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does anyone know if there is a way to control angular indexing of the spindle with mach3 lathe? Say I wanted to be able to broach gears or something on my lathe, is there a way to index the spindle like a rotary axis?
Edit...
I realize that's a broad question. So more specifically, is there a way to add a third axis to the screen set? I can handle the rest if I can get a step and dir signal to output from mach3L
If you aren't using it as a lathe, just set up a Mach3 mill configuration.
well i am using it as a lathe as well. I'd like to be able to do all the operations in a single program.
Just finishing off a few details on my Mach3 Lathe with the spindle acting as an A Axis, will be posting a video on YouTube in a week or 3.
I had to replace the spindle motor on my lathe, due to lack of power. due to lack of space, I fitted a Chinese AC Servo motor (Best thing I ever did)
Mach3 lathe can be adapted quite easily to 3 axis, with the spindle acting as "A" axis. You just need the motor and a couple of relays.
Happy to share details if it helps
looks like I'm a bit late to this party, but I'd love to see details. I'm getting back into my lathe build, and this is really something I'd like to do.Quote:
Originally Posted by Stutank
CS900 - Assuming you have the cheap (but very good) Chinese AC servo motor all setup as your lathe spindle motor (Control mode = 2 for speed mode). just change Control mode to 4 which is Position/Velocity Mode. This will allow to move from velocity mode (Simple lathe spindle control) to Position mode ("A" Axis indexing) via the state of Sigin2 port (Sigin1 usually = Servo enable) Sigin2 (Parameter # 53) should be set to 14 for Cmode.
On the Mach3 end of things, using mach3screen.exe you need to add the required visual elements (I can send you a copy of lathe screem with these mods). The final requirement is for Mach3 to switch modes under program control, I use M111.m1s and M112.m1s which can be called from program and simply contain the line ACTIVATESIGNAL(OUTPUT3) for M111 (A Axis) and DEACTIVATESIGNAL(OUTPUT3) for M112 (Spindle). Output3 is connected to a relay to control Sigin2.
I use a second line as above except OUTPUT4 to control a milling spindle in the toolpost if required (if plugged in that is).
This should allow what you want, allowing all functions you require from Mach3Lathe + 1 Gcode program. Also good for CNC springwinding etc.
Hope this all helps, let me know if additional details required.
thanks, Currently I have an AC motor with a VFD for the spindle, but I may upgrade to an AC motor in the future for this functionality. thanks!Quote:
Originally Posted by Stutank
CS900. Spindle indexing certainly needs an AC Servo motor, Mine gives 0 to 2500 rpm with good torque right down, and 10,000 pulses per revolution in Positioning mode.
The perfect spindle motor, and priced similar to a vfd + 3ph motor.