due to CAM software understanding this procedure and positioning in all cases. ….your G54 work position will be the start of your program anyway for that particular workpiece.
BTW...…..why does the table have to be forward to the column for homing...…..this puts the spindle towards you and the work vice away from you, meaning you need to lean over the table to load or unload the vice...…..perhaps I'm confusing a park position (set in the program) as initial homing, whereas homing is once set in the beginning and never altered.
@@gangleweed Limit switches can be used as home switches in Mach as well. The purpose of the video is to allow end users to try using soft limits, and fixtures the way they were designed to be used. A soft limit is simply a software input representing an arbitrary measurement of the CNC chassis end stops. A fixture is a programmed location on the CNC chassis no different than a GPS way point to allow end users to machine repeatably with digital accuracy.
Utilizing soft limits for safety exceeds physical switches in safety, time, and monetary investment. I've had numerous clients, and potential clients deal with switch failures resulting in chassis collisions resulting in minor to major damage on larger systems. The beauty of the process I cover in the video is you can choose to use soft limits, and fixtures, or just use what you feel you want to for your particular machining preference. There's no right, or wrong as far as a method, but their certainly is a safer, cheaper alternative as I discussed in the video, and above. Thank you, and have a great weekend! Vince
Although this seems like a great tool..and i will use it since i dont have limit switches i would definitely prefer a physical switch by far..its dummy proof .this method is good but has many requirements in order to function properly...especially if there are many hands on the machine
soft limits are properly used in addition to physical limit switches, not instead of them.
After watching your video I thought I had soft limits setup correctly. I have my Z soft limits set to 0 and -75mm and they appear to be working correctly until I run my Auto Tool Zero. The script sets Z zero at the top of the material and then the soft limits stop working and think they can still go an additional 75mm negative What am I doing wrong? Thanks in advance.
Thank you for your support. Unfortunately without seeing what you're doing in explicit detail its impossible to answer the question you asked. I do offer Mach3 training support. Please email if you're interested in setting up a consultation.
Thank you,
Vince
Great info! The chime is annoying...:-) Anyway. I set it all up and it works perfectly. I saved the configuration, shut down mach 3 and save fixture. However, when I turn it back on, whatever position it's in when I shut it off becomes the new soft limit position. What am I doing wrong? Do I have to run it back to the zero on the soft limits every time I shut it off? If I don't the soft limits change...
Hey Terry, Thank you for your support. I always suggest reinstalling Mach when setting soft limits up to assure the registry is clear from the program from when it was used previously. Thank you,
Vince
@@corvetteguy50 Okay, thanks!
@@terryjones8360 You bet...:) Thank you,
Vince
Please explain how you were able to set the soft limits in inch and not metric. From what I understand about Mach3 is all settings need to be made in metric, i.e. work fixture offsets, tool length offsets, then change to inch in settings if thats what you prefer to run.
Al, Thank you for your support. I recommend uninstalling Mach3 after saving all your settings, to reinstall them later upon reinstallation. Once you've reinstalled the software you should be able to set the soft limits in Imperial. You must also be using a non-pirated Mach3 release as many of them are modified. Thank you,
Vince
The software is licensed. Under Config select native units, it says not to use to change between metric and English G code.This for setting the units for motor tuning. So am I looking in the wrong place? Thanks for your help.
Ok, but the issue your having is resolved typically by uninstalling the software, and reinstalling it after you copy your settings down.
Thank you,
Vince
I have a different (newer?) version of Mach 3 R3.043.066 and my screen looks considerably different, with 4 tabs at the top- one is "Calibration"- any advice setting soft limits with this version?
