Post by friolator on Jun 18, 2020 12:54:10 GMT
Thought some of you might be interested in this. Over the past few weeks, I've been converting my Mega V (19") to run on Masso. This is a completely different controller than the Arduino/GRBL based unit Mlllright ships. it's a standalone box that's both the hardware and software (no need for a computer, just plug a monitor, keyboard and mouse into it). It has Wifi for uploading files, or you can put them on a USB stick.
In my setup, I also made a few changes:
1) Moved the X stepper driver to the second Y motor (so the Y motors have identical drivers)
2) Added a new driver for X with similar specs
3) Replaced the homing switches with proximity sensors (no moving parts, less likely to fail in the long run and more accurate than mechanical switches)
4) Rewired everything with shielded twisted pair cabling (18ga for the motors, 20ga for the sensors)
5) Added a tool setter switch so the Masso can automatically touch off and calculate the offset from Z0 at tool changes
With the dual Y drivers, the machine auto-squares itself when homing. All you need to do is make sure your Y rails are perfectly parallel, then make sure your left and right homing switches are perfectly square to the same point on either the Left or right Y Rail. Then when it homes, if one is lagging, it keeps going until it hits the sensor. So far in my tests it's been dead on.
to come: I'm currently working on a new Z plate/Tramming plate setup so I can add a 1.5kW spindle I bought. The current plate doesn't have enough clearance around the Z motor for the taller spindle, and I figured while I was modifying it, might as well build in tramming capability. Hopefully I'll have those parts cut this weekend. I'll also be adding in a compressed air line with a solenoid valve to blast air periodically on the tool while cutting. I've been cutting a bunch of aluminum without coolant and it's been fine, but on deeper slots it tends to build up, so this will keep the cutting area clean.
You can see all the pictures of the conversion over at the masso forums. So far I'm very happy with it. I had endless issues with UGS on my M3, and lots of problems with electrical noise in the basement space in my office, due to the unshielded cabling on that machine. So far none of those problems with Masso - it's been a huge upgrade. Everything is basically plug and play.
Honestly, I'd love to see Masso as an option on the Mega V (or really any of the millright machines). They OEM them to CNC manufacturers - it's worth a look, Derek!
In my setup, I also made a few changes:
1) Moved the X stepper driver to the second Y motor (so the Y motors have identical drivers)
2) Added a new driver for X with similar specs
3) Replaced the homing switches with proximity sensors (no moving parts, less likely to fail in the long run and more accurate than mechanical switches)
4) Rewired everything with shielded twisted pair cabling (18ga for the motors, 20ga for the sensors)
5) Added a tool setter switch so the Masso can automatically touch off and calculate the offset from Z0 at tool changes
With the dual Y drivers, the machine auto-squares itself when homing. All you need to do is make sure your Y rails are perfectly parallel, then make sure your left and right homing switches are perfectly square to the same point on either the Left or right Y Rail. Then when it homes, if one is lagging, it keeps going until it hits the sensor. So far in my tests it's been dead on.
to come: I'm currently working on a new Z plate/Tramming plate setup so I can add a 1.5kW spindle I bought. The current plate doesn't have enough clearance around the Z motor for the taller spindle, and I figured while I was modifying it, might as well build in tramming capability. Hopefully I'll have those parts cut this weekend. I'll also be adding in a compressed air line with a solenoid valve to blast air periodically on the tool while cutting. I've been cutting a bunch of aluminum without coolant and it's been fine, but on deeper slots it tends to build up, so this will keep the cutting area clean.
You can see all the pictures of the conversion over at the masso forums. So far I'm very happy with it. I had endless issues with UGS on my M3, and lots of problems with electrical noise in the basement space in my office, due to the unshielded cabling on that machine. So far none of those problems with Masso - it's been a huge upgrade. Everything is basically plug and play.
Honestly, I'd love to see Masso as an option on the Mega V (or really any of the millright machines). They OEM them to CNC manufacturers - it's worth a look, Derek!
