Re: How to program gcode to run cnc mill as vertical multiple tool lathe?

If the tools are aligned with the mill table, an X mill move would
equal a Z lathe move and the Z mill move would equal an X lathe move?
So I'd either modify the g-code, or change the controller call the
correct axis, i.e. change motor step and dir pins in Mach, that's what
I use. This is with the tools fixed on the mill table. If I had a
spindle mounted on the mill table, then the axes would be directly
equal if I understand it right.

So I would program each tool "program" and manually add the
positioning g-code moves to get the part in place over the tool in
between the different individual tool programs. Something like that?

Monte

> > I've seen a couple video examples of running a cnc mill as a vertical
> > multiple tool lathe center, how do you program that sort of setup,
> > other than mill2lathe.com
> >
> > The tools are fixed to the mill table and the part is chucked in the
> > spindle.
> Mostly, it is automatic. The definition of axes orientation and
> signs is defined in RS-274D, and means that the X and Z on a
> mill and lathe work the same way! So, a +Z move would move the
> tool away from the work in the chuck on either machine, for
> instance. The only thing you need to do is preset the Y so that
> the tool is "on center" as you do with a lathe. Then, the
> G-code would be identical. Of course, for any threading work,
> you need a spindle encoder. The specific CNC control program
> determines how you do that.
>
> Jon
>