Thanks Hood for checking my code.
My dyslexia kicked in once more. I typed G52 X-2 instead of G51 X-2.
![Evil >:D](https://www.machsupport.com/forum/Smileys/default/evil.gif)
After correcting my error, the code then wanted to cut all around the full circumference of the ball.
![Huh ???](https://www.machsupport.com/forum/Smileys/default/huh.gif)
My lathe is actually designed to take gang or tool plate tooling so I thought "What if I pretend to use a real toolpost when in fact I have the tool mounted in a front toolpost like Hood does?"
I set the tool table to tell Mach3 that the tool was mounted in a rear toolpost and voila, it worked!!!
![Grin ;D](https://www.machsupport.com/forum/Smileys/default/grin.gif)
I am now one step closer to actually cutting metal (Still trying to build up the confidence and courage).
![Embarrassed :-[](https://www.machsupport.com/forum/Smileys/default/embarrassed.gif)
Attached is a photo of my home designed and manufactured lathe.
Basic Specs:
Spindle Bore 38mm with D1-4 chuck interface. (I purchased a spare spindle for my manual Chinese lathe and used it rather than make one from scratch. I couldn't make one for the price of the spare part - $260AUD).
Danfoss VFD controlled through PWM in Mach3 with my own PWM to Analogue Converter with OPB960 through 8mm Slot Index Pulse generator mounted on the Spindle (CSS works flawlessly).
.75KW 3 Phase motor with approx 3:1 Pulley Ratio and Powertwist belt.
Smooth Stepper
Hywin Linear Rails and Linear Bearings and 5mm pitch ball screws and nuts.
Leadshine M542 Stepper Controllers with 430oz/in Z Stepper and 311oz/in X Stepper.
My own bearing housings with Dual Row Angular bearings where it counts.
12months of research and design and a lot of blood sweat and tears inc lots of good Aussie dollars.
Hopefully I can post a video soon.
Kind Regards and once again, Thanks.
Chris Humphris