Hey Bill, The version you have sounds like it has new screen set. I'm using the latest version in the video. The process is the same regardless of the screen set you're using. Thank you,
Vince
@@corvetteguy50 Thank you- I did find the Homing and Limits in a drop down and followed you from there. I will find out today if I messed it up :)
@@billg1871 Great, good luck. Vince
Hey Mate I have an issue with my Offsets. Through your explanation (which was great) I decided to use G54 as my permanent Home (Eg: I home it to the rear center after finishing my work so it's easy to clean the machine) that's all G54 is used for. I set G55 as a Zero Working Point on the bed. All work beautifully well until I tried to mill my first workpiece. What I found out is that my CAD/CAM Program (Fusion 360) automatically uses G54 when creating Toolpaths. Now I don't want to have to manually change the G54 in Fusion each time I create a new design. If I can set it permanently to say G55 in Fusion that would be fine and most preferable but if that's not possible what would you suggest be my best alternative. Cheers
Hey Martin,
Thank you for your support. Here's a link I believe that will help if you want to change where Fusion's using your offset. forums.autodesk.com/t5/fusion-360-manufacture/help-with-fusion-not-recognizing-my-machine-offsets-in-mach3/td-p/6672865 Thank you, and have a great weekend!
Vince
@@corvetteguy50 aah so easy. Thanks for the link Mate. Cheers
Your very welcome! Have a great weekend!
Vince
Do I need something besides a USB connection to my computer to run mach3 to a router table?
Isaak thank you for your support. You'll require a USB motion controller like a UC-100 in order to control the system utilizing USB format. Thank you, and have a great weekend!
Vince
Great job sir thanks
Thank you for your support. I appreciate it! Vince
Odd when I try to Ref all home the boxes turn green but the integers stay the same and don't zero out @ 21:00 mark
Jordan, Thank you for your support. If you encounter strange Mach3 software issues I highly recommend uninstalling it, and reinstalling it again to assure no settings have been modified once you copy down all your system settings to reinstall them after you perform the reinstall. Thank you, and have a great weekend!
Vince
@@corvetteguy50 Thanks for the reply Vince, I've done that and still ref all doesn't change the machine cords
@@zviper Please review the video from here, ua-cam.com/video/zFk_U3yqrks/v-deo.html and try this to see if you still can't get them to zero the DRO's. If you can't then I would start the video from the beginning write every step down as you progress through it to see if the issue still exists. Thank you, and have a great weekend!
Vince
Thanks for posting this video. I have one question. After hitting 'ref all home', my 4th (rotary axis) button turns green and the soft limit button doesn't work when both the axes and 'Machine Coor' are zeroed. I've only got the trial version at the moment and I'm wondering if the soft limit is disabled. I intend to buy the license in the next day or so, but it would be nice to be able to get the soft limit working.
This is a new installation after getting into a loop when trying to zero the Z axis.
Bob, thank you for the support. If your using a trial version of Mach that may be an issue. I suggest trying the retail version to see if the issue is eliminated. I would also recommend going over the process again carefully just to make sure you didn't miss step as it takes a few tries typically to understand the process. Thank you, and have a great weekend!
Vince
@@corvetteguy50 I've just licensed the software and the soft limit button now works. I'm still unsure if it was the licence which cured it or something I did. Thanks for your help.
You bet Bob! :) I'm glad to hear its working. have a great weekend!
Vince
@@corvetteguy50 Hi Vince.I got myself into a complete muddle again. I've moved the Y axis to the front of the bed and the X axis to the far left, and set them as 0,0. My problem is that when I load gcode, e.g. Roadrunner, the Y axis wants to move further forward but is stopped by the zero setting. It's like the O,O position should be at the diagonally opposite end of the table. Tried all sorts of changes, one at a time but to no avail. When I manage to enable the soft limit, I just get the message asking if I want to proceed. I've also had the problem with a simple file I created in Fusion 360 loading with the 0,0 in the middle of the object. Any ideas?
Hey Bob, review where your zeroing the axis as you can't move past where the limit is set which is the issue your having. I discuss this in the video where you get the warning message your exceeding the soft limits. Review where your setting the G-code to be cut from on the table. Thank you,
Vince
Hi Vince, i have encountered a problem with my 6040 , i don't know why, although the Machine Coordinates and DRO is zero when i do REFER ALL HOME the Z axis goes up ignoring the zero. I mention that before i managed to Refer All Home successfully. Is there something that i possibly mistaken in Mach3 or could be a usb BOB issue ?
Thank you.
