Emco PC120 Turn

[m_c]

Thanks. Not sure I understand about how to centre the drill but I need to play around more. I understand offsets and how tools will vary. If you have a set size in the chuck (lets say 20mm rod), then you use the edge as the reference. Suppose I could do the drill the same way.

I understand too that Z is set when you face a part, so this is fairly easy. What I'm not sure about yet is when / how do you set your X to Zero (assuming master tool is in the turret)?

You have to use a dial gauge to get the drill on centre in the X-axis movement. Stick the dial gauge to the chuck, then spin the chuck/dial gauge around the shank of the drill/holder, and jog the X axis until the drill is on centre. If the drill is at the wrong height, then there's an alignment issue with the turret.

If you have accurate homing, then you don't need a master tool. All the offsets are simply taken from the home position.
The master tool process is only needed if you're homing the machine manually, so you can take a test cut with the master tool, then enter that value to manually set the machine position, then have all subsequent tool offsets set from the master tool.

Also, there is wiring coming from what I believe to be a spindle pulse generator. Then another set of wires going elsewhere with a part missing in between. I assume this could be some form of 'interface'. Without accurate spindle counts I cannot thread, is this correct? Any other major drawbacks?

If the machine is running Mach3 via the parallel port, then to thread you need a single pulse. Originally there would likely of been some form of multiline sensor on the spindle, but it's of no use to the parallel port.

[Chaz]

You have to use a dial gauge to get the drill on centre in the X-axis movement. Stick the dial gauge to the chuck, then spin the chuck/dial gauge around the shank of the drill/holder, and jog the X axis until the drill is on centre. If the drill is at the wrong height, then there's an alignment issue with the turret.

If you have accurate homing, then you don't need a master tool. All the offsets are simply taken from the home position.
The master tool process is only needed if you're homing the machine manually, so you can take a test cut with the master tool, then enter that value to manually set the machine position, then have all subsequent tool offsets set from the master tool.


If the machine is running Mach3 via the parallel port, then to thread you need a single pulse. Originally there would likely of been some form of multiline sensor on the spindle, but it's of no use to the parallel port.

Thanks. I tried to put on a dial gauge last night but space is an issue. I need a smaller setup.

In terms of home position, I am hoping that with electrical proximity switches, this will be fairly accurate. I will do some tests later.

On the sensor for the spindle, I noted what I recall to be 3 wires coming out from the sensor. Let's assume this is a single pulse (or needs to be converted somehow), is there normally an input into the BOB or similar to read these? If the sensor is damaged, is there a part that can be bought that will give me what I need (like a generic generator that works with most setups)?

Many thanks for your help / info, been very useful.