How many limit switches?

[phantomcow2]

I have acquired six proximity switches which I would like to use as limits for my mill. My question is, can I have all six interfaced with Mach3? So if the switch is triggered in the + X axis for example, mach would stop all movement because of the error. But have htis the case for all axes. If I am limited to three switches (and will be used as home switches), that's okay. I can always wire these to cut off power to my drivers, I would rather have a scrapped part than scrapped machine!

[Konstantin]

A common setup is to use 4 switches in total, XYZ home individually wired and XYZ limits all wired in series with a normally closed setup. Because it does not matter which limit switch is triggered either way the mill has to stop and the home switches each one having a separate parallel port pin. It is chosen to use NC switches because if any wiring is wrong or disconnected you will know this before running into the gantry because the loop will be open.
Limit switches will prevent the table to run into the gantry in case of programming error in NC code, and its good to pay attention to the material position not being too close to the limits of you working area, because if you have to reposition the stock you already begun machining it is likely to waste the piece.
Also define the working area table sizes within Mach3 so when you press "Regen toolpath" it will show you where are the toolpaths in your table.

Konstantin.

[phantomcow2]

Oh yea, good idea. Thanks.