[itolond]

Dear Forum Members,

I am seeking feedback / information on the following mod idea for may CNC lathe.

Scenario:
I wish to use automatic sensing for cnc mach3 control. I can auto-centre with an isolated rob but i would like to make this part of the overall setup.

thoughts:
isolate drive unit and tailstock from base with non-compressible/non-conductive material (thin sheet) and through this isolation the cutting tool when connecting touching material with act as a sensor.


any thoughts...?

Thx

[alan_3301]

wouldn't it be easier to isolate only the toolpost?

Another idea is to have a touch probe mounted on the toolholder and figure out the offsets between that and the tools.

[Fastest1]

Both could be done and why not?

[ninefinger]

A potential problem with this idea is that a piece of swarf gets between your tool and the stock you are sensing, giving you a false offset to your work.Keeping the tool clean during sensing moves becomes a factor and adds complication.

[itolond]

yes i hear you on this , perhaps a base plastic coating would reduce risk but yes i need to watch this