I recently stumbled across a stale project on sourceforge called "Free and Easy CNC". The page shows a concept of using two rotary tables, one mounted on top of the other to provide a simple to build XY axis. It's hard to describe in text, but they have a java or javascript simulation to demonstrate how two rotary tables can place any point of a workpiece under the cutter. The concept was intended to use a cheap drill press for the z-axis, and with the right software generate the x-y equivalent by controlling the rotation of two "lazy susans" (rotary tables). As I read it, I thought that a HAL implementation for EMC2 would be a nice addition to EMC2. I don't think I could do it, but I'd like to generate interest for someone who could.
Many printers have stepper motors AND cogged belts, which could make implementation fairly easy. I realize that the way they did it, it would require feed rate to go to 0 any time the tool passed through 0,0, but that shouldn't be too much of a limitation. Here is the link: http://freeandeasy.sourceforge.net/ The site is small, but the interactive simulation gives a good idea of what's going on. They also have an application with the workpiece mounted in the chuck, and tools on the XY table to create a gang tool lathe. That one would probably be tougher to write. Carl Giles ------------------------------------------------------------------------- This SF.net email is sponsored by: Microsoft Defy all challenges. Microsoft(R) Visual Studio 2008. http://clk.atdmt.com/MRT/go/vse0120000070mrt/direct/01/ _______________________________________________ Emc-developers mailing list Emc-developers@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-developers
