Possible to re-label axes in Mach Mill?

[hanglide]

I need to re-label the first axis to Z so that Mach outputs vectors to the first axis instead of the 3rd axis when processing G code programs.  Is this possible in Mach Mill?

[Jeff_Birt]

Huh? Please try describing what your trying to accomplish as your description of what you want to do leaves one scratching their head.

[hanglide]

I'll try to put it into simpler terms:

I want to re-label the X axis as Z.  It quite common on other controls and is used for a variety of reasons some of which
are:

When used in conjuction with a scaling factor, it can be used to wrap an X,Y Z program around a rotary axis by swapping the X with a rotary axis label.

On big 4 axis horiz it is often used to perform pecking and other light duty operations with the quill axis rather than humping 10,000lbs of saddle back and forth with a .25" drill. 

You may also want to use it  for probing operations in the same situation.

In my case I have a right angle head attachment on a vertical and want to do lathe operations hence Z<->X (and Y<->X)

Hope that clears it up for you.


Regards

Scott

PS Of course I could do a bunch of search and replace with an editor or code my utility but that wouldn't be what I want or nearly as flexible

[Jeff_Birt]

Do a search for SwapAxis()

[simpson36]

As Jeff mentioned, Mach has a software 'swapaxis' function that accomplishes what you want to do. It must be called from a macro. I just posted an example macro again here (post #205). You can peek at the macros and see how the function is used:

http://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php/topic,11422.205.html

Definately check out this little utility:

http://www.cncwrapper.com

From 2D Gcode to this for only $20:  (rotary work starts 40 seconds into the video)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sC2urdg_bqg

[BluePinnacle]

Is this to be a permanent setup? if so, just program X and Y as usual, Z as quill axis, and use A axis for the knee. sound suitable? I far prefer hardware solutions to this sort of thing.