Adding a 4th axis to my router

[bob.berner]

Hi, I"m researching adding a rotary axis to my Acorn CNC router. I have used a Rotary a ew years ago on a Legacy Maverick using conversational cam for the programing. Is it a similar process in the Acorn universe? Can anyone give me some advice or point me in the right direction?

[suntravel]

With conversational Intercon you can only index the 4th axis.

For complex 4 axis programming I would use an CAM system like fusion 360.

Uwe

[cncsnw]

With conversational Intercon you can only index the 4th axis.

Not entirely true: you can include the rotary fourth axis in interpolated (Linear) moves as well, but you have to calculate the appropriate combined linear+angular feedrate yourself. See http://www.cncsnw.com/4thHowTo.htm

But as Uwe says, for anything more complex that a few lines or a spiral cut, you will definitely want a CAD/CAM system to do the computations for you.

[Gary Campbell]

Hi, I"m researching adding a rotary axis to my Acorn CNC router. I have used a Rotary a ew years ago on a Legacy Maverick using conversational cam for the programing. Is it a similar process in the Acorn universe? Can anyone give me some advice or point me in the right direction?

Bob...
If you are a Vectric user you can surely replicate everything that legacy's concam and much more with Vectrics VCPro or Aspire by entering positions, lengths and/or angles into the calculating input boxes.

I used to teach the method at seminars, but it seems users were more receptive to the cad methods so I quit in '18

[bob.berner]

Thanks guys,

The project I am considering is indeed very simple, basically a long taper on both ends of a long dowel. I just need to make hundreds of them. What do I need to buy for the 4 axis mechanism? Is it difficult to install? I am assuming a head stock and tail stock, a motor and motor controller. Is there a turnkey package out there? I know Avid CNC has one but don't know about the compatibility with Acorn since they use Mach3.

[cnckeith]

Thanks guys,

The project I am considering is indeed very simple, basically a long taper on both ends of a long dowel. I just need to make hundreds of them. What do I need to buy for the 4 axis mechanism? Is it difficult to install? I am assuming a head stock and tail stock, a motor and motor controller. Is there a turnkey package out there? I know Avid CNC has one but don't know about the compatibility with Acorn since they use Mach3.

the avid one will work with Acorn.