Re: CNC Lathe tool path generator

>Are there any free or inexpensive programs that will accept a drawing of
>the profile of a part to be lathe turned, or a list of coordinates of
>feature endpoints, and output a sequence of G-code commands to control a
>router based wood lathe to cut said part from a blank piece of stock?

Vector Cad-Cam is an inexpensive Cad-Cam program. It will accept coordinates or DXF drawings of contours.
It will then calculate roughing and finishing toolpaths or a lathe. If you use a ball end cutter, or position
the cutter so the diameter is perpendicular to the radius, you can also compensate for the tool
radius when creating the toolpaths. Compensating for the tool radius will permit you to draw the
desired finished part contour and then the cuts will be created so that arcs, angles, and tangencies on the
finished part are in the same place as drawn.

>I would like the program to account for different depths of cut in the
>X+ and X- travel directions, and to properly handle rough cutting and a
>final finish pass across the piece.

No problem. It will handle any kind of lathe contours except for overhanging (shadowed) in X (radius/diameter).
You have a choice of horizontal or vertical (plunging) rough cuts.

3 axis Milling is also included at no extra charge.

> If it had a feature to properly
>handle spiral turning through a servo controller on the headstock, that
>would be even better.

Vector has a rotary axis option that can create all kinds of spiral, fluted, and even 3D surfaces, it
programs the rotary axis in a simultaneous contouring mode.

(We're back.)

Fred Smith - IMService

Hobby discounts on Vector and other items are at:
http://www.cadcamcadcam.com/hobby