Centroid Community CNC Support Forum

Mach 3 is more versatile than the centroid software.

I would disagree with that statement. Many software titles seem to void of feature until they are learned. Do you have a specific example?

Gary Campbell wrote: ↑Tue Jun 15, 2021 11:58 am

Mach 3 is more versatile than the centroid software.

I would disagree with that statement. Many software titles seem to void of feature until they are learned. Do you have a specific example?

In defense of the OP's statement that Mach 3 is more versatile:

I've used both for years and I love my Centroid lathe and mill pro setups. No complaints! BUT, Mach 3 had better wizards!

I'll give you some examples: (All Lathe examples)

Putting a radius on a rod end with the lathe. Easy in Mach 3, just set the part radius the part Z end, the depth of the rough cut and the depth of the finish cut and go. Mach 3 wizard calculated all the passes and even made the finish pass.

Another example: Cutting an inside pocket on the lathe. Mach 3 wizard ask for the depth of the pocket, the OD of the pocket, the starting ID of the pocket and then what radius do you want. I made my flood coolant collection bowl for the lathe with that one.

Oh and another one comes to mind. Cutting an angle on the end of a part. All the passes needed are calculated by Mach 3, Intercon is hard to get even the single pass right not to mention roughing passes.

So can Intercon do some of these things. Yes, if you can ever figure out how and have the time. Most of the time I just make the part in Bob-Cad-Cam or Fusion 360.

Intercon does some things better: Thread tables and threading is a snap, doing OD turns is super easy, Id turns are easy as well but no radius option, facing off a part is easy as well. (all lathe stuff)

But when it comes to the Mill, Centroid wins hands down!

So basically Mach 3 wizards worked well on the lathe for those of us who did not come from CNC backgrounds.

Do I miss Mach 3? Nope!

Dave C.

Gary Campbell wrote: ↑Tue Jun 15, 2021 11:58 am

Mach 3 is more versatile than the centroid software.

I would disagree with that statement. Many software titles seem to void of feature until they are learned. Do you have a specific example?

When I wrote that I was thinking about my mach 3 based machine being able to control 6 axis vs the 4 of the acorn. However like I said I don't care how many axis the Mach 3 system could control since it was unreliable.

Well that argument doesn't hold since the same software runs AllIn1DC and Oak which do 6 and 8 axis respectively.

A LOT Of big mouths running of steam here!

Do you guys know that if you met me you wouldnt say these things to my face?

So why do it online hidden in another country looked up in your garage!

Being big mouthed online isnt the way to go tough guys!

adamfromscotland wrote: ↑Mon Jun 28, 2021 6:48 pm A LOT Of big mouths running of steam here!

Do you guys know that if you met me you wouldnt say these things to my face?

So why do it online hidden in another country looked up in your garage!

Being big mouthed online isnt the way to go tough guys!

Adam,
I don't follow you. What is the issue?

Where are you at with your Acorn build?
You understand that you must use CNC12 to run the Acorn. Mach no longer plays a role.

Marty

tblough CHEEKY BIG MOUTH!!!!!!!

Anyways im going to use the DB25 Within a few days! My only issue was as a rookie CNC DIY Build

I just got used to using mach3 afetr learning to build 2 x other CNC systems so now i feel im going back to the start again

On the DB25 Is there not a 4TH Axis? pin for my A Axis to go into? Or do i have to join them i.e. Y+A Into the same pins?

I thought the board could handle 4 x Axis

adamfromscotland wrote: ↑Mon Jun 28, 2021 6:58 pm tblough CHEEKY BIG MOUTH!!!!!!!

Anyways im going to use the DB25 Within a few days! My only issue was as a rookie CNC DIY Build

I just got used to using mach3 afetr learning to build 2 x other CNC systems so now i feel im going back to the start again

On the DB25 Is there not a 4TH Axis? pin for my A Axis to go into? Or do i have to join them i.e. Y+A Into the same pins?

I thought the board could handle 4 x Axis

Let's stick with the subject at hand, if you need assistance we'll help. I think some felt you were not happy. Many of us who have had much success with Centroid and Acorn have become very supportive of it.

The Acorn DB25 on the schematics shows that it has 4 axis worth of support:

You say "A" axis. That implies a rotary axis.
Earlier you were concerned about the ability to pair an axis.
If you need to pair the 4th axis with the CNC12 software you will need the Pro License.
If you want, you can hardware pair, that is, send the step and direction signals from ONE of Acorn's axis to TWO stepper drivers.
If you have to reverse ONE of those steppers, you reverse one of the windings from the drive to the stepper motor (assuming a 4 wire stepper motor)