Thread Milling On A Homebuilt, Stepper-Driven Machine ?

[Eurisko]

Just wanted some input on the feasability of thread milling with a homebuilt setup. Since the spindle rpm is independent of the axes movement, I think that it would be much more viable than tapping.

Anyone with a homebuilt machine have any success with this?

What software? (can Mach handle helical interpolation?)
Are you using servos and ballscrews, or steppers and threaded rod?

[Alan Wright]

I've done this with Mach3 and my own code, and have read of others doing the same around here. I don't know of commercial software that does this, but the g-code is actually quite simple. It's easiest with a rotary table, as you just combine a rotary move with a Z move. You can do external and internal as well as left and right hand threads with very similar code. I've only done it with ballscrews or other low-backlash setups, but the rotary table method avoids some XY backlash problems.

Alan

[wjfiles]

I use Mach 3 and NFS wizards, and a single point internal threading tool for internal and external threads. I doubt if you will find anything simpler and easy.
WJF

[Eurisko]

Thanks for the information. I'm still in mid-build, would like to thread some holes in an aluminum plate for my router table. Not quite ready for it just yet, but thread milling will save me a lot of work.

I hate tapping holes by hand