Machsupport Forum
Mach Discussion => General Mach Discussion => Topic started by: hanglide on May 18, 2010, 11:58:48 AM
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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?
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Huh? Please try describing what your trying to accomplish as your description of what you want to do leaves one scratching their head.
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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
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Do a search for SwapAxis()
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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 (http://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php/topic,11422.205.html)
Definately check out this little utility:
http://www.cncwrapper.com (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 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sC2urdg_bqg)
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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.