Hey John, thank you for your support. I suggest reviewing your input signals in Mach to make sure no switches are active as this would cause that issue. If your still having issues I would copy down all my motor tuning settings, for axis calibration, and reinstall the software.
Thank you,
Vince
@@corvetteguy50 Thank you for response and help, the machine's Bob came set on the inputs for E-Stop,Home/Limit Switches, Limit Override and Tool Probe and in Mach the inputs are activated the same but physically i only have the E-Stop and Tool Probe installed which didn't affect the Soft Homing before. I remember i had to reinstall the pc's software and Mach3 also, i guess i have this issue since. I have now done a simulation by toggling Ref All Home and touching GND with IN2 (Home Limit Switch) on BOB and it works this way. Is there anything wrong if i install physical switches for homing only and let the Soft Limits to do the rest ? Would be mechanical micro switches good or shall i go for inductive proximity sensors as there is no wearing. Sorry for giving to you this headache .
Thank you,
John.
You can't install physical switches if you have soft limits enabled as the physical switch would never be hit unless its mounted before the stop point setting of the soft limit essentially reducing the machining area of your machine. Its best to use either one or the other. reinstalling the software is always the first solution to attempt when trying to correct a software issue. Its a little time consuming, but well worth it in the end.
Thank you,
Vince
Hey Vince you still there... Im new to the CNC world and i see you have a great video there but im not quite at the speed of all those parameters. Was wonder can you help get me going. i have the 3040 version and i may have watched 20 videos now and still cant seem to get my stepper motors to talk to the mach3 interface. Any help would be just great.
Unfortunately the only people who can help you with the port, and pin settings for the breakout board for your system to get you motion is the manufacturer. No one else will be able to tell you these settings without knowing what breakout board your using (brand, and model) Thank you,
Vince
GOLD!!!
Joe, thank you for your support. I really appreciate it, and I agree when you learn soft limits your productivity goes through the roof, with maximum safety. Thank you, Vince
@@corvetteguy50 Noted. Just got my cnc router and it's kicking my ass. I'm so confused about the homing/soft limits. The router does have 3 optical homing sensors, so it's easy to get to machine zeros . But, I need a full understanding of the offsets, setups and limits. Will watch this video a few times before I setup to surface and drill the waste board
Practice, practice, practice is key! The optical sensors are really not the best type of physical switch to use if you want to go that way as over time certain ones drift from wear/dirt/debris. Thank you,
Vince
@@corvetteguy50 Noted. I'm mounting a camera with cross hair this week. That way I can check the offset zeroes often and easier. I'll check on trip type switches later . These OMRON optical sensors are freaking expensive .
@@joeygonzo Sounds like a plan. Thank you,
Vince
my mach3 software is genuine from mach3 and with full license..i will try to unplug my cnc machine and see if that makes a diff when trying to zero out mach cord..maybe its an issue with my cnc machine
hi uopdate on my issue...as i figured its not amach3 software issue..the issue is the xml file from the router manuf....if i use mach3 with default xml settings file i can do soft limits but when i use the xml file that the manuf sent me i am not able to set soft limits and get errors... can i email you the mach3xml file and see if you can find out the issue or should i contact the manuf?
You'll have to contact your manufacture as they designed it for use with your system. You could always copy all your system settings, reinstall Mach3, and install the all the settings from the backup you made without installing them for the soft limits. This should essentially give you the desired result Thank you,
Vince.
Hi
I'm new to cnc. I do my drawing with freecad which created the g code , mach3 imports the g code but not the picture in the display can you help
Thank you
Hey Tony, thank you for your support. I'm not familiar with free cad, but have you imported a file from another CAD/CAM software to see if the problem is resolved? Have you tried uninstalling, and reinstalling free cad to see if the problem is resolved? I'm not sure how you would have loaded G-code into Mach with out it being represented on the tool path window.
