X4 - Orienting lathe tools

[Spinnetti]

So, I've used mill for some time, and am just starting to use lathe (level1). I imported a dome shape (aircraft spinner) from Solidworks. I couldn't figure out how to get a tool path on the part, so just imported it as 1/2 a profile of the part. that worked ok. When I insert a roughing op, it shows the tool from the top like on a real cnc lathe, not the "normal" way as on my converted manual machine.

Questions:
1. How do I put a path on a fully revolved imported solid
2. How do I change the default tool orientation to show as it would appear on a manual lathe?

I have a MasterCam book, but it doesn't cover lathe.

Thanks!.

[txcncman]

I have not messed with MasterCam lathe much. I think the first thing you will need to look at is your Machine Configuration file. I think this is where you will be able to set the X axis as a flat bed lathe versus a slant bed lathe. I am betting the tools will appear "real to life" after that.

[Spinnetti]

I have not messed with MasterCam lathe much. I think the first thing you will need to look at is your Machine Configuration file. I think this is where you will be able to set the X axis as a flat bed lathe versus a slant bed lathe. I am betting the tools will appear "real to life" after that.

Hmm ok, I'll see if I can find that, and "mess with it"...


thanks.

[Spinnetti]

ok, so I messed with machine definitions, and nowhere do I see just a plain old x and z axis with "normal" tool post mounted cutters.. it seems all aimed at "real" cnc machines with no provision for my converted manual lathe? This is driving me nuts! I've spent hours trying to generate a simple toolpath for a single radius!

[Technical Ted]

Does it make any difference how Mastercam is showing the tool? Isn't the G-code going to be the same?

[txcncman]

The tool path will make the G-code either way. I am surprised you cannot get the visual to look like you want since there are so many flat bed lathes around. If I have time later this week, I will look into it more. But I am booked up for at least 2 more days this week.

[Technical Ted]

I just checked it out & it's actually pretty easy to show the tool at the bottom.
Right click on the tool & choose edit tool.
Click on setup tool & you can reverse the tool & choose bottom turret.
When making the toolpath you'll have to chain the bottom of the part.

[Spinnetti]

Thanks folks. What's interesting is I can use edit tool to get the orientation correct, but when I simulate the cut its all wrong. What I'm trying to do is get a correct machine definition, but have been unsuccessful so far. There's no "tool post" listed in the machine defs, only turrets, which I don't have (I have a qctp, and will go gang tooling at some point)

If I use default lathe with a turret cutting from the back, the simulation comes out right, but I suspect all my x moves will be backwards in G-code - good thought though, and I'll post one and see how the code comes out.

Ideally though, I'd like to set up the machine def to match my (standard type) lathe so I don't have to monkey with tool orientation on every setup and have the simulation not match reality, and be able to import my solid works part directly instead of having to dumb it down to a half profile in dfx.

Thanks for the tips so far!

The part is dead simple:

[Technical Ted]

Thanks folks. What's interesting is I can use edit tool to get the orientation correct, but when I simulate the cut its all wrong.

If you post the .MCX file (needs to be zipped) someone will probably be able to tell you what's wrong.

If I use default lathe with a turret cutting from the back, the simulation comes out right, but I suspect all my x moves will be backwards in G-code - good thought though, and I'll post one and see how the code comes out.

The x moves shouldn't be backwards, a move from x2.000 to x0.0 will move the tool towards center on either machine. I'm not sure if tool nose compensation would work correctly but you're probably not using comp if you're using Mastercam. Make sure the spindle is turning the correct direction.

[Spinnetti]

If you post the .MCX file (needs to be zipped) someone will probably be able to tell you what's wrong.



The x moves shouldn't be backwards, a move from x2.000 to x0.0 will move the tool towards center on either machine. I'm not sure if tool nose compensation would work correctly but you're probably not using comp if you're using Mastercam. Make sure the spindle is turning the correct direction.

I'll give it a try. Spindle direction and speed is currently manual, so no chance of that being backwards

I'd still like to model it how It will actually run, but if Master Cam can't do that, I'll let it be "backwards" on screen as long as it works out. I'll post up code and screen shots of the setup parms if I can't make it workable this weekend.

Thanks for the advice.

[Spinnetti]

Ok, well, I tried as-is, and sure enough, the x-axis moves are backwards. Still want to try to conifigure MC correctly rather than bollox up my Mach3 config

[Technical Ted]

What do mean by 'the x-axis moves are backwards'?

We have two Doosan vertical lathes at work. One is right hand & the other is left hand. We can run the same programs in either machine even though the turrets are on opposite sides of the workpiece. We just have to have the same tools in both machines.

My guess is you used a right hand tool in Mastercam & a left hand tool in the machine.