[compunerdy]

Trying to figure out how to properly setup tools and such in sprut for the lathe.

I figured this would be a good place to share tools so we are not all wasting our time setting them up.. Tormach sells the tools and sprut, it would be nice if they offered all of their tools in a file...

I did finally get some basics done on a part in Sprut after figuring out the axis are wacky.. When I used the processor file it did all the x in + which IIRC should be - for the quick change toolpost setup?

Anyways, anyone get this working and want to share some info, tips, tricks, etc..

[wwendorf]

I use a different lathe with Sprutcam, but I have a lot of it working. Not sure what you are looking for, but I'd be happy to help if I can.

[compunerdy]

I heard back from Tormach on the + vs - outputs and this is what they said..

"Under each operation, you must go to the B (Tool angle position) and set it to 180 (flipping the tool 180 degrees). Then when making the tool, uncheck the Inverted box and set the Hand of tool to Right."

I hope I do not ever forget considering the tool would charge right through the workpiece.

[wwendorf]

That's why you setup your simulation properly too. Then you can see in the simulation what the program will actually do.

I have an old Magnaturn 612 lathe, which works amazingly well! I had a custom postprocessor written for it too.

Wade

[compunerdy]

I was told to use the Lathe ZX machine.. This does not seem to have a picture of the machine or anything to accurately judge which direction the tool is coming from so doing it the first way or the new way shows the same results in simulation. I am sure there is something I am missing that would make it more obvious..

[menzzer37]

I've written about 12 programs for the lathe so far. I use the generic ZX machine. Your part orientation follows the basic axis like the mill; however, machining is done in the ZX, lathe axis. You should have 2 CSYS on the screen. I just made a tool library since I didn't buy any of Tormach's tools. I have the holders and inserts saved, but I still have to change the way the tool is oriented each time (B axis is -90 for me on the gang tool). It works well though. I have had to throw a couple conversational pieces into a SPRUT program though. It didn't like my external threading command so I used Tormach's onscreen and dumped it into the middle of my SPRUT generated program. Worked great!

[compunerdy]

I had the same issue.. I did the machining to get the part ready for threading in sprut but when I tried to do the threading the lathe did not recognize the code. I grabbed some code for the threading using the conversational and got it all to work great. Tormach told me to use longhand for the threading in sprut so I tried that but the threads came out all messed up..not sure why yet.

[MichaelHenry]

I've been using SprutCAM 8 recently to code some programs for turning parts in anticipation of getting the SBL later this summer or fall. I've been using the ZX Lathe machine definition as that is what SprutCAMAmerica suggests in their turning videos. Quite a few issues have turned up, mostly related to my preference for Imperial units and to SC thinking differently than I do, so I've been asking Sprut support for help when I really get stuck. They suggested switching to a a more proper CNC lathe machine definition and I'll be trying that on my next coding project, probably to the Microcut LT52.

I will probably be using an Aloris BXA toolpost and holders as I happen to have a new one that is not being used and my manual lathe uses the same size of toolpost and holders. I've been gradually populating a tool table with my manual tools. My carbide inserrt tooling is mostly from Shars and uses standard industry tooling designations. HSS drill bits are straightforward. I tend to bore fairly small holes (1-in and less) so use solid carbide boring and internal grooving tools like this one from Mari-Tool:

Boring, Grooving, & Threading - MariTool

and have started to create tool entries in my library for them, as per the attached file. There are only a couple of Shars tools in my library so far and both came from this 1/2" carbide insert turning tool set:

shars.com - 12quot Indexable Carbide Turning Tool Set

I may end up buying the next larger (5/8-in) tool set when I get the lathe as those tools will fit in BXA holders and are a little more rigid.

Mike

[tmarks11]

While I am predisposed to use 5/8" (because I have quite a few), just a few words of warning:

1. You will have to use a custom installation plate, since Tormach's is sized for 3/4" CXA toolpost (no real loss, since you can make one for far cheaper).'
2. The turret is setup for 3/4" tooling, and it would be much more convenient to use that size, assuming you purchase a turret if (or when) it is available.

I went down to Santa Cruz and saw Bob Warfield's SBL at Santa Cruz Electronics, and decided to hold off on purchase until I see what the (future) tail post looks like. I can't see how you could install a tail post and not lose like 3" of z travel, since the carriage travels to with 2" of the end of the bed. Wish Tormach would blog an update about enclosure, turret, and tail post pricing, upgrade path, and timeline.

[MichaelHenry]

Tormach also suggested making my own plate for the extra BXA Aloris TP I have, so that's not an issue. Good point about the turret using 3/4-in tool holders. I wonder how hard it would be to adapt to 5/8-in holders?

Good point about the tail stock, too. I rarely use one on my manual lathe so haven't given it any thought yet.

Mike

[tmarks11]

I wonder how hard it would be to adapt to 5/8-in holders?

If you look at the Tormach lathe video, it looks to me like they have 5/8" tool holders in the turret, with some shims to take up the extra space. Course, it could be 3/4" tool holders in a turret design for 1" tools, since this is a video of the prototype turret. My understanding is that the final release turret will be much more compact, which might be the reason for the delay.

Regardless, it shows you that using shims would make it possible to use smaller diameter tools, and doesn't seem like it would be inconvenient.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=39jFRUYRYYw

[MichaelHenry]

If you look at the Tormach lathe video, it looks to me like they have 5/8" tool holders in the turret, with some shims to take up the extra space. Course, it could be 3/4" tool holders in a turret design for 1" tools, since this is a video of the prototype turret. My understanding is that the final release turret will be much more compact, which might be the reason for the delay.

The lathe demo I saw in May had what looks like the same turret. I did see several turrets in Tormach's warehouse after the demo but don't remember if those looked the same or not as the one in the video or the demo I saw. My understanding is that the release of the turret model is mostly being held up until the totally enclosed lathe stand is ready, so the one in your link may well be the one that will be sold with the lathe.

I need to start clearing out some room in the basement for this lathe.

[mountaindew]

Like to hear about progress and updates.

Is the sprut cam post working better?
Are cam and conversation code combinations required to get complete results?
Is there a machine definition for the simulation yet?
Did you clear a spot for one mike?
Any other thoughts?
md

[compunerdy]

1. no change..
2. yes
3. no

Tormach keeps telling me they are working with Sprut but nothing yet..

[MichaelHenry]

I still haven't cleared out room for the lathe but am gradually working on it. Looks like the turret version lathe won't be available until end of year so I may be buying the QC/gang model now with an eye toward upgrading to the turret later. I'm especially interested in a totally enclosed lathe.

In the meantime I've been playing with SprutCAM 8 and lathe ops. So far, I'm able to do what I want (at least in simulation) but I haven't tried all the available ops yet. I'm hoping that SC 9 will have improvements especially in the tool library and when using Imperial units plus some other UI stuff.

I'm also concerned that Tormach may not feel the need to do much support for the SLB on SprutCam, since they have the conversational wizards. I'd like to see SLB machine definitions in SC 8/9 for all 3 models - QC, gang, and turret or at least some constructions for how to tune existing definitions to make them closer to the SLB.

Mike.