LatheEasyStep – experimental QtVCP macro for step-by-step lathe programming

this looks awesome

and yes i agree its massively missing in linuxcnc

i have been trying for ages to get native cam running and can't

i find on semiens and fagor controls i use the contour cycle about 90 percent of the time

everything else like facing and shamfers etc i don't use as i can just do it in the contour cycle.

and of course threading is usefull

though the built in threading cycles are not too bad for that

cheers

Andrew

Hi all,
here is a short update on the latest changes in LatheEasyStep:

Step list loading issue fixed
In some embedded QtVCP scenarios, the operation list stayed empty after loading a single step or a full program. The operation list binding is now more robust.

Safer retract/free-travel logic (lathe-specific)
Retracts are now context-aware per operation:

simultaneous X/Z where safe
groove/keyway: retract X out of material first, then Z
drilling/threading: retract Z clear first, then X
Current tool position relative to stock/chuck is now considered.
Extended chuck / no-go safety model
The program header now supports chuck-related parameters (size, workpiece type, clamping mode, profile) with automatic no-go zone calculation.

New machine/workshop profiles
Quick presets apply typical parameter combinations automatically (e.g. chuck + clamping mode + profile).

Preview improvements
The chuck safety area is now shown in the preview as a dedicated colored zone, including a legend entry.

Save/load extended
New header fields (chuck/profile/no-go/machine profile) are now properly persisted and restored.

As a bit of background on the chuck/no-go safety model:At work I requested a machine with a control that includes an integrated safety zone around the chuck (something I had seen on Heidenhain controls).
In the end, I was assigned a lathe with a Siemens control, and I’ve been very satisfied with it — it works well in practice and I can program effectively on it.However, the concept of having the chuck geometry considered in the motion/safety logic stayed in the back of my mind.
Since that idea seemed useful for safe at-the-machine programming, it eventually found its way into LatheEasyStep’s design.