Yeah well sketchy doesn't run on my machine so it's a moot point for me. I found way better tools anyway. The only problem I have is converting the sketchy files you guys post because you didn't pay $1500000 for the pro version that exports other formats.

Do you have much experience with Mach3?

I don't have my machine done yet but, if you change the number of sides from 24 to say 100 for a circle, it will draw a round circle. Export this to a DXF file, will the machine cut a clean circle with 100 sides ?

With which software will I be able to do that?

To any Mach3 software users:. I'm having a problem getting A to slave with Y and run in reverse. I've followed everyone's advice including their support team. I've tired every configuration I can think of to no avail. I was thinking maybe the A port on my G540 control board was bad but I can hear and feel the stepper "grab" when I power it up. I've tried swapping cables thinking maybe a bad cable. What am I missing? Any thoughts out there?

Thank you. I have done this and it just won't work. With that said, in Config>ports and pins>Motor outputs: should A have the same pin numbers as Y or does A have it's own set of pins. I know I have this info somewhere but I just can't find it again. (It's a bitch getting old)

A should have it's own pins. Slave makes Mach3 send the same signals to the A pins as it does the Y pins. I'll take some screenshots of my setup later tonight when I get home.

Yes, I have A axis enabled. I'll bet my problem is I have the same numbers for A axis as I do Y axis. Now I just have to find that pin out chart again. There is a XML file that sets everything up for you. Just drop the file into the Mach3 directory. Problem is I don't have internet access in my work shop (yet) and you can't copy the file to a flash drive. Thank for your help.

My Z axis stepper should arrive tomorrow. Once installed, the OX will be complete. Than all I have to do is learn how to make this thing actually work.

@GrandpawB

I wounder what problem your having im running a hobbycnc board with mach3 and had no troubles getting the A axis and Y axis to slave together. Only problem im having is getting round circles to be cut out.

What is your issue with round cuts?

they are always longer in one of the axis. Also sometimes when it first starts a cut its off a little to one side but onnce its on its secong pass its good.

i Dont know if i need to do more motor tuning in the settings in mach3 or if i need to up my microsetps only running 1/2 wich only gives me 6.67. So maybe i should bump it up to 1/8 steps like mark and see what that gives me.

Don't know. But I'll get it figured out. I'll bring my shop computer in the house, hook up to the internet and download the files I need from Geckodrive.com. I made a little progress today. I got the Y axis to run ~ but only positive. Won't run in the negative direction. Grrrr.

sounds like it something with your driver

That would be a great help. Thank you.

@GrandpawB, gosh, it's been a long time since I fixed the problem with the motor running only one direction. It's quite common for people who do their first setup but I don't remember the solution. Sorry. Google it or go to the Phlat forum and search there. I know we talked about it there and I fixed it. I think Mark had the solution there.

EDIT: It's a setup in Mach not the driver.

@Mopar32985, if your holes are not round there are three things you have to check. 1) Backlash, but if it's backlash then there is a step at the top and bottom of the elongated section. 2) Axis calibration. That was what was wrong on my machine. Try to get your calibration as close to perfect as possible. If one axis is more precise than the other the holes are elliptic. 3) Acceleration not the same on the x and y axis.

well thanks for nothing.LOL I'll Google it.

Well, I finally found what I was looking for. If anyone else needs the pin out chart for a Geckodrive G540 control board here's a screen shot.

Problem solved! As it turns out, it seems you have to tell Mach3 which port number to get it's signal from. Can you imagine? Mine were set to port 1 for all steps and 0 for all directions. Therefore running in one direction. I knew I would solve it sooner or later. Next (minor) problem is fine tuning. I haven't a clue. Any suggestions out there?

If you need to tune your movement (which I did yesterday). In Mach3 you go into the "motor tuning" and you change the "steps per" value. Move your axis from a fixed value (I used 100mm) and measure it. Raise or lower the value of "step per" to match as near as you can the 100mm (in my case). I don't know if it is the best way but it worked for me.

Thank you for trying, but other than going to the "Motor Tuning" screen and changing the values, I don't understand what you mean.

Maybe it's my english (I'm french)

Yesterday I measured my x axis movement. I was asking a 100mm movement (G0 x100, from 0), but it moved 102mm. I went into the "motor tuning" page and lowered the "step per" value. I moved the x axis again (G0 x0, from previous position; 100) and it moved 101mm. I lowered the "step per" value again and it moved 100mm when I ask 100mm, axis tuned!

@GrandpawB, I knew it was the port settings I just forgot that I knew!

To tune your machine go to youtube and look for videos. You have to run the machine a set distance and measure the actual distance traveled and enter it. It's a bit involved but not complicated. Best done with a dial indicator.

"I knew it was the port settings I just forgot that I knew!"
Yah right, let's go with that. Thanks for your help.

There is an even easier method when using Mach 3. Take a look at the picture in this link: http://cdn.instructables.com/FSP/SMKF/HMMFDPWS/FSPSMKFHMMFDPWS.MEDIUM.jpg

Go to the "Settings tab" and click "Set steps per unit". It will ask you in what axis to calibrate, and how far you want to move the axis. Once that is done, it will jog the machine the distance you set. Then Mach will ask you to measure how far the mill actually moved. Once you put that value in, it will adjust your steps per inch/mm.

Good luck!