Handles on stepper motor

[Marc]

Guys, what do you think about handles on stepper or the lead screw ? Are they usefull, my stepper won't be double shaft but I was thinking about mounting them on the lead srew. Should I bother

Marc..

[Chris D]

Originally Posted by Marc Guys, what do you think about handles on stepper or the lead screw ? Are they usefull, my stepper won't be double shaft but I was thinking about mounting them on the lead srew. Should I bother Marc..

If you are going to be using MACHx software with your machine, mechanical handwheels are not needed. With the MACH3 software, you can attach 3 MPGs (Manual Pulse Generators - electronic handwheels) to your controller. This gives you manual control of the machine without the mechanicals. However, you will have to get or make 3 MPGs and interface them to the controller via a parallel port.

Hope this helps.

Chris

[Marc]

Thanks Chris, I won't be using MACHx software, so I guess I will install some home made mechanical handwheels

Marc..

[Bubba]

Marc,
I don't use Machx, nor do I have any handwheels on my servos or leadscrews. There was a major thread on this a year or so ago over on yarpoo and the fact there could be a safety hazard with handles and possibly an inerta problem depending on the size and weight.
Based on this and a few other things, I did not install hand wheels and haven't looked back since. I have gotten so use to using the jog functions or MDI to do my positioning. It has become second nature and I wouldn't know what to do with the handwheel. Also, most of us have used right hand lead screws for all axis and this could cause you to have to think twice in order to figure out which way to turn a wheel to get it to go in the direction you want!
Just my .02 worth

[Marc]

and the fact there could be a safety hazard with handles and possibly an inerta problem depending on the size and weigh

I was wondering about that, wouldn't want a handle getting loose and hitting me in the face

Also, most of us have used right hand lead screws for all axis and this could cause you to have to think twice in order to figure out which way to turn a wheel to get it to go in the direction you want!

You're right about that, I'm confused enough like it is

Thanks, Marc..