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Got the new Hall switch and confirmed it works, but still have to put it on the machine. Thanks.

So, having read all this and the Mach threading manual and all associated threads, I still can't get past the "Waiting for Trigger" light in Diagnostics when running code for G32 or G76. I do have...

Does anyone have a SolidWorks or even better a Fusion360 model of the Patriot? I'd like to put the machine in my CAM section to check for interferences. A STEP file would work great, too. I asked...

We lost our router controller and it's computer we used VCarve on and cannot locate or install. The file on Vectric's site is only to upgrade an existing installation. Could anyone please upload it...

I made a post with a video and the code I used to get CSS underMach3. Try searching for that. Shouldn't be any difference in the gcode.

Does anyone have suggestions for a good replacement VFD? My 48vdc power supply got nailed by lightning and now the vfd control panel flashes and then goes blank. It's a nowforever vfd on a 2014...

How did you speed your steppers up? I get 25ipm and haven't been able to set any faster.

Congrats on your new bridgemill. Any pics of parts you're running ?

My Patriot has sensors on the lathe and the mill. I would think yours does too if you can control the spindle speed through Mach3. I'm not sure what there would be to gain by adding additional...

I was wondering about stiffening the Z axis bracket as well. Thanks for the file. I've used propane in the shop as well. Be sure all steel surfaces have a coating of oil. The warm, moist (water...

Congrats, JT!

I used an A36 Gates belt on my spindle.

I'm starting this thread as a place to gather information about different attempts to improve the Z axis accuracy and rigidity.

As I see it, there are at least two issues. The first being...

Nicely done, Julian. Looking forward to seeing the parts you are making with this setup.

I need to mill some 7075 aluminum. Cutting rocker arm bodies out of 1"x3" bar. I have center cut, carbide end mills, 3 flute, helix for aluminum, in 3/8" and 1/2", both with 1" length of cut. ...

Thanks for the ideas and sorry for the hijack.

Back to the original thread. I'm ready to do something similar and will be watching to see how yours turns out.

You spoke of upgrading the Z axis. In another post you mentioned adding additional pinch bolts to the quill. Could you elaborate. The runout on my mill is excessive with the quill lock loose, but...

I spent a fair amount of time chasing down the rattles on mine. Most came from the covers and some tweaking, bending and spacers eliminated them. Another source was the handles and knobs. I...

I set up the VFD to max at 125hz instead of 75hz. It will go higher, but I'm not sure the spindle bearings are up to it. Once I check the bearing specs, I may take it up higher. I need to run it...

Got around to making a quick and dirty video showing CSS, or Constant Surface Speed on the Patriot

Shopmaster Patriot CSS - YouTube

I'll get one of actual chips under CSS up soon.

Here is...

As promised a quick video of some lathe operations. Sorry for the poor quality. I'll have better stuff up in the future.

First CNC Lathe Operations - YouTube

Go the rest of the parameters set up and I'm finally ready to run some test parts. Still have to turn on my air and mist coolant by hand, but that will come. Hopefully some test videos to show soon.

Got up this morning for a fresh look at the problem and started tracing every wire. Found two more mis-assigned. Fortunately, they were not hooked to anything hot. One was the lead coming from the...

Good ideas. I already have a mist coolant setup, but a second line with just air would be good for plastics and some sheet copper stuff I cut.

Thanks, John. I'll check those items. The steppers are running fine now. The steps are calibrated and the backlash is set. Movement is good, although 25 ipm rapid is a bit slower than I'm used...