Another plasma component...

rodw wrote: I wonder if you could use the multispindle stuff so you select the airscribe in Gcode with M3/M5. I don't really know how that works but the torch is hooked to spindle 0 so why not use spindle 1 and a tool offset? ONce selected the new spindle stays in place until another is selected.

That was going to be my next problem, I was hoping to get the buttons added then worry about the G-Code stuff, I was just going to see how the CandCNC post deals with the air scribe but looking at what you have suggested it seems like they way to go.

And I am not sure what you mean with the same type of commands as the existing user button? As in the way the buttons are coded? I will need to add a link to my hal file for the outputs I have selected for my scribe solenoids.

The existing user buttons can do GCode or external commands and are set in the ini file. See Custom User Buttons in the docs.

What is a workflow for an air scribe, and are they common

I've not used one but Air scribes are often offered on low end tables. You need two air circuits. One low pressure one with its own regulator to control the downward pressure applied via an air ram and another high pressure one where the air passes through an oiler to operate the scribe itself. A good one is worth aout $500 and the Chicago Pneumatic one is considered the gold standard. www.cp.com/en-au/tools/products/percussi...ngraving-pens/cp9361

So on an M3, an air ram shoots the pen down and turns on the engraver airflow and allows marking and engraving operations and enough noise to wake the dead!

Here is what I had in mind if I ever build it.
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rodw wrote: I've not used one but Air scribes are often offered on low end tables. You need two air circuits. One low pressure one with its own regulator to control the downward pressure applied via an air ram and another high pressure one where the air passes through an oiler to operate the scribe itself. A good one is worth aout $500 and the Chicago Pneumatic one is considered the gold standard. www.cp.com/en-au/tools/products/percussi...ngraving-pens/cp9361

Ive got a Chicargo Pneumatic scribe on mine. I have not used it yet since I built the table. Ill post some pics later when the machine is finished cutting.

I plan on using it for marking lines for Jigs and fixtures I am making for our workshop. I am going to built a adjustable angle jig and I will mark the angles on the adjustable plate with the scribe.

I am hoping it works out as well in real life as it does in my head.

rodw wrote: Here is what I had in mind if I ever build it.

Hopefully you get the bug and finish it after seeing mine working! Just got it get it working first!

thefabricator03 wrote:
Hopefully you get the bug and finish it after seeing mine working! Just got it get it working first!

Well I have got everything here including the scribe. (and have had for a few years)

This is the scribe I bought

It had reasonable reviews and spare parts are available. It will work nice I think. My mate has used one to engrave plastic tags etc on his mill minus the air ram to control the pressure and he got good results.

Looks like a good quality engraver,

Funnily I am the same with my projects at home, I have lots of parts I have brought years ago but still have not gotten around to putting together. I just had a son born a couple of months ago and the way I am going he will be old enough to finish my projects before I get around to them!