What buttons should be on the control panel?

[ashesman]

I am ordering a custom control panel button overlay and am after ideas as to what buttons are most useful to put on it. I went and played with the machine and wrote down everything I could think of. I then made a VCP panel to look like the custom panel (see attached). It turns out that there are plenty more buttons on the control panel that can be used that are not labelled. I couldn't even use all the ones already there! This is for a milling machine retrofit.

I would like to be able to do all the dirty hands setup of the machine without touching the PC or use it manually without the PC. I will also have a wireless MPG. I hope in the future to add a fourth axis and tool length probe, but not sure they need any additional buttons.

I am basing it off this control panel. The three spaces under the aux buttons can be used, same for the two spare in the coolant row.

[cncsnw]

Does your machine have multiple headstock gear ranges, with powered shifting? If it does, you might want keys for gear shifting during manual operations.

Chip conveyer? Thru-spindle coolant? Dry air chip-blow?

[ashesman]

Thanks for your suggestions. The machine has a direct drive spindle. I did modify the mist coolant button for cooling air though.

What about some buttons for commonly used screens? Ate there screens you would often go back and forth between?

[ashesman]

I thought everyone would have had an opinion on this!

[martyscncgarage]

I thought everyone would have had an opinion on this!

You don't provide ANY information about the MACHINE. No Picture, no description, intended use, what kind of features you want buttons for.
Remember, we can't "SEE" what you "SEE"
Are you driving a PINTO or a Monster truck?

More detailed information about your build will get you better suggestions....perhaps let you know what you can or can't do

Marty

[slodat]

Do you have any auxiliaries? Vacuum table, dust collection, collet closer and so on..

[tblough]

[ashesman]

The machine has minimal auxiliary hardware. Just what is already on my button panel example. I have all the hardware aspects covered. I was just wondering if there were any general functions that people think are handy. Just to avoid having to use the keyboard if possible.

Thanks Tom for your pictures. Some good ideas there using the bolt hole circles etc.

[martyscncgarage]

The machine has minimal auxiliary hardware. Just what is already on my button panel example. I have all the hardware aspects covered. I was just wondering if there were any general functions that people think are handy. Just to avoid having to use the keyboard if possible.

Thanks Tom for your pictures. Some good ideas there using the bolt hole circles etc.

You still don't tell us what kind of machine. No pictures, and you don't say what functions you would like.
You are kind of making us try to guess at what you have.....lathe, mill, router, water jet, EDM?

[ashesman]

The machine is a small milling machine. Details and pictures can be found at the post below.

viewtopic.php?f=64&t=5085