Question about Using mixed leadscrews

[watsonstudios]

Is it possible to use mixed leadscrews on each axis of your machine? What I mean is should all leadscrews have the same thread and pitch? Can the X axis be metric and the Y be fractional? If they are different, can you compensate for it in the software? I guess this question is for someone building a CNC machine from scratch locating parts mostly on Ebay. Sometimes it's difficult to find matching leadscrews at the lengths you need.

Comments would be appreciated. Thanks.

[ger21]

Yes, you can mix and match, because it's all setup in the software.

[InspirationTool]

An exception to that is DeskCNC which requires the same pitch, at least on the X and Y.

I think you are better off with Mach 3 though.

-Jeff

[springlakecnc]

Hi,
Should be no problem. Also if you have differn't line count encoders, should be no problem. Also right or left hand pitch is no problem, but if you are keeping hand cranks on the machine, you want to get right or left hand pitch screws, the same as what was on the machine. You can look at Artsoft mach2 softwares manual in their web site and see the set up pages. Call HyWin, and ask what they have in stock, I bought some metric size about 3/4" precision ground ball screws with the nuts about 3' long from them, someone cancelled or whatever, for about $150 each, a few years ago.
Good luck,
Buck

[v1r05]

hi
what about mixed motors ? are they going to create problems later down the line is it going to be precise ? note i am going to do all the software what do you guys recommend ?

[Oldmanandhistoy]

Originally Posted by v1r05 hi what about mixed motors ? are they going to create problems later down the line is it going to be precise ? note i am going to do all the software what do you guys recommend ?

Mixing motors is also no problem.

As for software I would recommend Turbocnc.

John

[jimmyaz]

Great question!

But I got more, so exactly how do you compensate the different pitch in leadscrew in Mach 3? Is it in the step count point? My X and Y are the same which I set to 2000mm and it seem to run good, but my Z lead screw is different pitch, and I have no idea what is the pitch... So how can I measure the pitch? Then after I got the pitch what is the fomular for caculating the step?

Thanks

[bluejay_ca]

Why not download trial version of mach. it asks for Pulses per unit.