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Author Topic: Old turret lathe  (Read 3827 times)

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Old turret lathe
« on: September 09, 2018, 11:42:31 AM »
I’ve been playing with an old turret lathe. The x and z axis are working ok. I know I can connect another axis motor to the turret, but can this be programmed via g-code to operate completely separate from the x and z? I’m currently still running a 1 7/8 drill through the part with the old power feed that was on the machine while the x and z are facing and turning. Can someone explain how to do it?
Thanks
Art
Re: Old turret lathe
« Reply #1 on: September 09, 2018, 01:29:42 PM »
I assume you are talking about a turrent that does not ride on the saddle.

Seems like you could set up some limit switches for the turret travel and
use an M code to trigger some PMC code to cycle the turret using the
existing power feed. Take care that you can prevent collisions.
Steve Stallings
www.PMDX.com
Re: Old turret lathe
« Reply #2 on: September 09, 2018, 04:31:50 PM »
Steve,
Yes this turret is totally separate. My idea is to install another servo motor to drive the turret. I’m just not sure how you would g- code that. Can Mach 4 operate the turret servo, and the x and z at the same time?
Thanks
Art
Re: Old turret lathe
« Reply #3 on: September 09, 2018, 04:50:04 PM »
Hi,
you can operate a turret in the manner that you describe.

Two ways;
1) Call the turret the Z axis
          To move the turret alone code G0 Znnn
          To move the other axes without the turret code G0 Xnnn Ymmm
2) Use an Out-of-Band axis.

A search of the Mach4 page should give you some ideas. The OB (Out-of-Band) axes have no motion (Gcode)
but are moved by jogging for which there are a number of useful API calls.

Craig
'I enjoy sex at 73.....I live at 71 so its not too far to walk.'
Re: Old turret lathe
« Reply #4 on: September 09, 2018, 04:53:40 PM »
Note that the Hobby version of Mach4 allows only one OB axis. If your
configuration uses OB to implement the spindle, you cannot also use
it for your turret. OB spindles are ones that use step and direction to
run a stepper or servo as the spindle motor.
Steve Stallings
www.PMDX.com
Re: Old turret lathe
« Reply #5 on: September 09, 2018, 05:32:25 PM »
Hi Steve,
I was of the same opinion until smurph told me that Mach4Hobby has all six OB axes.

I'll try to run the post down and link you too it.

Mach4Lite is restricted to one OB axis, and that axis is always the spindle.

Craig
'I enjoy sex at 73.....I live at 71 so its not too far to walk.'
Re: Old turret lathe
« Reply #6 on: September 09, 2018, 05:38:42 PM »
Yes, please try to find the link.

Mach4Lite? I was under the impression that this product was never offered for sale,
only Mach4Hobby and Mach4Industrial.
Steve Stallings
www.PMDX.com
Re: Old turret lathe
« Reply #7 on: September 09, 2018, 06:05:52 PM »
'I enjoy sex at 73.....I live at 71 so its not too far to walk.'
Re: Old turret lathe
« Reply #8 on: September 10, 2018, 09:48:25 AM »
I’ve come up with an idea, let me know what you think. Running Mach 4 on the lathe after I cycle start I use an m code to activate an output which triggers a cycle start to run Mach 3 on a different computer that could operate the turret servo. Sounds to me like it should work. I’m running hundreds of these parts so it may be worth automating.
Thanks
Art
Re: Old turret lathe
« Reply #9 on: September 10, 2018, 10:00:56 AM »
Personally, I would not run 2 computers on one machine.  I would just have the turret either an OBO Axis or make it the Y or A Axis in your Mach4 profile.

Art,
I'm guessing you want the turret to drill or whatever while at the same time your X and Z are machining?
Chad Byrd