Machsupport Forum

Mach Discussion => General Mach Discussion => Topic started by: croy on August 07, 2011, 05:53:58 AM

Title: Mach3 Turn
Post by: croy on August 07, 2011, 05:53:58 AM

Hi all,
i have installed the free Mach3,  on the default setup

is ir possible to reverse the cordinates on the X and Z axiz, i.e make z + moving to the left and x + moving in toward centre?

Title: Re: Mach3 Turn
Post by: Hood on August 07, 2011, 06:47:48 AM

You can make the axis move whichever way you wish in relation to the DROs but you wont be able to change the toolpath as far as I can see.
Is there a reason you wish things to be the opposite of standard practice??
Hood

Title: Re: Mach3 Turn
Post by: croy on August 07, 2011, 07:52:56 AM

Hi Hood,

please ignore my last question, it was in ignorance as i still done yet know how CNC works.

Roy

Title: Re: Mach3 Turn
Post by: Hood on August 07, 2011, 08:03:14 AM

Roy,
 a lathe works either on Diameter or radius, I prefer diameter. So in essence when the tool is on centre that is zero dia (or radius) and moving away from centre increases the dia thus the axis is moving positive.
Z is the similar to a Z on a mill, if you think of a mill with the surface of the material being zero then everything you mill off will be a negative value. In a lathe it is normal to set the end of the stock as zero then as with the mill everything cut off will be a negative value.

Now some people like to set things differently (especially router guys ;)  ) and really its up to them but the above is standard practice and fairly easy to get your head around and can avoid confusion if ever needing to ask questions.

Hood

Title: Re: Mach3 Turn
Post by: Tweakie.CNC on August 07, 2011, 08:49:29 AM

Don't rub it in - I know nothing of Lathes but I am a mean advocate when it comes to Routers.  ;D

Tweakie.