Machsupport Forum
Mach Discussion => Mach4 General Discussion => Topic started by: rhtuttle on January 27, 2018, 07:53:21 PM
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Could someone explain when you would use fixture offsets with a lathe?
TIA
RT
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I have used work / fixture offsets to machine more than one part on the lathe when the gcode is for only one part.
IE; G54 for the first one and G55 for the second one. The G55 just has a modified Z work offset compared to the G54 Z offset so it's start where the first part was parted off. Now if some reason, say a diameter was off you could also use another work offset to change X work offset by some amount to tweak the final machining. Just need to use your imagination.
BTW, I use a custom screen and can select / change the work offsets at will for any amount desired without leaving the current page.
RICH
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Ok thanks Rich, that makes sense. Do you just put the g5x.x in your code? As you can tell I'm not a machinist but working hard to learn as much as I can. Your willingness to share your knowledge is greatly appreciated.
Rt
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You could put it in the code.
Again, I easily alter one of the work offsets and set it current via the screen. Then rerun the program from home position. Since I don't use switches, my lathe is always set such that home is
referenced location ( Machine Coordinate 0,0), there is no work offset defined in the gcode of the program, and there are no work / fixture offsets on startup. G54 work offset is created when touching off the stock. To each their owe on how they work and that includes me. ;)
RICH