Alek K (enytned1),

Wrote a wonderful Sub routine using G-codes for Ellipses, (I put it in a Wizard for us lazy people who dont like to hand code that much stuff...........)

The Wizard called "Ellipse Wizard" (see attached zip file)

Download and unzip the zip file called: Ellipse Wizard1.zip and copy and paste the "Ellipse Wizard folder" into machs "Addons", then from in Mach under Wizards you can open and use it.

Scott

Hi Poppabear
 
Just downloaded your ellipse wizard. Will check it out in a minute.......
A Couple of questions for you if you do not mind.(Wizard related)
What is the possibility to do a Turn wizard that can cut unround(By this I mean oval like in a cam shaft of a car)
I do realize that your spindle would have to have a encoder to be in sink with your X Axis.
If not possible to control in Mach3 Lathe then I guess one can use Mach3 mill (4th axis + 1 linear axis)
If you are up for a challenge or to make a few bucks contact me.
I need this for measuring and cutting automotive cam shafts.
 
Thanks
Deon Gerber
custom@polka.co.za
   
 

This sounds more like a cylindrical grinding project than turning.

Graham.

Hi Graham

Yes you are right ........but the principle is the same.
Thanks for the input anyway.

Deon

The principle is similar but not the same,  the problem with a lathe is the speed the cam has to rotate to allow the tool to cut efficiently.  Then the reaction time for the X axis is down to fractions of a second.

The piston makers have battled this problem for years with CNC lathes, most still use barrel cam control as its much easier. The only company that has ever got it working well is Takisawa Japan, and they protect it with vigour.

Graham.

http://www.takisawa.co.jp/-e/e02_020102_3100s.htm