Machsupport Forum

Mach Discussion => General Mach Discussion => Topic started by: JDG3 on January 25, 2017, 09:51:55 AM

Title: Lathe CSS again
Post by: JDG3 on January 25, 2017, 09:51:55 AM
I've done a lot of searching on this, but cant find a straight answer.
Does CSS work with FPR?
I cant get it to. I have to use FPI. Is this right?
I found a lot about how to use CSS, but not a lot about the feeds.
I'm cutting 6061 aluminum at 600css with a DOC of .1", and a feed of 10 to 12 IPM rough, and 6 IPM finnish.
It's working, but isnt it wrong, because of the diameter changing size?
Shouldn't it be FPR so the relation of cutting feed matches the speed?
How do others set their feeds for CSS?

I have the latest Licensed Ver. of Mach3 on a 2016 Shopmaster, using the Lathe.
Thanks
Title: Re: Lathe CSS again
Post by: JDG3 on January 25, 2017, 03:59:15 PM
my xml. file
Title: Re: Lathe CSS again
Post by: JDG3 on January 26, 2017, 05:08:29 AM
Kinda irks me about the lack of finishing up on turning part of the software.
I couldnt even get a simple reply on this which I finally found the answer. NO IT DOESN'T WORK.
It should be FREE for Lathes.
I'm thinkin I should just stick with $50 computers and Linux.
Why spend money on software that doesn't work properly, or isn't updated anymore?
Time for another cheap computer from ebay and try it myself. It runs my mill fine, just thought I would try seeing why people were buying this.
Now I know.Scared to try O.S. other than Windows computers. It's really not that bad :)
Title: Re: Lathe CSS again
Post by: RICH on January 26, 2017, 08:43:09 AM
Mach3 Lathe is the way it is. No use complaining about it. ;)

CNC control software for the lathe has slowly developed over the years for the hobbiest. One of the main reasons is the lack of lathe users. A typical hobbiest with a low level machine desires a package that can do what the commercial machine packages can do for peanuts in cost. You get a lot for the money with MAch lathe and it can do more than most users will ever need. Step changes in CAD/CAM are occuring making lathe code generation easier, yet for the average user, simply using the best of the best of low end software will surfice.  

I still use Mach3 for the lathe and will say that the generic screen set leaves a lot to be desired.
A custom lathe screen can make using Mach3 Lathe a joy to use and provides the option to use Mach3 lathe as "one" want's it to work.  

Frankly, this user doesn't use much high end hardware at all and accomplishes all kinds of stuff on the lathe in a quick, repeatable, accurate way. Heck....I don't even use switches!

Just some thoughts,

RICH
Title: Re: Lathe CSS again
Post by: JDG3 on January 26, 2017, 01:36:13 PM
You're right. Not that big a deal. My Cam cost a lot more than Mach3 did.
I find myself getting a little obsessive over the little things sometimes. CSS isn't the end of the world.
I never had it on my manual lathe. Probably why I like it so much.
I still use it with IPM. Works ok for what I make every day.
Sorry for being grouchy, Jerry
Title: Re: Lathe CSS again
Post by: DICKEYBIRD on January 26, 2017, 04:36:16 PM
I use CSS with IPM feed on aluminum & it's better than with a fixed spindle speed...sorta.  I was parting off some 2" diameter bitchy steel a while back & took the time to figger out the correct feed rates for the decreasing diameters in 1/8" intervals.  I added those feeds into the code manually & the results were better.  Life lesson:  Don't eat the yellow snow or part-off big, bitchy steel on a little lathe.

I'm not smart enough to write an Excel sheet that would do it for me.  Surely that'd be a piece'o cake for one of you 'puter experts?
Title: Re: Lathe CSS again
Post by: JDG3 on January 27, 2017, 08:38:01 AM
I use CSS with IPM feed on aluminum & it's better than with a fixed spindle speed...sorta.  I was parting off some 2" diameter bitchy steel a while back & took the time to figger out the correct feed rates for the decreasing diameters in 1/8" intervals.  I added those feeds into the code manually & the results were better.  Life lesson:  Don't eat the yellow snow or part-off big, bitchy steel on a little lathe.

I'm not smart enough to write an Excel sheet that would do it for me.  Surely that'd be a piece'o cake for one of you 'puter experts?

Thats a good idea. I was watching a Sandvick video the other day and they suggested slowing your feed rate by 50-70% about 1/8"-3/16" from the center for parting. I have'nt tried it but makes sense, and about where mine starts sounding grumbly.
I've been parting 1-5/8" 6061 alluminum, with an upside down HSS/COBALT cheapy in a BXA tool holder at 500sfp with a feed of 3 ipm. It runs from 1600 rpm to 1800 (max)rpm.
Parts beautifully with a glass finnish. 6' long stringers tho. Sharp as razors and pretty strong.