Thanks Hood for checking my code.
My dyslexia kicked in once more. I typed G52 X-2 instead of G51 X-2.
After correcting my error, the code then wanted to cut all around the full circumference of the ball.
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!!!
I am now one step closer to actually cutting metal (Still trying to build up the confidence and courage).
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