Machsupport Forum

Mach Discussion => General Mach Discussion => Topic started by: dirkhallsz on December 29, 2014, 09:21:13 PM

Title: turret tool changer
Post by: dirkhallsz on December 29, 2014, 09:21:13 PM

Hello All,
I am working on a 6 place tool turret. It works by rotating clockwise then it reverses against a paw to hold it in that position. Currently i am using a nema 17 stepper to drive the turret. A gentlemen was helping me with this project since he has done this before. He gave me the macros he used but i don't know how to set up mach3. Can someone explain how the macro works and how to set up mach3.
Thanks,
Derek

Title: Re: turret tool changer
Post by: Dan13 on January 07, 2015, 04:26:50 AM

Hi Derek,

Are you intending to use the stepper motor to drive the turret, or a DC motor? Here are a couple of links that might help you:

http://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php/topic,22367.msg155832.html#msg155832 posted and example here for a stepper driven turret.
http://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php/topic,19353.msg134844.html#msg134844 this is the macro I have on my Emco with a DC driven turret.

Dan

Title: Re: turret tool changer
Post by: dirkhallsz on January 07, 2015, 05:22:57 PM

Hey Dan,
I can go either way i have the original dc motor and also have a nema 17 that i can use. What do you think would be better/easier to set up? I need tons of help with mach3 to get things setup.
Thanks,
Derek

Title: Re: turret tool changer
Post by: Dan13 on January 08, 2015, 03:31:28 AM

Derek,

The stepper option would be easier. Doesn't require any sort of feedback as it relies on the stepper positioning accuracy. Also no need to mess with relays for reversing. Just hook up a stepper to a drive (which I believe you've done for other axes already so should be no problem). Then just use the macro in the above link.

Dan

Title: Re: turret tool changer
Post by: dirkhallsz on January 13, 2015, 12:47:05 AM

Dan,
Can you explain how to get the macro to work in mach3. I know you place the macro in the mach3 macro folder but thats about all i know. I want to do some bench testing before i start the conversion.

Thanks,
Derek

Title: Re: turret tool changer
Post by: Hood on January 13, 2015, 03:46:18 AM

You need to place it in the macro folder of the profile you are using, so C:\Mach3\macros\your profile name here.

Then in Mach you need to go to General Config and choose Auto Tool changer.

Oh and just in case, the macro needs to be called M6Start.m1s

Hood

Title: Re: turret tool changer
Post by: dirkhallsz on January 28, 2015, 01:24:29 AM

I have saved the macro in the right spot i think but i still get zero movement on the a axis. I also have the auto tool changer turned on in general config page. What am i doing wrong? Any ideas

Thanks,
Derek