[CaptainVee]

I am starting to add a 4th axis to my mill.

The parts I want to mill would need to be milled on the 4th axis in C configuration (4th axis parallel to Z)

But I would like to be able to then tilt the 4th axis to A configuration so that I can finish the part with the 4th axis in A configuration.

Now the mechanical side of things is a challenge but I think I can get there. But how to work the software side of things?

Should I make a 5 axis configuration in EMC (I refuse to use the new name) and change a plug to connect the stepper to a different set of pins in the parallel port, or should I use a 4 axis configuration and make the changes to the gcode?


Mmmm, in writing this it seems to me that I have to somehow give the mill a new mill area to work in regardless of a 4 or 5 axis configuration so 5 axis would be pointless...

Any comments?

[doug6949]

Changing C and A in the gcode seems a lot easier than modifying a configuration. If using CAM I would think a modified post would be simple enough.

Doug

[tjbaudio]

What about just having 2 or 3 different configurations? launch what ever one your currently using? I ask this because I am making a CNC conversion and have plans for 4 axis in a couple of configurations.