How to Backup Mach3 - CNCnutz Episode 108

In a previous video I showed how you can restore Mach3 if you have a decent backup.
This time I show how how i created the backup disk with all the file required to reinstall Mach3 quickly and easily.
Reinstall Mach3 in less than 6 minutes - CNCnutz Episode 104
• Reinstall Mach3 in les...
SHARE WITH OTHERS:
/ cncnutz
SOCIAL:
Email: [e-mail]
/ cncnutz
/ cncnutz
/ cncnutz
DISCLAIMER:
CNC machines and other power tools are dangerous when used incorrectly. These videos are for entertainment purposes. I can accept no responsibility for any injuries you may incur from replication of what you see in these videos. I aim to demonstrate safe procedures but before attempting any project you should have prior machining experience or have done further research. If you are in any doubt about your safety you should look for an alternative method.
I hope you enjoy.

[@mipotter1967]

Thanks Peter for this guide. I recently went through the headache of reinstalling Mach 3 after my shed flooded during a storm. I'll be doing this tomorrow and keeping the backup safely inside somewhere. Cheers.

[@cncnutz]

+Dust Bunny Sorry to hear about the flood. The flood would be bad enough without losing your machine as well. Cheers Peter

[@mipotter1967]

Yes. Gutted. Can I ask you about your z-axis? Do you get any deflection under load? I made my cnc loosely base on a blackfoot 2' x 4' machine from makeyourcnc.com but I am plagued with some flex when my machine travels from side to side along the x.axis. It's less than a mil but when cutting small holes with a mill bit they tend to be ovals. I'm using the same v bearings you are but my z-axis is more like the one on the blackfoot machine.

[@cncnutz]

I can get the X rail to twist if I plunge my Z into the material too fast. This also will cause the hole to be misshaped so when drilling holes or plunging into material to make a cut I keep my speed low. This is the only time the rail will flex. The X or the Z axis do not flex under normal cutting. My X rail is made of Aluminum and Steel but the Rail is a little undersized as I couldn't find the correct extrusion to use in New Zealand. Cheers Peter

[@berndmatuscak8924]

Thank you so much, my friend A great video that gets straight to the point and is 100% understandable. I watched a lot of other videos, but nothing helped me, and thanks to you, I did it. Thank you very much 😊😊😊

[@thegreenman4898]

keep the vids comin, just bought my first cnc today and am about to plunge into the scary world of software, at my age its a tough task ;-)

[@cncnutz]

+the green man It's never too late to learn Green man. Cheers Peter

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Okay, okay, I'll back up! Thank you very much for this, Peter!

[@cncnutz]

+Mark Lindsay Good one Mark.

[@danielkitson6878]

hi peter great video keep them coming, thanks daniel

[@cncnutz]

Thanks Daniel

[@cncdavenz]

Hi Peter, Half the fun is trying to remember what you did when you first set up the machine. I always take a failure as a chance to upgrade :-). I am now of to Dick Smith to get some thumb drives...Dam they failed to have a backup plan, Cheers Dave

[@cncnutz]

Same problem here with DS. Closed down earlier this year but I did manage to get some bargins on a lot of things I didn't need. Cheers Peter

[@dtanco]

Firstly thanks for all the videos you've made, you explain things in a way that I can understand. I've been going through all your videos and I know this one is going back a while but I was wondering if this process would be a good way to restore Mach3 to it's original out of the box settings or is it better to re-install from scratch, I'm having a few issues and would like to start afresh. Thanks again

[@cncnutz]

Hi Don and thanks for watching. The best option would probably be to backup your files just in case especially the xml file for your machine in case you need it as it has most of your settings in it. The rest are in the screenset and any plugins you use. Then uninstall Mach3 and reinstall from scratch if you think you have any corruption. Create a new pfifile for your machine from there and if you need too you can load up your old xml file for reference should you need it. The reason I grabbed everything is that it is easier to grab the lot than pick and choose and possibly miss something. Cheers Peter Cheers Peter

[@dtanco]

@@cncnutz Wow quick reply, thanks. Not sure what's going on but have to restart XP SP3 computer sometimes to get machine moving, usually after reset. I'm sure you are busy so no need to reply, thanks for your help, watch out for gremlins!!

[@drmkiwi]

A long time ago one of my clients told me there were two types of people in the world. Those that back up , and those that wish they had!

[@cncnutz]

+DRMNZ That is very true. Most of us become the first only after experiencing the second. Cheers Peter

[@GraphicManInnovations]

Hello Peter, I am installing a 4th axis rotary soon, what is the differences between the two profile you have made? I have already installed the rotary motor for now and I have done the settings needed to configure it as a rotary to read degrees instead of linear lengths, cant I have only one profile and still can use the mach as a rotary and the normal routing? thanks And BTW why are you using smooth stepper since you are using winxp?

[@cncnutz]

The difference is that the rotary axis has an A axis which is angular not linear. Since i use the Y axis for the A I need a separate profile so I can reuse the same pins and ports but if you have plenty of ports to use on yours then you can use 1 profile for everything.it depends on your machines setup. A Smoothstepper has nothing to do with what operating software you are using so I'm not sure what XP has to do with it. I want a setup that will work on any pc even if it doesn't have a parallel port. Here is a video I did 5 years ago explaining the reason for the Smoothstepper. Cheers Peter

[@GraphicManInnovations]

yes right I almost forgot that you are using the same drive output you forgot to put the video link I am assuming you are using usb not parallel in that case why are not you using windows 7? usually people use winxp because they dont have a smoothstepper thanks Peter for you video and content

[@cncnutz]

You're right I forgot to post the link. kzbin.info/www/bejne/l3m7doZmnsyoe5o I'm using XP because that is the OS the laptop comes with and since it works fine I don't see the need to change it. The Ethernet version of the Smoothstepper didn't exist when I build mine. Cheers Peter

[@tedkreeger2638]

Great info as usual Peter. I too have all that backed up, but because I don't trust all physical mediums, I store most important files in my Dropbox. True if I don't have a network handy, I might be a bit delayed in retrieving, but wherever I can get to an internet connection, I can always get. I still have external drive, and flash sticks, but I love my dropbox, and Google drive too. I see you wearing a coat, it was 96 degrees F here today. What was yours? Have a good one. I am already waiting for the next video.

[@cncnutz]

Hi Ted, A good idea backing up to the cloud as well as local media. I use Dropbox quite a bit myself and find it works well for me. On the day I shot that video it was quite mild about 8 degrees C. It doesn't get too cold here in winter and it never snows so most people would be thrilled with winter in my little town. That said I am a little cold blooded and like to be warm, hence the jacket. It is the 3rd day of spring and things are getting a bit more to my liking and it won't be too long before I am complaining it is too hot. Cheers Peter

[@klawndyke]

great info

[@cncnutz]

+klawndyke Thanks