Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] EMC Lathe mode.

Art Fenerty wrote:

> Hi All:
>
> I seem to be hearing from a few people lately who would like to see lathe capability added to my software. Since it is based very much on the EMC code kernel, I thought I'd ask the EMC guru's what would be required to add lathe capability.
> I have never used a lathe CNC before, what is necessary? what would be nice? Would C-Code just be a translation of the input coordinate system, or is it necessary to use different G-Code translations? Can Mill software not be used on a lathe or is it a matter of apples and oranges? Is EMC not usable on a lathe?

The only difference (besides supressing the display of the Y axis - lathes
traditionally use X and Z) is the threading capability. It needs to have an
uncontrolled axis set up as rotary such that the Z axis movement can be
synchronized to the spindle encoder. By uncontrolled, I mean that when
the spindle is running, the computer is not directly controlling spindle
position, it is just observing it as the numbers whiz by. There is one
G-code reserved for this function, usually G33. (G34 and G35 do variable-
lead threads, which don't work too well for nuts and bolts.)

Jon