Machsupport Forum

Mach Discussion => General Mach Discussion => Topic started by: john_bry on March 15, 2011, 05:21:37 PM

Title: 4th Axis, "A", speed control
Post by: john_bry on March 15, 2011, 05:21:37 PM

Hello

I am wondering if i can set the speed of the A axis to a constant rate and not stop.
I want to do other things with x,y,z axis while A is still turning.
I am trying to cut a thread using the A axis to spin my part.
Is there some G code lingo i need?

The rotational setting on mach3 for the A axis didnt seem to work, so i kept
using a linear setting.

I am using a trial version of Mach3

thanks for help.

Title: Re: 4th Axis, "A", speed control
Post by: Hood on March 15, 2011, 05:31:54 PM

What kind of threading are you trying? If single pointing like a lathe then you would need an index sensor on the A Axis and then set it as a spinlde.
Normally threading on a mill is done with a tap (in a floating holder) or thread milling where the tool is held in the spindle and X, Y and Z are moved in a helical path.
Hood

Title: Re: 4th Axis, "A", speed control
Post by: john_bry on March 15, 2011, 05:42:47 PM

Yes, I am single point threading.
I have a stepper for the A axis.

thanks for your suggestion to configure as a spindle.
I thought about configuring it as a spindle.
Can i use the same output ports as for the 4th axis?
I was trying it last night without success.

Title: Re: 4th Axis, "A", speed control
Post by: Hood on March 15, 2011, 05:44:35 PM

You may need to use a lathe profile to use G32 or G76 but not 100% sure as I have never tried on a mill.
Few options you have depending on your setup, do you have a spindle already controlled via Mach?
Hood

Title: Re: 4th Axis, "A", speed control
Post by: ger21 on March 15, 2011, 06:10:25 PM

I don't believe that threading cycles work in demo mode.

Title: Re: 4th Axis, "A", speed control
Post by: Hood on March 15, 2011, 06:21:55 PM

Missed that bit ;)
Hood