Hi Rich
Thanks for the comment. Yes, I was aware of that version. It is HUGELY complex and cannot be used from the MDI page, which to my mind is a real limitation. I like to be able to test from the MDI.
The method of passing parameters used in that version is a bit of a hack, and I don't think all those parameters should be in the M83 command anyhow. For instance, if you want to set the feed rate for the drilling, I think one should do so explicitly. If you want to have a pause at the bottom of the drilling, there are other G8n commands for that. And having to start every line with Naa(tab) is a right bore: I omit line numbers completely. OK, it is just not my style.
Also, the macros do not explicitly handle the case of a negative retract value, which was a major reason for what I did. I wanted retraction to clear the drill flutes, but to keep the drill engaged in the hole. This does of course mean that my version is NOT suited to using the L variable if you have R negative. Fine: I can simply loop in a subroutine in that case, and my code never goes into the incremental mode anyhow.
I have to admit: i have not done much testing of the original version with a negative Retract value. As I wanted to fix the slow crawl back into the hole anyhow, and the original version was in a bit of a mess imho, I found it easier to rewrite the lot.
Different folks, ...
Cheers
Roger