Is a Y axis possible on a lathe settup?

Hello, Im trying to implement a y axis for sloting and drilling holes. At the moment its just a dremmel on a linear stage held in the QCTP. did some test cuts yesterday and works fine for the plastics that im using.

Is there an easy way to add the yaxis or will the limitation of x,z in lathe mode mean a starting again with a custom setup.

for a moment i would be happy to just controll it with the MDI line by line. not worried about it showing on the back polt.

Currently using the parrellell port with a BOB if it there is quick fix. Thanks in advance.

If your using Axis all lathe mode does is change the display, so turn that off and you can see the back plot.

JT

Thanks, so whats the best way to add the extra axis? the step gen for a lathe only allows x and z axis?

Cheers

There is no easy way to add axis other then hand editing.
If you used stepconf you could build an XYZ config and then go back and add the couple things in the INI that makes it a lathe config (compare to the lathe config you have)

You probably want to have both configs anyways unless you will always use the y axis.

Chris M

Thanks I will have a go.and post up if I get stuck.

Am i using the right terminology? think im actually after a turning center with milling capability, has that not been covered or atempted or am i not searching for the right thing?

Thanks

It's only a Y axis if it is perpendicular to X and Z.
But in theory you can move it using any G-code axis latter. (But Y is probably easiest). The only difficulty would be if you also desire a preview.

Y axis it is then. Is that difficult for preview or impossible?

Probably impossible on a Lathe setup. You might be able to see things in a mill style display.

Next question then.....is it possible to change displays by gcode whilst a program is running?

Ross77 wrote: Next question then.....is it possible to change displays by gcode whilst a program is running?

No. G-code knows nothing about displays. In fact when G-code was invented there were no displays.