Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] mach2 question

urthlite wrote:

>Ok I downloaded the mach2 software(and several others)....Configured
>it to my machine....The X and Y stuff works great but nowehere do i
>find a pen or quill up/down function. The z axis is merely a solenoid
>that has a hard stop for depth. I am not sure if this software is
>designed for PC board Manufacture...correct me if I am wrong.
>Sorry if this is a silly newbie question.
>
>

No, Mach 2 is designed for 3-axis NC milling (lathe, too). I suspect
there are ways to use such a program for what you want to do, though.
There is a direction bit that will flip states when the Z axis is commanded
to move down or up. It would do what you want, I think, if it just stays
in the last state until it needs to change. You would have to enter a
G-code command that would cause a stepper motor on the Z axis
to move down (such as G01 Z-.1), this would cause the Z direction bit
to indicate a down move. Then, a Z0 would cause the direction bit
to flip to the up setting.

Jon