Recoil Lathe Questions

[hamp3007]

I have a Stinger I and I am trying to mill a simple 4" dia. cylinder from a 5" square block of wood. And I am having all sorts of problems. If anyone can help me I would appreciate it. I am getting desperate and frustrated.

Questions:

1.) What post processor do you use?
2.) Can you set "Z-0" with the touch top function and the provided aluminum touch plate?
3.) I keep getting and error "Soft Limit Exceeded [Z+] "

Really appreciate any advice anyone can offer.

Thanks,
Hamp Stevens

[Gary Campbell]

Hamp...
This may help;

1) CAMaster Recoil XtoA (Single Tool) (feeds) INCH.pp
for single tool use and CAMaster Recoil XtoA (TC) (feeds) INCH.pp
for FTC use.

2) ZZero to the material bottom (lathe center of rotation) will usually return the best results. It can be done, but I am not versed in the top of material method.

3) This is usually a result of a material thickness plus bit length plus rapid clearance that is greater than the machine is capable of.

Have you watched the "Rotary machining 2/2.5D" tutorial video? It is available under the [Help] menu.

[hamp3007]

Settings

Gary,

The material Thickness is 2.5" (5"X5") Block. with the starting Z in the center of the material. Rapid Z is both boxes is .2" Home Start position for Z is 2.75". Is this what you would put in?

I looked at the Vetric Video several times.

How do I set Z to the Lathe Center line?

Thanks,

Hamp

[hamp3007]

additional Info

Gary,

The distance from the center line of the lathe to the bottom of the collet is 5.75". The Material is 2.5 inches from the center line of the lathe to the face of the material. (See note below). The Bit extends 1.75" below the collet.

Note: I started with a 5"X5" blank. I have subsequently trimed the edges at 45 deg. So the distance from the center line of the lathe to the edge of the material is at it's greatest point is max 3"

Hamp

[Charlie_L]

I would check out a couple older posts:
http://camheads.org/showthread.php?t=3940
http://www.camheads.org/showthread.php?t=1977
Some good notes, and some older information that may have changed with newer WinCNC version but it is still good to read. I'm still using M37.3 command to change my Z before and after rotary work. After reading these, I should do as Russell suggested and investigate the use of two TLMS settings. Always something to learn.

[Gary Campbell]

Hamp...
Looks like your math is close, but OK. Can you email me the file? Address is sig line