lathe programming learning ?

[pit202]

Hello everyone ,

currently I`m waiting for SL-20, in days or weeks i`ll get she in my shop,
there is only one problem : I have no idea of programming a lathe , I only
know how to mill, for programming I use EdgeCAM, and I know that I will
never type a program im Gcode, there is no sense in milling , but these
could be other in turning, so I have 2 ways to learn , 1: CAM 2: Cycles.
Which way to choise ? Is there any sense to learn cycles having CAM ?
I don`t know what type of work is waiting for me, this could be anything.

What is Your opinion ?

Is there a software I can download ( free ? ) that helps writing cycles
and simulate them ?

I don`t wish to get an colision

[djr76]

If you know how to mill, than turning should become a breeze. Z = length, X = diameter or you could just call your Edgecam rep and have them upgrade your cam package with all the lathe features. Your HFO rep should be able to help you in with training on the control.

[mulcher]

Yes you should learn your g code and all your canned cycles since it is a lathe, programing becomes much faster and more productive , here is a tip for you since it is a new machine once you get a few programs in the memeroy you can just copy programs and then edit and manipulate them for your curent program needs p.s. do not use the quick code it is crap.

[Geof]

Mulcher has the correct idea; make what I call template programs and then edit them as needed and forget about the quick code stuff. I have dozens of template programs and can do things quicker on my TL than I can on a manual machine even if it is only turning or facing. You must have seen pictures I have posted of the tooling parts I have done.

When you have the machine running if you like I can post some of my programs for you to download and then you can run them in Graphics to follow them. I can also put up pictures of the parts.

[pit202]

I don`t like EC in turning, I`ll try type programs from hand, it will be easier for me if I could see what I do ( some great simulation in PC ? ) now I am a lame in turning I don`t know what for are corrections and what they do if I don`t see it :-)

[Geof]

.....I don`t know what for are corrections and what they do if I don`t see it :-)

When you get going if you have a query just post the code and I will run it through my Haas lathe simulator. By now I think I have found all the error codes and can sort things out fairly quickly.

[pit202]

Now I`m waiting for the service to wake she up from sleep, I`m so curious.

[djr76]

Now I`m waiting for the service to wake she up from sleep, I`m so curious.

Sweet man, good luck, have fun, and remember to test your first cuts in 5% rapids!

[pit202]

today the first tools for the first job have arrived , and I know the running date : it is monday ;-)

[DSL PWR]

Nice lathe, your TM-1 is going to have some company now!

[pit202]

Yes, TM-1 looks like a poor toy in comparsion with sl-20

[HAASboi]

TM-1 Sweet!!