--- On Mon, 3/25/13, Dave <e...@dc9.tzo.com> wrote: > From: Dave <e...@dc9.tzo.com> > Subject: Re: [Emc-users] Cable drive for a gas torch pattern follower? > To: emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net > Date: Monday, March 25, 2013, 10:40 AM > > I don't know if you have seen the Torchmate version or not > before but > here are some similar picts and discussion. > > http://www.cnczone.com/forums/cnc_plasma_waterjet_machines/31685-cnc_retrofit_heath_torchmate_upright_magnetic_follower_shape_cutter.html
Interesting info there. Finally remembered what this has been used on quite a bit. Look up wall plotter. The math has already been done many times. Most use only two cables or chains and motors, relying on gravity to keep the pen in tension. They have issues with imprecision and slack in the upper corners. Without a tension system they have to be slow so the pen doesn't wobble all over the place. To translate this to a horizontal system would require some way to keep tension to the end of the arm. How I'd connect the cables to the arm is to put a washer on the end of each cable with a hole just large enough to fit over the magnetic drive shaft. That would ensure all the cables are pulling on exactly the same point and easy to slip off for reversion to pattern follower use. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Own the Future-Intel® Level Up Game Demo Contest 2013 Rise to greatness in Intel's independent game demo contest. Compete for recognition, cash, and the chance to get your game on Steam. $5K grand prize plus 10 genre and skill prizes. Submit your demo by 6/6/13. http://p.sf.net/sfu/intel_levelupd2d _______________________________________________ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users