Machsupport Forum

Mach Discussion => General Mach Discussion => Topic started by: c30232 on September 07, 2017, 04:35:25 PM

Title: Mach 3 v NC Studio
Post by: c30232 on September 07, 2017, 04:35:25 PM

I just acquired a router with one Z and two spindles.  The router is currently controlled by NC Studio.  My plan was/is to convert it to Mach 3 as we have other machines running Mach, however, upon reading the net I am finding numerous comments suggesting that Mach will not control multiple spindles.   Is that true?  Can I make the switch or should I leave NC in charge?

Title: Re: Mach 3 v NC Studio
Post by: joeaverage on September 07, 2017, 04:57:59 PM

Hi,
don't know about Mach3 but Mach4 can have up to six Out of Band axes which could be used as spindles.

To my knowledge the ESS for instance supports one only PWM channel. Whether that constitutes a barrier
will rather depend on how you want/need to control your spindles.

Craig

Title: Re: Mach 3 v NC Studio
Post by: c30232 on September 07, 2017, 05:05:14 PM

Thanks!

It is a single axis with the individual spindles set up or down by pneumatic solenoids.  It appears to use a single frequency controlled line that is then switched between the two spindles . . . I think.       

Title: Re: Mach 3 v NC Studio
Post by: joeaverage on September 07, 2017, 05:17:42 PM

Hi,
under those circumstances either Mach3 or 4 would work.

I note that Mach4 has a 'spindle offset' feature that I don't recall seeing in Mach3. I've not used it but
the description given is that it is to support machines with multiple spindles, probably worth looking into,
may save Gcode.

Craig