Messages

51

Others / Re: Ezilathe - Tools for the CNC lathe

« on: April 12, 2015, 06:50:33 PM »

This is the updated manual to go with Ezilathe 1.3

52

Others / Re: Ezilathe - Tools for the CNC lathe

« on: April 12, 2015, 12:59:10 AM »

This is the latest version of Ezilathe Version 1.3.

This update includes many bug-fixes, and improvements, including G32 code production and a Printed worksheet to assist in setting up the CNC lathe.

After the download is complete, extract the files (Both the exe and the chm files and the two sample directories) to C:Ezilathe.
If an existing installation, your original datafiles should remain usable.

For a new installation, as a minimum the file Materialm.txt from either sample directory is also required.
The other files in the sample directory are user data (a good starting point), just select from imperial or metric.

These files have been scanned with McAfee, and are Virus free. The updated PDF to follow.

53

Others / Re: Ezilathe - Tools for the CNC lathe

« on: March 30, 2015, 09:28:29 PM »

Thank you Rich. Probably better if you just put a note in the First post as below in a good bold font, as people still downloading the original.
 (easier for you, and keeps it all together)

"Updated Downloads available towards end of Thread"

54

Others / Re: Ezilathe - Tools for the CNC lathe

« on: March 28, 2015, 06:12:49 AM »

Video looked good before I uploaded it, and they call that HD. Great Interest in how you go, especially if you find any bugs to fix (their are many).
Rich prompted a bit of a rewrite above + I keep finding odd bugs as well. A newer version is being tested, upload soon I hope.

Not sure if I can edit the 1st post in thread, will have to try.

55

LazyTurn / Re: LT gcode diameter larger than needed

« on: February 15, 2015, 01:52:29 AM »

I managed to open your .dwg file and save as R12 dxf, but you must move your profile to the required quadrant (RH end point at 0,0). However still not getting true result, but it does load into Laziturn. Modified DXF attached.

Ezilathe might be an option if you can add a couple of lines to your dxf to guide toolpath over gaps in profile at change of tool (LH to RH).

56

Others / Re: Ezilathe - Tools for the CNC lathe

« on: December 12, 2014, 12:13:53 AM »

Rich

Using a DXF like this one, where for each tool used, a large gap exists in the profile to be processed, some additional lines in the DXF may be required. Most DXF's do not require any additions. An advantage of having to select what is cut, is additional vectors are ignored.

2 approaches spring to mind for this job.
First approach - plunge cutting with a square ended parting tool - move the left hand faces a distance equal to the tool width (and trim excess line lengths). This can then be machined in 1 hit. I have used this method for finned cylinders. (Always leave original profile intact on another layer to check work).
Second approach (as used here) is to add 2 lines into the central slot (and break the intersecting line at the 1 inch dia). A left and right sharp knife tool may then be used to cut the profile in 2 steps.
As can be seen in the jpg, the job can be cut without gouging (also machined additional length beyond the profile to allow for parting off if reqd).
The profile was mirrored around X zero to make picking it out easier from the toolpaths.

I did find a couple of issues that need adjustment when processing imperial work, when playing with this, like the grid size of 1 inch in the dxf processor - will fix.

57

Others / Ezilathe - PDF Update

« on: November 27, 2014, 05:25:03 AM »

This is the .PDF to go with the program update

58

Others / Re: Ezilathe - Tools for the CNC lathe

« on: November 25, 2014, 10:06:18 PM »

This is the latest version of Ezilathe.
This update includes many bug-fixes, and improvements including a new cut by cut simulator mode, and additional features to help with the production of G code for the cnc lathe under Mach3.

After the download is complete, extract the files (Both the exe and the chm files and the two sample directories) to C:Ezilathe.
If an existing installation, your original datafiles should remain usable.

For a new installation, as a minimum the file Materialm.txt from either sample directory is also required.
The other files in the sample directory are user data (a good starting point), just select from imperial or metric.

These files have been scanned with McAfee, and are Virus free. The updated PDF to follow.

59

G-Code, CAD, and CAM discussions / Re: Best DXF version?

« on: July 25, 2014, 09:41:47 PM »

Your problem is probably more to do with your software converting 3d data to 2d "Splines". Not sure of your process or software, but if you list the entities in the cad software before export as dxf - Avoid "Splines" - Use Lines, Arcs, Polylines (Lwpolylines) etc. Your Dxf and resultant Gcode files should also be smaller.
(I assume that because your cam program happy with spline, also happy with polylines. Some only accept lines/arcs)

If it helps, the process I use is
1) generate the drawing from the 3d model in the 3d modelling software.
2) delete all extraneous entities in a 2d cad program, and list / convert entities as required. try to avoid splines (solidworks often creates splines from section views), as you generally need to trace over them to get something usable.
3) your resultant export as dxf should be good now in all versions of dxf (depending on cam setup).

I hope this helps

60

Others / Ezilathe - User Guide in PDF format

« on: July 11, 2014, 02:05:41 AM »

I thought I would add the most recent version of the User guide in PDF format (virus free - Rich). Might be helpful.

Since the program was posted, I have found a couple of minor bugs, but it continues to work well for me.

Please let me know if you are having any problems with it, especially installation issues.