Re: axis naming conventions

Smoke wrote:

> This is definitely NOT true! Over at the local college where I learned CNC
> programming, the Z axis on a lathe DOES NOT EXIST! The cutting toll
> operates on the Y axis.

This is a patch used when milling programs are used to generate lathe
toolpaths, or a milling NC control is used on a lathe. The RS-274D
definition document defines the primary linear axis parallel to the axis
of spindle rotation as the Z axis. That is the definition that sets up all
the customary features of G-code programming, so it should rule.

If you look at commercial turning centers, or even at lathe-specific
DROs, you will see the display axes labeled X and Z.

Jon