Machsupport Forum
Mach Discussion => VB and the development of wizards => Topic started by: poppabear on November 08, 2010, 08:59:27 AM
-
Greetings,
I am considering revisiting and upgrading the "Quick Threads" complex threading wizard......
I was wondering at the "Interest level" from the member ship in General for this........
Basicall if there is enough interst then, I would implement a "MSI" type installer that would do the Wizard installation for you, and have
all the current screen, and VB fixes as of the last implementation, update of the wizard, it is kinda spread out, over a vast amount of time...
Also, if there is enough interest, if any of you would like to ask for "Useful" and Practical additions (or fixes), to the wizard, please speak up!!
I would also consider if the "General" lathe population wants, I could also install the "Practical Lathe" screen set, you would still need to "Load it"
if you wanted to use it, but it would be there for those that like that screen set layout.
I am still waiting on Graham to send me his "easy Calc" threading formulas, when he does, I can make it where they "Auto fil" the dros on common stuff.
NOTE: The threading calc Free-Ware app, was just a convienance and who ever wrote it, did it for NON-pointed thread cutters, many here wanted one for
sharp pointed thread cutters........ so, if you know of a "Free ware" app that can do that, by all means give a link..... I will add it also, and thus you can have both
types of quick reference threading software.
BTW: Tony, and others, speak up on this........
scott
-
I am interested. I was working on a screenset that actually includes all the wizards. Updating would sure be great. It works like the Haas intuitive programming. Basically tabs for each op like this...
(http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c10/mahockett/thr3.jpg)
-
Kind of amazed I am the only one who has responded to this. I figured there were more lathe users out there. To me any updates for the turn side of this is a big plus. Kinda seams the turn side is rather ignored. :(
I am almost done with a drilling wizard for turn. It will allow standard feed, feed in and feed out (reamer), peck drill or chip break. Feeds and speeds will also be set in the wizard.
-
I guess there is no interest......
oh well
-
Hi Scott,
Sorry to miss this thread. I would be very much interested in adding more useful wizards to lathe. Sorry I don't know what exactly you're talking about... what is the "Complex Turning Wizard" and what is the "Quick Threads" one?
Where do I get them?
Dan
-
Scott,
I am interested and missed replying to this thread when it was first posted.
I'll reply back in a few days with constructive comments to you for consideration.
RICH
-
I guess my vote doesn't count :(
I have added multiple start threading to the simple thread wizard. Guess I can add it to the advanced one too if you are interested.
-
DaOne,
No need to feel that way. I see what you are up to and frankly like it, but have some questions for you.
Rich
-
Scott,
Anything you do to enhance something for the lathe would be always be appreciated.
I guess there is no interest
I think there is, but, there just is not the volume of lathe users or folks doing threading out there.
I don't know.....maybe they are just a silent group of users.....
Quick Threads was included in the threading write up i did. There are a number of options out there for
generating threading code.
MODIFIED: 11/27/10 Discussion on the options was moved to:
http://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php/topic,16630.msg112681.html#msg112681
RICH
-
DaOne:
If you are offering a different wizard please move your stuff out of my thread and start your own. If you wanting to add your stuff to mine then
that is fine.
Note: if you want to add my quick threads wizard to yours, it is a "free" and open screen set, but, if your going to sell yours, then dont add my code.
Not bitching, just asking for your cooperation in not cluttering up my thread.
Rich:
You are probably (that I am aware of) the top lathe user, and the most knowledgable in its practicle application, ( nod to Hood as well ).
If you want those changes, then I ask, please help me with the screen!! I will be glad to make the changes if it would help you (and others) out.
I will be glad to change colors, or what ever, it is not personal for me, I am NOT offended, and always welcome constructive critizim, especially
if it will help advance/repair/make-friendlier a user wizard for the community at large.
Also, If you want, since you have my current wizard, please open it up in Klaus's Mach Screen, and change the colors and/or anything else you feel comfortable changing, and send it to me, with a "List" of things to fix, and a list of things to add (or remove).
