Messages

231

General Mach Discussion / Another Turn Tool Table question

« on: November 20, 2013, 02:25:11 PM »

I have my tool table set up pretty well now and the diameters I ask Mach to give me come out pretty close as I change amongst the various tools.  For whatever reason; metal type, me, the machine, alignment of the planets, etc. the work will occasionally come out under or oversize more than I'd like.

If the work comes out oversize by say .004", and Mach is set up in the Diameter mode, do I change the X Offset by .004" or .002" in the Tool Table Editor?  Subtract the correct value or add it?

232

General Mach Discussion / Re: Please help with lathe tool tables

« on: November 03, 2013, 07:59:46 AM »

Hopefully one of the board gurus will be able to analyze your problem & straighten it out.

I had a terrible time with the tool table until I added a reliable and very accurate homing system and built a dial indicator center setting gauge for my lathe.  I use the home position as zero and set my reference (tool #0) at zero.  All other tools are set to an accurate spindle center point, & the offsets saved referenced to #0. As long as I remember to home the machine upon starting it up, it will hold .001" or better between all the tools.  I do have to tweak the tool table a little to compensate for cutting different materials or changing insert types.  My machine is pretty small & not as rigid as the "real" machines.

Here's a link to the center setting gauge. http://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php/topic,25092.0.html

Milton

233

General Mach Discussion / Re: Mach3 lathe manual control?

« on: October 17, 2013, 11:42:33 AM »

I just use the Wizards for simple stuff like that.

MDI is the manual data input screen where you type in one line commands.

234

General Mach Discussion / Re: Easy way to add a "Safety" to the Spindle button on the standard lathe screen?

« on: October 13, 2013, 08:45:13 PM »

I agree, 2 keys are much safer than one but using the "S" key helps me right now & is safer than using the mouse & forgetfully leaving the cursor on the button.  I'll definitely change to your method when you post how to do it.  (Please) 

235

General Mach Discussion / Re: Easy way to add a "Safety" to the Spindle button on the standard lathe screen?

« on: October 13, 2013, 12:38:39 PM »

AWESOME, I didn' know dat!  Thanks; I think I can train myself to use "S" for spindle and not alter anything.  Another example of Mach being correctly written and the user not being properly edumacated.

236

General Mach Discussion / Re: Easy way to add a "Safety" to the Spindle button on the standard lathe screen?

« on: October 13, 2013, 11:42:34 AM »

Thanks T; I've come a long way since day 1 with Mach but unfortunately I'm not sure what you mean by "hotkey" or how to make one.

237

General Mach Discussion / Easy way to add a "Safety" to the Spindle button on the standard lathe screen?

« on: October 13, 2013, 10:06:45 AM »

I've had a few near misses using the lathe lately when turning the spindle on/off via the button on the standard lathe screen with a mouse.  I'm out of inputs and can't add a manual button 'til I figure out what new hardware phase 2 of the conversion will have.

I'd like to make the spindle button function only when the Shift or Ctrl button is pressed along with the mouse click.  I guess this will require using a screen designer program?

There are times when I've clicked the spindle on when deburring or polishing manually, clicked the spindle off and forgot to move the cursor off the Spindle button.  A few minutes later I've dropped something onto or bumped the mouse accidentally and ZING, off goes the spindle and any thing in it.  Not cool.  So far no chuck keys, hands or eyes have been damaged but I know my time's a'comin' if I don't do something now.

I've looked in Config but the only thing I saw was "Use Key Clicks."  What does that do?

238

Show"N"Tell ( Your Machines) / Re: Emco 120p Tool Turret Working

« on: October 08, 2013, 09:44:27 PM »

Awesome video, thanks for posting!  How fast is that spindle running?

239

Show"N"Tell ( Your Machines) / Re: My first attempt at a CNC build.

« on: October 06, 2013, 12:27:33 PM »

Ahh, Chattanooga, a nice place...been there a few times.  It's got those things I've read about & seen in movies.  I think you call them hills & mountains?  We have nothing but flat ground here.

I work for a car dealer so I know all about how those long weeks kill one's creative time.  It has been steady so I'm thankful for that.

Is the mill your last CNC project or are you planning something else?

240

Show"N"Tell ( Your Machines) / Re: My first attempt at a CNC build.

« on: October 05, 2013, 09:41:45 AM »

Welcome to TN Jammer!  Great thread, I missed it somehow.

What part of the state are you in?  I'm near Memphis.  Born & raised in the city but got the heck out 20 yrs. ago & moved a little east to Collierville.  You sound pretty bright in the thread so I'm guessing you're in the middle or eastern part of the state.