Lathe software

[Timvmax]

Is anybody using Aspire to produce files for a lathe? Or is there some other software you can recommend that's as good as Aspire but specifically for lathes?

[SteveNelson46]

I have used Aspire many times to draw a profile and cut it out on the CNC then used it as a template for the duplicator on my lathe. I usually use plexiglass or acrylic for stability. I guess ideally one would have a duplicator lathe that accepts gcode and would cut the part directly but unless you have a business to justify the cost, not too many of us can afford that kind of equipment. On the other hand, if you had an indexer for your CNC...

Awhile back there was a discussion on how to profile a baseball bat using the molding toolpath. A search will probably turn up something.

EDIT: Here is the file that was posted. I don't remember who posted it.

[IslaWW]

Tim....
Wood or metal lathe?

[TReischl]

Probably the biggest issue with trying to use Aspire to program a CNC lathe is the roughing routines. I have not seen anything in Aspire that would work. And yup, I can do it by drawing the paths, but that is not exactly very user friendly. Same thing with facing.

[Dclifton2]

I use Dolfincadcam for my CNC lathe. A cnc lathe is a whole different animal than a cnc router. I don't think its as nice as Aspire but it's a different kind of software.
Don

[IslaWW]

Centroid's Intercon for the lathe is very good for the lathe. Included with their hobby controller the Acorn.

[Timvmax]

Thanks all, sorry I forgot to say it would be for a metalworking lathe. Gary - I was thinking of using the Centroid Acorn controller as mine is very clunky. Do you use it? It looks very good from what I've seen.

[IslaWW]

Tim...
Yes, very good. I converted a G0752 and added a QCTP. Liked it enough to build a router with an Acorn. On my 4th Acorn now.

I have vids on my YouTube page of them all

[rmooreh]

Gary,

I am looking to get a cnc wood lathe, I have a ShopBot 48 by 96 alpha. Not sure if I should build a stand alone cnc lathe or get the ShopBot add on. What would be the cost to build a Acorn machine?

Thanks

[IslaWW]

Gary,

I am looking to get a cnc wood lathe, I have a ShopBot 48 by 96 alpha. Not sure if I should build a stand alone cnc lathe or get the ShopBot add on. What would be the cost to build a Acorn machine?

Thanks

Best to contact me offline. Email gcnc411@gmail.com