[strgt]

I was hoping someone could explain how the soft stops operate on the TL1? I have to work in close to the chuck and being new to CNC Id like to set the soft stops limit the chance of a crash. Do they completely limit the travel in all modes or is this only in manual/semi-manual mode? In other words, if I set the stops am I safe to assume there is no way the tool holder will hit the chuck during a turning operation?

BTW there is no mention of them in the manual I have, but they are mentioned in much of the advertising for the lathe.

[Geof]

You can set the maximum encoder count (soft stop) in Parameters to whatever travel you want, provided it is less than the machine specs; this limits the travel in all modes. I have my TL2 set up like this all the time. I just set the soft stop to keep my closest tool about 0.10" away from the chuck jaws. Of course if you forget and put in a larger tool or if you use a boring bar you can run these into the jaws so you have to keep alert.

What I faind handy about doing this is that I can check each tool for clearance in Jog mode then when I run Graphics if I am too close with my Z offset position I will get an alarm.

Incidentally if you do change Parameters all the consequences, good or bad are on your head.