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Looking for a gcode file to make the 4th axis turn constantly in mach4 , until a stop command is given . Ideally it would be a macro / script , that can be activated by a button on the Mach4 screen , if not a file that can be inserted in my PP. The idea is to use the axis as a lathe and run a simple gcode profile while it is turning. I know there are wrapping PP , but they are so slow , i can hear my beard grow!
Hope someone can help
ED
Is there someone who can create this gcode , or macro / script for Mach 4??.
Ed
I don't think G-code works that way. Usually, a positional command will only execute once the previous command is finished. It sounds like you're trying to turn your mill or router into a lathe, which works the way you describe. Why not substitute a regular induction motor for the stepper that's powering your rotary table? Once that's set up, all you'll have to do is switch it on and run the code for your profile using the Z and X axes, just like a CNC lathe.
The question is how much 4th axis control does your CAM software provide? How complex is your part?
Say you started with a long square and want to turn it round. That’s either a lathe package or some custom (or hand written) Gcode in a milling package. Same part over and over the custom write it. Create a stool spindle and that’s more complicated. Vectric software is designed to do some of this but it’s complicated.
You just want to turn the 4th axis while moving the spindle, you could drive the stepper driver separately from the controller using a few different methods.
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Is there way in Mach4 to have a second spindle set up? You might be able to call your 4th axis a spindle and then just turn it on with a ''M'' command.
There in lies the problem ! How to set that up in Mach4 ??
Ed
You can drive a stepper with step (a frequency) and direction signal. Something as simple as an arduino can generate those signals. M codes drive relays like spindle and flood, and others. Those M codes from your controller can control the arduino, which powers the stepper driver.
This works great for turn it on and let it run during the entire cut. Not so useful if you want to stop-start it and change direction while cutting.
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Maybe this would be a starting point. https://warp9td.com/index.php/faq/faq-mach4#ObSpindleQuote:
Originally Posted by edcross
G53 A 9000 , will make my A axis turn continuously until it completes 9000 degrees at the motor velocity in the motor setup . How can i put this line in my gcode and have it stay active until the end of the gcode file ??
Ed
A command like that would be handy but gcode doesn’t work like that. If you move X then Y it will wait for X to complete before moving Y. If the command has both an X and Y then they will move at the same time.
So each new line of Gcode executes when the line above it completes.
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