Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] sort of 4th axis for my Taig

On Sun, 20 Mar 2011 08:55:53 +0000, you wrote:

>Steve Blackmore wrote:
>>> I have a Taig mill with Xylotex 4 axes drive. One of the steppers is not being used, thought I'd add a 4th axis at some time.
>>> >Using One-CNC for CAM, SolidWorks for CAD, Mach3 for control.
>>> >As an alternative, I've been thinking of setting up a second Z axis, with the spindle axis set horizontally rather than vertically. This will give the option of clamping long skinny work to the table and working on the ends. For example box joints could be cut this way.
>>> >Hardware wise this should be pretty simple.
>>> >
>>> >Is there any way to program this rather than renaming all the axes? Renaming axes would leave me with a different set of 3 axes, is there a way to use all four?
>> It wouldn't need renaming the other axis. You just call the new axis A.
>>
>> If it's aligned with
>>
>> X it's A
>> Y it's B
>> Z it's C
>
>But is there any reason NOT to rename things.
>If you rotate the spindle 90 degrees, but leave it on the z axis, then all that
>changes is the orientation of the gcode. with respect to the end of the work?
>You are unlikely to be USING all four axis at the same time, unless you have
>some clever gcode generator? If you add it as A, you are going to have to rename
>the axis in the gcode instead?

Why complicate things?

You'd have to play about with the Z axis ports and pins in Mach if you
want to use the 4th axis as Z. Then change Z back again when not using
it.

FAR easier just to produce standard 4 axis code with XYZA options in the
first place, which OneCnc is capable of doing anyway.

Steve Blackmore
--