I only have one mill.
It is a nice little grizzly vertical mill.
I would like to put a cnc package on it but I do not want to loose the manual functionality.
In short, I would like to turn the motors off and use the encoders for manual positioning.
in a DRO (directional read out) mode.
Is this possible now?
can it be added?

It would be really sweet to be able to square up a block real quick and then zero at a point and cut a bolt patern or a pocket.

Am I missing something?

Spanky it will require that you do one of two approaches If you use steppers then you will add encoders to the feedscrew to montor position. If you use servos you can use the servo encoders. Hook these into MACH as aux DROs. THen when you want to run manual you can turn OFF the power to the drives and MACH can still use the encoders for position readouts of the axis.

BUT you cannot use them both at the same time. If you turn off the drives and manuall move then MACH has lost its position and will have to be reset to a reference.

SO yes it can be done.  (;-) TP

You WILL have to make previsions for hand wheels.