X and Z cutting paths

Results 1 to 6 of 6

Thread: X and Z cutting paths

  1. #1
    Member
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Location
    australia
    Posts
    16
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0

    Default X and Z cutting paths

    Hi All

    Back in the shed after years of hiatus and need some help please.

    I have a wood lathe and just got myself a cnc engraver which I want to mount over my turning stock. I want to use X for travel and Z to do the cutting profile while my stock is rotating.

    I have my profile just can't work out how to do cutting path, ill be doing chess pieces.

    Any help appreciated.

    Thanks

    Similar Threads:


  2. #2
    Member Algirdas's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Location
    United Arab Emirates
    Posts
    1982
    Downloads
    2
    Uploads
    0

    Default Re: X and Z cutting paths

    use CAM.



  3. #3
    Community Moderator Jim Dawson's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2013
    Posts
    5717
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0

    Default Re: X and Z cutting paths

    Yes, CAD/CAM is what you need to generate the G code for the tool paths. You could write the code manually but it would not be easy for complex shapes. My personal choice for a CAD/CAM package is Fusion 360, free to hobbyists and startups. Another reasonable option would be CamBam, it has some 2D CAD capability as well as reasonable CAM functionality for turning. There are other options also ranging from free to crazy prices.

    Normally on a lathe the Z axis is parallel to the spindle centerline, and the X axis is perpendicular to the spindle centerline, the Y axis, if equipped, is perpendicular to the X axis. A bit confusing at first because it's different from the way we are used to thinking about mills and routers.

    https://www.engr.uvic.ca/~mech410/CA...mig_Basics.pdf

    Jim Dawson
    Sandy, Oregon, USA


  4. #4
    Member
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Location
    australia
    Posts
    16
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Jim Dawson View Post
    Yes, CAD/CAM is what you need to generate the G code for the tool paths. You could write the code manually but it would not be easy for complex shapes. My personal choice for a CAD/CAM package is Fusion 360, free to hobbyists and startups. Another reasonable option would be CamBam, it has some 2D CAD capability as well as reasonable CAM functionality for turning. There are other options also ranging from free to crazy prices.

    Normally on a lathe the Z axis is parallel to the spindle centerline, and the X axis is perpendicular to the spindle centerline, the Y axis, if equipped, is perpendicular to the X axis. A bit confusing at first because it's different from the way we are used to thinking about mills and routers.

    https://www.engr.uvic.ca/~mech410/CA...mig_Basics.pdf
    Thanks Jim, good read and makes sense. I must admit it starting to look like it's out of my league, so many videos later a little closer but long way to go. Cheers mate



  5. #5
    Member
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Location
    australia
    Posts
    16
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Jim Dawson View Post
    Yes, CAD/CAM is what you need to generate the G code for the tool paths. You could write the code manually but it would not be easy for complex shapes. My personal choice for a CAD/CAM package is Fusion 360, free to hobbyists and startups. Another reasonable option would be CamBam, it has some 2D CAD capability as well as reasonable CAM functionality for turning. There are other options also ranging from free to crazy prices.

    Normally on a lathe the Z axis is parallel to the spindle centerline, and the X axis is perpendicular to the spindle centerline, the Y axis, if equipped, is perpendicular to the X axis. A bit confusing at first because it's different from the way we are used to thinking about mills and routers.

    https://www.engr.uvic.ca/~mech410/CA...mig_Basics.pdf
    Hi Jim, I've been given access to a PC that has mastercam, the owner isn't much help because he downloadd files.

    I've had a play, I'm not sure what machine I should use, do I use router or mill. Or should I just get fusion and try that. Cheers



  6. #6
    Community Moderator Jim Dawson's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2013
    Posts
    5717
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0

    Default Re: X and Z cutting paths

    Quote Originally Posted by steptoey View Post
    Hi Jim, I've been given access to a PC that has mastercam, the owner isn't much help because he downloadd files.

    I've had a play, I'm not sure what machine I should use, do I use router or mill. Or should I just get fusion and try that. Cheers
    I am not sure what router or mill means to MasterCam. Functionally they are about the same in the real world. I would think that in either case a chess piece would be a 4th axis part with a ''spun profile'', in other words a 2D profile carved into a rotating cylinder, I don't know what MasterCam calls this operation. Really no different than using a hand held carving tool on a wood lathe, or a CNC controlled lathe without a rotating tool. The only real difference in what you are proposing is that the tool bit is rotating, like a lathe with live tooling.

    Jim Dawson
    Sandy, Oregon, USA


Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  


About CNCzone.com

    We are the largest and most active discussion forum for manufacturing industry. The site is 100% free to join and use, so join today!

Follow us on


Our Brands

X and Z cutting paths

X and Z cutting paths