Jog Pendant or Shuttle Controller?

[keen]

Hi All - I have just purchased a Tormach PCNC - all going well I should have it here in NZ within the month. Now I have to decide on.......... what bits?

One such decision is Jog Pendant or Shuttle Controller? - the Shuttle looks brilliant in theory - but more is not always best. Love to hear your thoughts on this before I bother the team at Tormach for their thoughts.

Also - love to hear where you have found is the best place for your PC - and if it is usually on the Tormach stand as per the photos - is swarf/coolant a problem? - and do most of you use a small keyboard and mouse?

[Freddy Bastard]

I've the same question...

I opted for the USB Jogging pendent (PN 30552). Did'nt received my machine yet and I really anticipate it...

[drwc]

I have usd both , the shuttle is the way to go, intiutive , easy to use, and speeds up setup dramatically

[Don Clement]

I have both the jog pendant and shuttle. IMO, the shuttle is way better than the jog pendant. The shuttle pretty much replaces the handwheel function. The shuttle only works with Mach 3 though.

[keen]

Thanks Don and DRWC - most appreciated ! I know how time consuming set up can be - so this is really good info!

Any thoughts on the best place for the keyboard and screen - and related issues - always best to get it right the first time! - or in my case the second and not third! - regards keen

[keithorr]

I have the usb jog pad but don't use it. I have the monitor/keyboard swingarm and just pull it over to the work and use the keyboard buttons to jog. I use an electric stylus with led for setups so I only need to see the workpiece, not placing shims to touch for offsets. I'd spend the money on tooling or towards the monitor arm if you don't already have one.

[keen]

Hi Keithorr - I use a similiar jogging setup to you on my current NC Mill - but don't you find it takes a lot of time - you move the spindle close to the work - then slow down the jog rate via Mach 3 entry - the move closer - then change to step - then step in to touch? and again for each axis - I think the shuttle would save a lot of time here.

Re the key board monitor position - I am starting to see how you work it. You swing it close to the work during set up - then swing it out the way during machining? Do you swing it right back? - any problems with cutting oil/swarf ? - Would a articulated or longer arm be better? would a separate monitor mounted further back be better - and just move the keyboard?


I welcome your thoughts.

[keithorr]

I don't spend that much time setting up. The tool library is good, so all I have to do is use tool #1 (the led stylus) to find the two edges and the top surface of the workpiece or fixture and I'm done.

I'm comfortable poking at the keyboard. The added steps of continuous to step and speed change force me to focus on the process. I don't mind. I don't even machine a piece on the same day I do the CAD/CAM. I like to let it sit overnight to give me a chance to find an error or realize I forgot a step.

The arm is articulated and can move completely out of the way. It can be mounted to either side of the column. I've mounted mine on the right and there is more room to swing away on that side of the mill. If you mount on the left, you can only push it away so far and then you're leaning way over the machine. No problem with coolant splash for me.

I also opted for the mini usb keyboard. It leaves enough room for a mouse. I think a full size keyboard would take up the whole tray.

[Don Clement]

I mounted an arm on the wall behind the Tormach on the left side. On the arm I mounted a 19” LCD monitor, jog shuttle, mini-keyboard and a trackball. I like the trackball better than a mouse for this application, as there is no room for a mousepad on the arm. See: http://tinyurl.com/2hjhr8 The arm can pivot away from the Tormach when needed.
Also seen in the pic is the computer on a shelf above and behind the Tormach. In front of the computer I put a sheet of 1/8” thick Lexan sheet to prevent coolant from getting on the computer. I also bolted a 12” tall sheet of 1/8” thick Lexan on the top left side of the table splash shield to prevent coolant from splashing on the monitor keyboard.

Don Clement
Running Springs, California

[keithorr]

Another plus for mounting the monitor keyboard on the right is the wire runs are shorter it you want to put the computer inside the stand (also on the right side).

[keen]

Thanks for that - most appreciated!

I am also trying to decide what size and how many tool holders to order - I'd love to hear your thoughts on your what size cutters the Tormach can run comfortably in steel - and your fav cutters and cutter holders etc.

[Chuck Reamer]

Originally Posted by keen Thanks for that - most appreciated! I am also trying to decide what size and how many tool holders to order - I'd love to hear your thoughts on your what size cutters the Tormach can run comfortably in steel - and your fav cutters and cutter holders etc.

I got the cnc operators set and its pretty good for most needs, a great bang for the buck. I ended up getting a couple more ER20 collets in 5/16 and 3/16 sizes from my local tooling suppliers for cheaper than Tormach sells them.

It can run 1/2" cutters with little problems, you just have to keep your depth and feed on the conservative side and you will be fine. I use mostly 1/2, 3/8 endmill holders and all of the collet holders.

Order a couple of extra collets holders, I should have and still might.