Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Safe Spindle Control

David Speck <Dave@...> wrote:
Jim,
A lot depends on your faith in electronic devices.

Personally, I unplug the cord on the router in my CNC mill and lathes
before changing tools. I just don't trust my fingers to an electronic
system that can be turned on by a static zap or stray cosmic ray. The
simplest solution is just to be sure that your computer has booted and
the CNC program is running before you apply power to the cutting system.
your absolutely right... I have 15 years in industrial computer systems 7 of which were on industrial shop floor. I once accidently crushed a person inside a 30 foot long machine powered by twin 20 horse power motors with a 30:1 gear ratial.

my experience teaches me to be on the safe side. there is a power supply running through your step/direction controller (steppers) and a power cord leading to your spindle. tie those power lines to a big mushroom emergency switch mounted somewhere conviente on your table. this will allow the computer systems and peripherials to initialize and talk to each other without allowing the power to make it to the buisness end (motors and cutting tools). this only costs maby 30 dollars to do which isn't even the co-payment for a emergency room vuisit to have the hamburger on your hand fixed.

the second thing you can do and perhaps the most important is putting a big sign on the wall behind your machine that reads

"COMPLACENCY KILLS"

most industrial accidents happen when the person does the task so many times they don't pay attention to details like hitting the e-stop or unplugging or bypassing safety devices because they get in the way or use equipment in an unsafe manor because "they were told to" or "I did it before with no problems"

my 2 cents



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