What happens after the conversion ?

[Saracen]

I have an A3HSRMi2 which is still as built by Boxford. I'm confident I could convert it to run under Mach3 but what steps are required after the conversion to enable the software to work correctly ?

I've converted a Boxford 160 lathe to use the USBCNC board but I write all the gcode for that manually. For what I need to create on the router that's just not a possibility.

When I looked into Mach3 for the lathe, there seemed to be a minefield of things such as post-processors etc, at which point my head exploded and I decided to stick with what I had.

I use TurboCAD to generate parts for my 3d printers, and to mock up pieces for the lathe, but I guess I would need a more powerful 3D modelling software to be able to push files to the router ?

Adrian.

[Chaz]

Fusion 360, and find a suitable post processor. Loads of online youtube vids etc about it. That said, if it was me, Id be going Acorn Centroid vs Mach (just did this on a Harrison M300 machine).

[Leadhead]

Chaz - Did you fit a spindle encoder for screwcutting?

[Chaz]

Chaz - Did you fit a spindle encoder for screwcutting?

Indeed. Did my first trial cut of a thread the other day, success, nothing broke. The thread isnt right (not deep enough) but its all working as needed.

[Leadhead]

Chas - Thanks did you use a C3?

[Chaz]

Chas - Thanks did you use a C3?

C3?

[Leadhead]

Optical encoder C3 from CNCforYou. Many of the posters and Utubers seem to refer to this?

[Chaz]

Optical encoder C3 from CNCforYou. Many of the posters and Utubers seem to refer to this?

Ah sorry no.

I bought a Hengsler one from an Ebay seller not far from me.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/usr/shotmaste...p2047675.l2559

He seems to have them (or similar ones) all the time. For £40 ish, cant go wrong, good quality.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hengstler...t/123073649461

Similar to that but mine doesnt have the collet setup, it has a thread thing, a bit more finicky.