4 axis setup

[woodman08]

with mach3 can you have an axis like say A running full time (lathe indexer) with x and y programmed.
Is there a command that will turn on the a axis

[ger21]

You'll want to create two separate profiles, and in one of them, set up the A axis as the spindle. That way you can turn it on and control the rpm with g-code.

[woodman08]

I understand what you're saying is there anything one should know about using a stepper as spindle drive,mine is neam 34 1200 oz w/g203v drive.
In mach3 where can you save different profiles and can they be named
thanks for your time
stan

[ger21]

Either start from the icon Mach loader I think, or start Mach3.exe from explorer and it will have an option to create a new profile.

[woodman08]

Gerry
I do not seem to get anyplace when selecting the spindle,i slect spindle then the proper dir and step then in the tuning i give it a value say 360/120/15/2/2 it looks like the spindle is in place but in the midi screen entering a command like m5 does nothing ,what is the command to turn it on at a certain speed?and do you enter it in the midi screen

[woodman08]

I did get things to work much better ,not sure what was wrong(updated mach3 prg)
But is there a keyboard command for the a axis or even for a spindle control like there is for the x y z

[ger21]

Try M3 S100.

M5 should turn it off.

[woodman08]

I got things working ,in fact i have one mach3 as as A axis and one mach3 as a spindle.
Now i have to find a way to run software to create the files
This all turned out very well

[woodman08]

I have everything setup,thwe A axis responds good to all commands ,if i enter A90 the work piece moves not 90 but about 15 degrees shy(talks about software limits)
I had or tried to turn the limits off .
I'm quite baffled ,can it be wrong values in motor tuning i am using a g203v drive w/1200 oz nema stepper bipolar 4 wire
There really is not a lot of spots to make changes in mach3
can anyone suggest my pulley is 8in on the lathe 2 3/8 on the stepper

[BOBINETTE]

Hi, are you using Rack & pinion system, if so if you give me the number of teeth on your pinion and the diametrical pitch of your setup I can give you the step per inche to put in Mach3 motor tuning

[woodman08]

I am using a chain drive sprocket 3:1 ratio 1200 oz stepper 200 steps per