SO what do you think ?

I have been asked this over the years CAN Mach3 track tool run time?

I have it tracking consumable cut time in plasma now SO yes it SHOULD be possble.  But would it be practical for say Router or Mill

Would you want it invisible OR have a Mach3 page or perhaps a WIZARD   ANd yes Wizards can work in way MOST don't realize (;-) and with a Wizard it can be self contained unlike a Mach3 Page.

WHat say ye Chip and Sawdust slingers ? , (;-) TP

But would it be practical for say Router or Mill

At the hobby level don't think so. At the production level yes. ie; Some high speed spindles must be rebuilt after so manny hours of run time. One shop exceeded that and had a big expense to replace and the company voided the warranty / reduced rebuild charge. I had a tour of one place and on night shift there was only one control room operator. Since the line was automated the tool was automaticaly checked for wear after so manny runs and time, changed it out, and continued running. The operator only interceeded if shutdown or broken condition was reported. At another place they monitor run time and just change out the carbide tooling as they have wear statistics.

So my experience is rather limited.  Others may give you a better perspective.

RICH