by Jerry Pryor
This article is intended to be a primer in using Mach3 Tool Table in the lathe. Let’s jump right in with a scenario: The spindle of our Shoptask Lathe is turning a piece of stainless steel stock in its chuck. We press “Start” with the mouse on the CNC computer screen next to it.
Our G-code begins by calling for tool #8 (T0808). Even though we just started it, the program pauses because we have set Mach3 to pause at every tool change (tool request). On the screen, the tool number block says #8 and the simulated LED next to it is blinking. We assure that #8 is in the holder and press “Start” to continue.
Tool #8 is a simple turning/facing tool and the code runs, facing off .020″. When the facing is finished, the toolholder moves to a position convenient for changing the tool. It does that because it is written into the G-code. The machine then pauses. It does that because it is at a “tool change,” expressed in the code as T####, and we’ve set up Mach3 to pause at every tool change. The tool # block on the screen has changed to #3 and the LED is blinking. Mach3 is asking for tool #3.
We drop that tool into the holder -– a center drill –- and press “Start.” The center drill, in its chuck, races to the center of the stock and does its little peck drill, withdraws, and races to the tool changing position. The blinking LED asks for #4, we change tools, press “Start,” and the drill races to the center position and begins pecking a hole through the stock.
In rapid fire, Mach3 uses an end mill to counterbore, a turning tool to cut a chamfer and then a profile, pauses for us to polish the piece a bit, and then uses a cut off tool to part the piece.
“Using the Mach3 Tool Table in Turn (Lathe)” appears in the Winter 2008 issue of Digital Machinist. If you are a subscriber, stay tuned! The issue will be in your mailbox soon!
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