right guys, this is probably a dumb question but i ask it any way, if 1 switch can be used as a home switch and limit switch to monitor an axis ( that's 4 switches in total for X,Y,Z, including a separate switch for the slaved A axis home) why would some builders need 3 switches per axis , total of 10 including a separate switch for the slaved A axis home? if the limits are separate to the home would they not need an extra input to the already limited no. available on the LPT port? there is also a cost factor for the extra switches. i have to be missing something here.
My build so far has accommodation for an e stop hard wired to drop out the drives and as an input to the BOB for MACH 3. is there a need for a hard wired stop switch on the panel door? and if so how does it differ from an estop? I'm sure i can stop and pause the machine from MACH 3. is this adequate?
is it ok to use the main switch to drop out the power supply to the drives or should i have a switch after the power supply to control the drives and leave the power supply powered up when configuring the drives. does it matter?
i think i'm at a stage where i need to get the machine up and running with an adequate level of safety built in. i can then add the extras as i become more familiar and comfortable with the experience. any thoughts on the above would be appreciated.