Quote Originally Posted by i2i View Post
changing to linux will not sort your problem, all that will do is to give a massive headache.

Right getting on to the real problem, the simplest way to cure this is to lengthen the "pawl", this is the rectangular part that catches on the rachet wheel. Similar tool changers to this have an adjustable end stop for the pawl which sets the tool position relative to the centre line of the lathe.

Or you could raise the whole tool changer to match the centre line, but this may give your tools a bit of positive rake.

I'll pm you my mobile number if you need a chat.

Tom.
Hi Tom, thanks for the reply, haven't checked in for a couple of days...

The linux/mach3 debate, maybe one day I'll have a proper cnc machine such as a Hass that comes with dedicated software but until then I'll stick with Mach3 because at least I have learnt to use the jog buttons, lol, yes I have a long way to go. The home/referencing thing is doing my head in right now. Then there is the offsets, then actually getting a wizard to do something, then fingering out how to string them together. And that's just the software! How to find where to buy cutting inserts that go with the tools I have, %&%$&% if I can find them even after calling the UK office of the manufacture and them sending me on a wild goose chase. Ok, too much pouring out my frustrations with this lathe/cnc steep learning curve, it's all fun, on to the auto-changer...

This thing is a bad design in my opinion, I am not a pro but if I was to design it, each individual tool would have an adjustment of a few mil either way up and down without having to use a shim of some sort. The paw that clicks into the ratchet wheel on this thing has two Allen bolts which are loosened to adjust the wheel and tool face relative to the work piece but only for one tool so the rest need shims if not aligned up naturally. The problem is not really aligning the tool, it's keeping the alignment where it is once tightening the bolts. This is why I will align one of the tools then drill the two parts and put a dowel pin in, at least then they will not move out of alignment, I hope.

I think this auto-changer problem has been figured out, it's the Mach3 software that is the headache and really need help with. The manual is good but there are some confusing things about the referencing/homing I don't understand (yet). Step by step. If I can get past this basic cnc stuff then hopefully I can get using this lathe properly. It is a nice lathe overall and hopefully it will do what was intended until I deserve a better one.

Cheers
Rob