For lathes, we are recommending Mach4 with the Ethernet Smooth Stepper and the C82 Multifunction Breakout Board.  Mach4 and the ESS. supports all advanced Lathe functions such as Threading, Constant Surface Machining, and lathe conversational programing.  The C82 provides an easy way of wiring everything together.  For safety considerations, we recommend using servos or closed-loop steppers.  The idea is that we are able to trigger a fault if an axis loses position.  This is a unique feature of the C82 board.  The C82 also provides an easy means of wiring the Spindle Encoder.   A servo on the spindle can also be used.  

Advanced Lathe Features:

  • Threading
  • Constant Surface Machining
  • C-Axis Machining
  • Conversational Programming

For this setup we are using:

  • Little Machine Shop 7 x16 Mini Lathe
  • Joe Katona and Ron Ginger's Lathe Retrofit Kit
  • Mach4
  • Ethernet Smooth Stepper
  • C82
  • DMM 1.8KW AC Servo
  • Closed Loop Steppers

 

Note that in this setup we are using encoders from the M26X board to switch the spindle servo to be controlled as a Step and Direction Spindle Servo or as a C-Axis.

Wiring diagram:

https://www.cnc4pc.com/pub/media/productattachments/files/CD_27.pdf

By using the spindle as a C-Axis, we can do rigid tapping using a custom g-code: