Machsupport Forum

Third party software and hardware support forums. => PoKeys => Topic started by: Holzwurm56 on July 26, 2026, 04:28:57 AM

Title: Need help for new lathe controller
Post by: Holzwurm56 on July 26, 2026, 04:28:57 AM

Hello,
I would like to retrofit my CNC lathe. Since there are no mechanical handwheels installed,
I need two electronic handwheels, outputs for two axes (step and direction for each),
limit switches, spindle index, program start/stop, E-stop, etc. Would this be possible with the PoKeys57E
and Mach3?
I noticed that it has four encoder inputs and step/direction signal outputs
for three axes. I am currently operating the lathe using Mach3 and two parallel port outputs.
Many thanks in advance,
Hans

Title: Re: Need help for new lathe controller
Post by: Azalin on July 26, 2026, 04:54:42 AM

Check the cnc4pc M16D. İt uses Pokeys 57E. I have a similar lathe you described. AC apindle servo (encoder input), limit switches (but I find them almost useless in a lathe). I use a shuttle pro for jogging and assigned function buttons. Makes everything much easier. The outer wheel for fast jogging and the inner wheel for fine moves. But I believe you can add two wheels as you want.

Title: Re: Need help for new lathe controller
Post by: Holzwurm56 on August 01, 2026, 11:52:04 AM

Hello Azalin,
thanks for your answer. I built lathe modell and will test the Pokeys57E and Mach3 with the modell. When this
is sucsessfull i will it install in my lathe.
Hans