Thank you,
Vince
@@corvetteguy50 hi
Freecad is open source free , very easy to use also creates the g code, after asking you the question does it work with mach3 ,I played around and found when I creat the file it gives you the option which processer so I tried linux , it now opens and shows the picture in mach3
I just have the issue with my z axis is going the wrong way back to ports and pins
Thank you for the quick reply
Great, you'll just have to reverse the axis in Mach3. Thank you,
Vince
very good explanation. how can i reset my G54 DRO to zero
Hey Carlos, thank you for your support. Here's my video covering offsets in Mach3. ua-cam.com/video/u8oFqMQit9E/v-deo.html Thank you, Vince
I set my soft limits but the table is not even close to right. I have to run my X,Y,Z axes in reverse because of where I'm locating my Zero on the table. I realise i can swap the wires and won't have to run it in reverse but will my running it in reverse affect the out come of the table soft limit settings?
R, you setting your home point on the table has nothing to do with the system's axis running in reverse. The soft limits are just for setting the tables end points. If the axis aren't running to where you set the home point their not set correctly based on either how your programming them with the process outlined in the video, or because you haven't performed axis calibration on your machine to make sure a physical measurement matches your digital measurement in Mach3. This should always be done before any other step with your system.
This is a critical step in which determines the accuracy of your machine. Here's the video on the process. ua-cam.com/video/2HbeyggcwU4/v-deo.html
Thank you,
Vince
@@corvetteguy50 My motors are adjusted fine. (30 inches move 30 inches) When I set up the soft limits the table as shown in mach3 shows the job piece half in and half out on both x and y axes. I zero out the table put the demenstion In one way also try it the other way but the results come out the same. I'm sure I'm doing something wrong but just not sure what. I can do a video post it let you know if you want and maybe you can inform me what lm doing wrong.
@@bobreichel That's a good idea. Make the video, and I'll review it.
Thank you,
Vince
Almost there, when I try and run a sample code. Instead of getting the SoftLimit on Z Error as I followed that portion of the instructions and lowered it to a negative Value. I'm getting a SoftLimit on X Error. What am I doing wrong in your estimation?
Ronald,
The only way you would get an X soft limit error is if the axis is causing it. As mentioned in previous messages I haven't any idea what your other settings are without seeing them first hand.
Thank you,
Vince
I finally figured it out. If it wasn't for your input I'd still be pulling my hair out. Also, don't be surprised if you're getting a few more inquiries on your systems and parts as I've been in discussion about your products with various Facebook members of the DIY CNC Forms along with the Mach3 Forums. I've also posted your eBay Page as a reference as well.
Thank you again for your support, and promotion. Mach 3 is much better understood through hands on use of its features, and the more you implement them the more they will make sense.
Vince
Hi sir am Vijay from India. I have mach3 controlled CNC Lathe.But mach3 software doesn't support # G71-Turning cycle. I need #G71 or custom macros for that code function.Can you arrange that marco i will ready to purchase that.. Kindly give me the positive response.
Hey Vijay! Thank you for your support. Unfortunately, I don't offer that service. Thank you,
Vince
l am totally new to all of this. I am not a machinist but have used a lot of programs for various jobs. I am having an issue with Soft Limits. I have followed along with this video many times and still cannot understand why the soft limits keeps going off. I run the roadrunner program, set all the settings the exact same way as in the video, table size etc. When I hit cycle start, I get the soft limits warning. Machine coordinates and Working coordinates are all at 0 as per G54. I feel like there is some tiny piece of information that I am missing. I've looked at numerous forums and can't seem to crack this one. Any help on this would be greatly appreciated. Cheers
Thank you for your support. I always suggest uninstalling, and reinstalling Mach3 when strange issues arise. This should naturally be done with first copying down your settings. Then I would start over. The other potential issue is your software is pirated if its from an oversea purchase. I've seen this countless times. Thank you,
Vince
@@corvetteguy50 thank you. I will get this reinstalled. Also, if you have the original thumbnail, can it be installed on a couple of computers, or can this also cause issues? I've had to change my computer..... I have made myself a manual based on this video, when I get to the actual machine I will change to that table size. You also mentioned that there is an original manual that you could possibly send out... is that still available, in PDF? I'm sure it would be helpful. Thanks again. Great video and information
No, installing Mach3 on multiple PC's shouldn't be an issue. Email me for Mach3's users manual. Thank you,
Vince
When the limit switch triggered, axis cannot move, how to make them can move again?
