Hi everyone, I need some help with passing a part from the main spindle to the sub spindle on a Haas TL-25 lathe. The trouble is that I need to keep orientation of the part while I pass it, so I can drill a locating hole on the sub spindle side that is always in the same location.

My code so far has both spindles stopped, orient both spindles to 0 degrees, sub spindle moves to the part, sub spindle clamps....now the real problem is starting both spindles so I can part off. The Haas application guys told me to spin the main spindle which will turn the sub spindle. The problem with that is that the sub spindle is trying to keep it's 0 degree orientation, so it will not spin without a bunch of drag or possibly breaking something. So therefore the Haas guys told me to enter a code of M143 P0 and then M145 in hopes of putting the sub spindle into "neutral." That code has not worked for me...so I am hoping someone may have another way of getting around this???

Ok, so this isn't the way I would assume a sub-spindle lathe would work, but you're half-way there. Technically, this will "work", but it's a little hairy, in my opinion. I have'nt worked on the project in about a year, since I moved to the R&D department. I did, however accomplish what you're trying to do. Once you have both spindles oriented and the sub-spindle clamped on the part, do the same thing with the sub, only enter a spindle rpm of (1), instead of 0. Then, immediately followed by the sub-spindle stop code. This, essentially "unlocks" the sub without alarms popping up. Once the sub is oriented, only three things will unlock it: spindle on code, pressing the reset button, or entering and M30 code. The last two are not an option in the middle of a program.

Then, I started the main spindle and parted the material off. The sub-spindle is just free spinning. Make sure you have serrated, hard jaws or you'll probably beat the crap out of them if they slip. Part off slow.

If you go slow on the drill, depending on material, the rest may work. Be cautious and it might just be a crap shoot, but continue on. When you get it parted off, go on with the rest of the program. I say the rest is hairy because the sub-spindle lock is not trully "clamped". When you orient it for the hole, pause the program and grab the sub with your hand and turn it. You can see it's only electronically locked and not very ridgid. I don't know the details of the op's you want to do, material, size, drill size, depth, axial, radial,...... But, I would say give it shot and see how it goes!

Good luck and let me know how things work out.