G100 C axis control of Lathemaster

[jorgepease]

I am in the process of converting my lathemaster 9X30. Besides X and Z axis, I want to power the spindle with a servo so I can index the piece. Art from artofcnc tells me as soon as the firmware for G100 is updated, I will be able to control the spindle servo in Gmode.

Is there any approximate time frame when this is going to happen?

Will the Gecko drives be able to handle the 1 hp spindle servo?

I would like to start picking up some of this stuff, motors, drives even if were talking a couple of months away just so as long as I can upgrade my system without junking whatever I invest in now ... you get my drift

Also any recomendations for my spindle motor?

Thanks for your help!

[ger21]

No, there is no time frame. The firmware developer works on it in his spare time, and will not estimate a date for completion.

As for the Geckos driving the motor, that would depend on whether the motors specs fall within the Gecko's limits. Rutex makes some servo drives that can handle larger motors than Geckos.

[jorgepease]

Gerry,

I have looked at the Rutex drives, they look good.

Can they give me control of the C axis?
Would I still be using Mach3?
Are there any similarilly priced solutions available today

Thanks.

Jorge