is there a thread milling wizard in the tomrach mach?

[300sniper]

sorry for the question but my machine is 30 miles away or i'd check myself. i think i remember seeing a thread milling wizard in the tormach mach but i can't remember for sure. i have a project that is going to need some thread milling and i have never done it. i need to know if there is a wizard and if so, does it work properly before i get down to the shop away from the internet.

thanks.

[Tormachmaster]

I dont remember one. Do you have a cad/cam program to make it with?

[BlueFin]

I don't think there is, I was going to play with thread milling but have not yet, but I think you need to buy the New Fangled thing in order for that to create the G code and post it. I have not purchased that add on yet though.

[Don Clement]

Vardex has free thread milling software. http://www.vargus.com/vardex/templat....aspx?pCatId=9

[LENS_CAD]

It should be simple enough to write a g-code command using G2 or G3 circular interpolation with a Z value equal to the thread pitch to generate the required helix.

Len

[justgary]

300sniper -

Yes, the wizards include thread milling. The provided wizard works fine, but as I recall the input values are a little confusing.

Of course, the trick is to properly calculate the thread depth and step toward that each pass, leaving just enough for the finish pass.

Definitely practice on scrap stock before you begin the project.

Regards,

- Just Gary

[davidperry3]

The second to the last is a thread milling wizard. Post the code and look closely at the actual machine path (the white one in the piture). I found that this wizard usually has the approach wrong and the machine has to jump back and forth loosing steps. But if you alter the radius on the first line it is an easy fix. He also uses the P word on the G42 call which fixes the offset to a specific value (you set in the wizard) instead of what ever the tool has in the table.

[justgary]

davidperry3 -

I never had any problems with the approach or jumping back and forth, but getting the part diameter correct given the inputs was interesting. As I recall, it starts about two revolutions above the part with a short arc. I really don't remember the inputs, but maybe you had the mill below the starting Z when you started, or some other gotcha.

Having used the wizard several times now it is not a big deal, but that first time took quite a while to get right. Like you said, looking at the generated code is a definite plus.

I hear that SprutCAM 7 now has thread milling included...

Regards,

- Just Gary

[300sniper]

thanks for the replies. i downloaded the program don posted and it looks like i can make that work but i will have to modify the code to fit my threadmill diameter. at least i have seen what the code looks like now and think i can write my own easy enough. i don't know why i was thinking it was going to be more difficult than it actually is. i am still slowly teaching myself g-code so sometimes it's easier to see a program and reverse engineer it.

[davidperry3]

Gary, I have been starting from M998 and have found the glitch to be consistant. I think it is a good wizard it just needs a little tune up (which I don't know how to do).
I bought SC7 upgrade but have not had time to use it yet. I really hope it can finaly do real 4th axis stuff like the video.

[justgary]

davidperry3 -

I have a project coming up that requires thread milling. I'll keep an eye out for that, but I don't recall it happening.

SprutCAM 2007 could do full 4th axis, but you had to go around your elbow to set it up. I posted a mini-treatise about it in the SprutCAM forum just over a year ago. Figuring that out was a whole lot worse than using the thread milling wizard! If they have made it simpler, it is probably worth the upgrade.

Like everything else, though, once you figure it out it doesn't really bother you any more.

Regards,

- Just Gary

[keen]

The wizard is good for me so far. See JPG of a regular stainless steel job I do. Heres my notes on the job:

NC Thread Milling

Used Conversational G code wizard ex M3

Note: Cutter Dia Eg 15.4 shows in code as P7.7 and can be changed to establish correct thread size.

Can redo code ex wizard eg change in dia or depth and thread remains in sync!

Found one cut fine HSS cutter at 1100 rpm F 130