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Author Topic: ShopNotes CNC Conversion - X,Z axis with Y axis as rotary A  (Read 7505 times)

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ShopNotes CNC Conversion - X,Z axis with Y axis as rotary A
« on: August 04, 2013, 09:03:07 AM »
I’m a CNC newbie, having just converted my ShopNotes Router Milling Machine over to CNC control.

Refer to photos attached.

I have it set up as a 2 axis (X,Z) machine, with the Y-axis being the rotational axis around the X-axis (as an A axis)

My goal is to do simple Shaker table legs and centerposts, and I am learning the basics of G-code right now.  All three axis work okay as linear axis, and I have set up for basic Mach3 operation.  I have successfully created a rounding G-code and this setup works quite well leaving the end piece needing little if any sanding.

I have begun searching and reading old threads on rotational axis setup and operation.  But, most if not all refer to a 4th axis which my setup does not have.

Can old-timers here refer me to any threads which can help me do the following:

1) Set up Mach 3 to run my Y-axis as a rotational axis - perhaps slaving the Y-axis to the A-axis in a manner that standard rotary G-code will work on my setup.

2) Direct me to applicable G-code software that will allow me to create routines for the Shaker legs and centerposts I want to mill - I’m already studying CNC Wrapper, along with the Legacy Woodworking videos and Ventric software rotary axis tutorials.  I am also trying to learn CAD/CAM to convert my drawings over to run as G-code.

Thanks for your help and guidance.

JD
   

Offline ger21

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Re: ShopNotes CNC Conversion - X,Z axis with Y axis as rotary A
« Reply #1 on: August 04, 2013, 09:34:30 AM »
1) Your machine is no different than a 3 axis machine with a 4th axis. ALl you need to do is call the rotary axis the A axis instead of the Y and you'll be all set.

2) Legacy uses their own custom software, and I'm not really aware of anything similar. There is this, but it seems to have limited options.
http://wizardsbyrich.yolasite.com/

I'd probably look at DeskProto for inexpensive rotary axis CAM, but you'll need to create 3D models of your legs in a CAD program first.
Gerry

2010 Screenset
http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2010.html

JointCAM Dovetail and Box Joint software
http://www.g-forcecnc.com/jointcam.html
Re: ShopNotes CNC Conversion - X,Z axis with Y axis as rotary A
« Reply #2 on: August 04, 2013, 11:37:47 AM »
ger21,

Thank you for the quick reply.  I will go ahead and redesignate my Y axis as A axis in Mach3.  Could you advise me on how to make the A axis rotary rather than lineal in Mach3, or is this done automatically for the A axis?

Will look at DeskProto now, and research CAD programs as well to create 3D models of my legs. 

Any other suggestions, recommendations are greatly appreciated.

JD

Offline ger21

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Re: ShopNotes CNC Conversion - X,Z axis with Y axis as rotary A
« Reply #3 on: August 04, 2013, 12:38:52 PM »
In General Config in Mach3, there's a checkbox to set the A axis to either rotary or linear.
Gerry

2010 Screenset
http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2010.html

JointCAM Dovetail and Box Joint software
http://www.g-forcecnc.com/jointcam.html
Re: ShopNotes CNC Conversion - X,Z axis with Y axis as rotary A
« Reply #4 on: August 04, 2013, 01:16:44 PM »
Yep, thank you.  Just going over old threads on 4th axis Mach3 setup and found everything I need - that step is one of them.

I'll keep the board posted on my progress.

JD