Please be available for questions from me, I am a Hobbiest Lathe user at best, mostly I am a machine builder, and hobbie level user.
scott
-
Scott,
I have no intention of selling anything. I would just like to further the conversational side of programming on the lathe side since there seams to be very little change. I have several ideas on wizards as well as making the ones available better. I am just trying to share. I have already started a thread here...
http://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php/topic,16533.0.html
I saw you were asking for interest on making the threading wizard better and more complete. I figured that was great. Then you said there was no interest. I have interest and am more than willing to help any way I can. I own a machine shop myself so I use these things every day. I normally just program things in cad/cam however after buying a new Haas machine with conversational programming. I was amazed how little I use cad/cam on lathe anymore. To me the closer I (we) can get this to the hobbyist the better.
Now for for helping... I have no idea if this will be of use but here are the calculations I use on cam...
Thread Depth Calculation
This is for a 60 deg point tool. Depths calculated are Per Side depths to be used when determining the diameter to be programmed in the thread commands.
* External Thread Depth = .61343 x ( 1 / # of threads per inch)
* Internal Thread Depth = .54127 x ( 1 / # of threads per inch)
This will allow you to calculate just about any thread.
Hope this helps. Your work is always appreciated. :)
-
DaOne:
If the pics of the lathe screen you showed for lathe tools, is what you have made wizards of already in Mach3. Then you Wizards for lathe functions, is FAR, FAR better than mine. If those screens are your work, my hat is definatly off to you. As such, since your screen sets for lathe would incorporate, all lathe (or most) lathe functions/wizards, it would probably be better to move my single Quick threads set, into your already existing multi-Wizard set.
If you would like to do that, then by all means move my quick threads into your overall Conversational Lathe Wizard set(s).
If you want my help in doing that to your sets, that is fine as well, if you want my help making your set(s) more??.... whatever??.. that is fine too.
Again was NOT complaining, just trying to keep the subject matter focused.
I suspect that it would be of GREAT advantage, to get other commercial Lathe Users like: Hood, Graham, and Rich into this discussion. I can bring a highlevel of VB, Brians, Plugins, or screens (flash or regular) to the table, to help make it better.
So, please Chime in your thoughts, and if you want to move to your Set(s), then perhaps we should all migrate to YOUR thread on the subject. I use my lathe here in my little garage shop about 5% and my mill about 95% of all my work pieces. I usually use CAM to do all my G code, so dont really have any "Hands on" experience in using Conversational programming of a lathe AT the control. So, you (or others?), would definatly need to take lead on this for what will work, and what won't, I will be glad to help you make it do what you want in Mach3 from the programming/screen design side.
scott
-
Scott,
I am not sure if you are using this screenset or no but it seams to be the popular choice. Please see my post here...
http://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php/topic,13548
Its on page 3. I have added many more functions to the wizards portion of the screenset.
I do have a question on the plugins. Is it possible to add canned cycles to mach3 via a plugin? Basically do what a macro does only with a G-code not a M-code? If this is possible... is it something you are able to do?
-
Rich/DaOne:
Ok, lets do this then (rich per your idea), lets table this discussion on this thread, and lets move our questions, concerns, etc. to "DaOnes" thread of the Lathe Wizards........ Rich, perhaps since your knowledgable about lathes, then perhaps you could start the "Round-A-Bout" of questions......
Once we get an "Idea" of USEFULL functions/Wizards, to add to the screens, etc.........
scott
-
I moved my posts on threading wizards from this thread to the following thread.
http://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php/topic,16630.msg112681.html#msg112681
RICH
-
I am definitely interested in this. I am teaching myself threading on my lathe now and would love to see someone do a quick tutorial on setting up the machine (home and zeroing) in preparation for a threading operation. Thats the only part I am hazy on right now.
I downloaded and installed 2.5 of your wizard Scott and it is GREAT!!! I especially like the thread reference table you included in the wizard, very helpful. I think an MSI package would be even better!