New SprutCAM tutorials available (and free!)

[ag53711]

Hi CNC Zone:

Here is another new SprutCAM tutorial. SprutCAM 7 has a new multiply toolpath by array feature which quickly populate repitive features on a part. Enjoy!

http://www.tormach.com/videos/25010_...ply_Array.html

[ag53711]

Hi 'zone:

We've just put up a new Sprut Tutorial on 4th axis programming

Check it out at: http://www.tormach.com/videos_cadcam.html

Also, we are going to hold a SprutCAM workshop on March 23. Details are here: http://www.tormach.com/workshops.html.

You can purchase it as a stand alone class or in conjunction with the CNC Fundamentals Workshop.

Regards

Andy Grevstad
Tormach

[David Bord]

Just watched the video on 4th Axis on Sprutcam 7. Excellent work Andy, really appreciate it!

David

[ag53711]

Thanks:

Eric Andersen is the talent behind the Sprut Tutorials, so I can't take the credit. I'll pass it on to him. Please let him know if there are other topics you would like to see at info@tormach.com.

regards,

Andy

[David Bord]

Many thanks to Eric!!

Im really hoping you guys will be able to get the new version to program the PCNC as a vertical Lathe! If so, I would love to see a tutorial on that for sure.

David

[justgary]

David -

The old version (2007) will program the PCNC as a vertical lathe, so I will assume that the new one will, too.

On the Machining tab, click on the top item (which is probably set to Tormach if you haven't changed it to something else) and select Properties.

On the Properties pop-up window, select the Machines tab and scroll up or down to find Lathe ZX and select it. You now have a vertical lathe with Z controlling up/down and X controlling infeed.

Play around with air cutting and then easy to cut materials until you get used to it. Once you figure out how to hold your cutter (I use a big bar of aluminum held in the vise, with a slot an set screws to hold standard lathe tools), you can move up to more difficult profiles. It's not hard to do, but it messes with your mind because everything is backwards from milling...

Regards,

- Just Gary

[David Bord]

David -

The old version (2007) will program the PCNC as a vertical lathe, so I will assume that the new one will, too.

On the Machining tab, click on the top item (which is probably set to Tormach if you haven't changed it to something else) and select Properties.

On the Properties pop-up window, select the Machines tab and scroll up or down to find Lathe ZX and select it. You now have a vertical lathe with Z controlling up/down and X controlling infeed.

Play around with air cutting and then easy to cut materials until you get used to it. Once you figure out how to hold your cutter (I use a big bar of aluminum held in the vise, with a slot an set screws to hold standard lathe tools), you can move up to more difficult profiles. It's not hard to do, but it messes with your mind because everything is backwards from milling...

Regards,

- Just Gary

Thanks Gary!

Did you just use the standard PCNC post or did you have to modify it?

Any other tips you could suggest? I know that one of the Tormach guys was trying to get this to work but was not able to later last year when I spoke to him, so this is some great news....

Do you have any projects you would be willing to share so I can see how you do it?

Did you get one of those chucks mounted to a R8 spindle?

David

[justgary]

David -

As I recall, it's the standard PCNC post, because Z is Z and X is X. You'll want to set Y so that the cutting face of the tool is even with the center of the stock. Just monkey around with it for a few minutes in lathe mode and postprocess it. You should be able to tell pretty quickly if it will run, but always remember that everything is backwards from what you normally think. The spindle is the stock, and the mill table is the tool.

I'm at the wrong computer right now, but I'll see if I can dig around and find the threadmill file that I used for the basic shaft. It is simple, but I may have done it before I figured out the best way to let SprutCAM help me with axes, etc. Z-X Lathe mode is definitely the way to go.

This thread will show you both the threadmill and the TTS chuck adapter I made. I have not used the chuck (or the mill as a vertical lathe) as much as I had thought I might, but it is definitely a very useful tool. Using the drill chucks to hold stock will limit you to up cutting since down cutting tends to pull the chuck off of its taper. Don't ask how I figured that out, but the last thing you need is a 5/8" chuck spinning at 5000+ RPM flying around your mill (well, maybe just that one time).

Regards,

- Just Gary

[ag53711]

Hi CNCzone:

As many of you already know, SprutCAM 7 is now available for purchase or upgrade at www.tormach.com.

We've also added 3 new tutorials in the last week or so:

25012 - SprutCAM7 Thread Milling
25013 - SprutCAM7 2D Lines
25014 - SprutCAM7 Lathe Turning

http://www.tormach.com/videos_cadcam.html

Some of these are a little longer so you won't be able to find them on Youtube.

Regards

Andy Grevstad
Tormach