The Korink, thank you for your support. You can't use physical switches, and soft limits at the same time. I recommend disabling all the physical switches, and then following the video. If you still have issues then uninstalling the software after copying your system settings, and users license is the best way to resolve 99% of Mach issues. Uninstall Mach3 using this software, so its completely removed as discussed in this video tutorial ua-cam.com/video/K_9fvehvv-w/v-deo.html Thank you, and have a great weekend! Vince
I am glad to got reply from You. Another question, can we use software for homing?
Yes, by utilizing the offsets in Mach3 covered in the video. Their essentially GPS locations on your table to machine from. Thank you, and have a great weekend!
Vince
I followed everything in your video and when I get to the 21:00 mark and I try to ref all my Z immediately starts to move in the negative toward the table and I have to abort. No matter what I try, I cannot clear out my “machine coord’s” button coordinates. Are there other settings that I’m missing that weren’t covered in the video? Were you able to clear out/reset the coordinates because you were in simulation mode? Any help would be appreciated, as this is making me crazy. Thanks
Anton,
Thank you for your support. I really appreciate it.
When your having a Mach, or for that matter any software issue the easiest troubleshooting tip is always to start with a complete re-installation of it. I suggest writing down your axis calibration settings, and all the required settings for general motion control only, and then start the process over following my video. There are simply to many variables to try, and hunt down as I'm not there with you actually seeing your machine, and your computer screen to analyse the issue.
Reinstalling the software, and installing your old motion control settings is very quick, and should get you ready for setting up soft limits, and fixtures.
Thank you,
Vince
My problem there, is this a package system with Mach 3 pre-installed on a computer I purchased from them. I never received a copy of the software. They were supposed to have the machine configured to Mach 3, but I’m quickly learning they did very little if anything. Before I go down the path of a re-install and starting from scratch, are there any other settings I could be missing?
@@antonfuntek7399 I honestly don't know as I don't have your system in front of me. If your CAM computer came with Mach pre-installed then I would contact the vendor you purchased it from to get a backup hard copy for your version of Mach, and the system. Installing the required settings in Mach after you write them down including only the basic controller settings, and axis calibration settings should only take you a matter of a few minutes. I highly recommend holding the vendor of the system accountable in providing you these essential components as without them you didn't get everything you paid for.
Thank you,
Vince
Okay, turns out the motor direction was reversed. This forced me to abort instead of letting the machine trip the home switch. You weren’t seeing this because you were simulating the switches being tripped. Thanks for being active in the comments, it helped me work through this. Now if I could only get go to zero to work.
@@antonfuntek7399 I'm glad to hear you solved that issue. Actually when using soft limits there aren't any switches being tripped regardless of simulation, or when run on the actual chassis. If the GO TO ZERO button isn't working its apparent then your vendor modified Mach to possibly their own proprietary version. I still suggest a full re-installation of the software as it will assure every feature is available, and functional.
Thank you,
Vince
Howdy- When I load a gcode from the Gcode folder It loads alright but then in the upper left hand corner a gray box appears stating "PLEASE WAIT...GENERATING PATH" and it just hangs there. I have uninstalled and reinstalled the software numerous times using downloads from different sources and its always the same thing. I'm using version'62. Thank you.
Clyde, Thank you for your support. I would validate the program your using to generate the code with as it could be do to your CAM software. Thank you,
Vince
Is there a way to,set soft limts without having to go through this procedure every time you start up mach3?....seems redundant and not very practical
I'm not sure what you mean by saying you have to go through this process every time you start Mach3?? The video above clearly reflects the entire setup of soft limits which are to be set, and saved within the software settings. Your only performing this process, one time, and your machine is safe with digital accuracy. I suggest reviewing the video again, as it may take a couple of times to understand the process. Thank you,
Vince
Do soft limits work with manual jog?
Thank you for your support. Yes, when they are active they work with manual jogging. Thank you,
Vince