Control Your Dust Collector from Mach 3

[@mytuberforyou]

It's totally possible to do it the way you did, but it's just as practical to take it right off your spindle output so the dust collector powers up with the spindle, that way you don't have to program the machine code to toggle your second output. Remember with Mach3 you can also make macros, you can write an M code to pause, start the dust collector, start the spindle, and keep the dust collector running for 10 seconds after the spindle powers off. Then just substitute that code instead of the code for your spindle. (macros are super handy if you need to program tool changes, and I have an end of program one that turns on a beacon at end of cycle and has a buzzer sound several beeps to alert me) ETA: you can also use the screen editor wizard to change the text buttons to "dust collector" or "air blast" instead of "flood " or "mist", it's in the Mach3 documentation and programmed in Visual Basic.

[@danielatbasementtech]

Thanks @mytuberforyou for your comment and suggestions. I was hoping that there was a way to edit the words on the Mach3 buttons and/or add new buttons. I was also hoping that there was a way to add M-code functionality so that I can maintain the flexibility of keeping all of the functions separate. I have found, for example, that I sometimes start the spindle, adjust feeds and speeds for the characteristics of the specific piece of wood that I'm machining and then turn on the dust collector. So, having the flexibility of wiring them all separate and maintaining them as separately editable software/gcode elements is useful. I might, for example, start the spindle, pause 10 seconds or so to allow adjustment, then start the dust collector. (Can you tell I've developed a lot of software :-) ). Finally, my spindle is controlled by a RS-485 computer interface. So, tying into the spindle control circuit would not only be restrictive, but not straight-forward. (The RS-485 interface allows very find grain control of the spindle motor and provides feedback on the state of the spindle controller and motor.) Ok, finally, finally, I didn't include it in this video, but I modified the Vectric Aspire post-processor to add the M-codes that start and stop the dust collector. The Vectric implementation allows great flexibility in adding custom gcode. I will definitely look into the Mach 3 macros and GUI editor to fine tune my implementation and include it in a future video. Thanks.

[@mytuberforyou]

@@danielatbasementtech There's a lot to unpack there but I will give it a try, I have been usiung Mach3 on and off since 2007 but not much lately. I built two differnt generations of controllers for my mill during that time. Feed (F) and spindle speed (S) should always be discrete- they are set by the tool number, in your CAM software. If you use Aspire you are familiar with this, your 1/2" ball endmill for example will have a different parameter than your 1/2" rougher. don't screw with them in Mach, you can use FRO to tweak something a litle in realtime to experiment if it sounds like it is going too fast or slow. Yes, in your CAM software post, add to the program start and end all of the paramters and macros you need to switch on what you need, to prep moves, initial tool touch off, whatever. Macros in Mach3 are written exactly like G code, tha part is dead simple. You just derfine them as a macro and give them a name- wizards are also customizable and Helpful- I have one that flattens an area as big as the workbed by taking .020" off twice- just gotta use a vise so there are no clamps in the way. You could have a wizard to resurface your spoilboard, for example.To use the editor you need the VBRUN300 or whatever that Visual Basic Runtime kernel was called- I think I can find you any files you need on my milling machine computer.

[@danielatbasementtech]

@@mytuberforyou thanks for the dialog ... I really appreciate it. I think we're actually in agreement ... I should have provided more details . 🙂 I do set the default feed and speed in the bit parameters in Vectric Aspire (and Rhino CAD for the CNC Milling machine). Those numbers show up in the gcode. As you describe, I use the spindle speed override, and feed rate override to "tweek something a little in realtime" to get the best cutting sound for the specific piece of wood that I'm cutting. As you probably have experienced too, hardwoods tend to vary enough to require a little tweeking. My dust collector is near to the machine and it's loud ... hence leaving it off for a few seconds while I listen. If I find that I always have to do the "same" tweeking, I make an adjustment in Vectric (or Rhino CAD) and regenerate the gcode. I am looking forward to utilizing macro's, wizards, and making the words on the screen match the actual function. Watch for an upcoming video and please continue to provide comments and suggestions. If you do have files that will give me a leg up, I think you can message me directly?

[@danielatbasementtech]

Hello, an astute viewer asked: "why did you complicate the design with the SSR? why not just get a contactor with a DC coil?". Good question ! Most easy answer that you've heard before: "I had these parts in my collection :-) ". But in thinking about it further, only the smallest relays can be directly driven from the output of a microcontroller. That is, designs usually include a small MOSFET to isolate and drive the coil of a relay. So, some sort of relay/contactor "driver" would probably be required in any design of any substantial current. So, at least part count would be about the same. But, probably "I had these parts" . What do you think ?