Forgot to add. RELS and CNC
The DDCS CNC controller can also be used on my Real Bull mini lathe, utilizing only the X and Z axis movements of the 4? axis.
Just swap out the 2 x stepper motor wires off the mill using Q/R aircraft plugs and connect to the lathe.
There are 4 x pre loaded files in the CNC controller, Mill metric, Mill Imperial, Lathe metric, Lathe imperial.
these contain the necessary different output settings to the stepper motors. Predominantly lead screw differences.
By having these options available to me? allows for example , to automatically convert the lathe to CNC and? "hands free" reduce bar diameters, or face?
and or produce cones. So both my mill and lathe will happily accept the use of g codes. Admit I still have some problems with producing spheres, but that is an issue
with me and the CAD program. Also I have as yet not considered CNC screw cutting on the lathe but possible. Back burner work for me.
By default I currently use on the lathe a RELS system, it?s been working now on a regular daily basis for 2 years, and never let me down, so simple to use and
quick, there is not a lot of paging through the menus, all very basic, feed, tapers, and screw cutting, what also is there,?
Addictions for example to introduce a new thread style or pitch, only takes minutes and it?s then in memory permanently. and auto screw cutting is very useful.
Richard UK built the Arduino based system for me.
Currently the mill has DRO?s fitted, these were used before my CNC conversion, now these are basically redundant, as I read movements directly off the CNC screen.
and with a MPG ( Manual pulse generator) the mill can behave as a standard manual machine.
Backlash settings and soft stops are also part of the CNC "main parameters".
Hope of interest.
--
John
John Lindo