Re: Shoptask Z-axis - quadralift?

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, "jmkasunich"
<jmkasunich@y...> wrote:

>
> This is addressed to those who have CNC'd Shoptask machines.
>
> Do you have the quadralift or equivalent on your machines,
> or do you make do with the 3" or so of Z travel that the
> quill provides?
>
> If you have a lift of some type, how does the CNC control
> know when you move it? For instance, suppose you start with
> a short end mill in a collet. The head is fairly low. Then
> you change to a 17/32 drill bit in a jacobs chuck, and need
> to raise the head by 6" to make the tool change. Do you have
> to touch off each tool after the change, or is there some
> way that the control can do it automagically?
>
> I am considering a lift for my machine. I want to mount an
> encoder on the lift axis so the control knows how high the
> head is. The lift will NOT be under CNC control, it will
> either be hand-cranked, or motor operated with a simple
> up/down switch. It will NOT move while cutting. I know
> that the mechanical and electronic aspects of this are
> doable. Will the software (EMC) be able to make use of
> the encoder data?
>
> John Kasunich

I don't think EMC or any other Software is directly capable of
this, not that I could not be done but I may involve some
custom Programming.
How about just driving the Quadralift as a 4th axes entirely?
All you would need is a electronic AxesClamp that can be controlled
by custom "M" code.
I belive M48 AxesClamp on / M49 AxesClamp off is a Fanuc standard.
You could refit the existing Quatralift Clamp with a electronic
solenoid controlled one.
I would use one that is held close by springload on default and can
be releast by powering up the solenoid electronicly.
Most Controller Software could be easyly configured to opperate this
arrangement.
Good Luck