Blog
Articles on CNC lathe work: G-code, LinuxCNC, cycles and practical examples.
- Archimedean spiral on a face: cutting a spiral groove on a CNC lathe
How to cut an Archimedean spiral on the face of a part on a LinuxCNC lathe: spiral geometry, pitch and lead, multi-start spirals, G33 along X synchronized with the spindle, speeds, a sample program and common mistakes.
· ~7 min read
- CAM software for CNC lathes: an overview, and when Turn G-code is enough
An overview of CAM for turning: Fusion, Mastercam, SolidCAM, ESPRIT, GibbsCAM, Edgecam, NX CAM, SprutCAM, FreeCAD and conversational controls like ShopTurn, Manual Guide i, Mazatrol. What to choose for LinuxCNC and why Turn G-code is simpler.
· ~11 min read
- G7 and G8 in LinuxCNC: programming X as diameter or radius
What G7 and G8 do on a LinuxCNC lathe: X as diameter or radius, which mode is the default, how to set it in the INI file, what happens if you mix them up, and how Fanuc, Siemens, Haas and Mach3 handle it.
· ~6 min read
- G-codes and M-codes for a CNC lathe: reference with examples (LinuxCNC)
G- and M-code tables for a CNC lathe (LinuxCNC): command groups, example lines, X Z F S T addresses, G33/G76 threading, cycles and a sample program.
· ~16 min read
- Tapered threads on a CNC lathe: NPT, BSPT, calculation and G-code in LinuxCNC
How to cut tapered threads on a CNC lathe: NPT, BSPT (R), metric tapered threads, the 1:16 taper, calculating the taper line and passes, G33 with X and Z in LinuxCNC, why not G76, and a sample program.
· ~9 min read
- Threading in LinuxCNC: G33 and G76 with examples
How to cut threads on a LinuxCNC lathe: G33 and the G76 cycle parameter by parameter, metric thread depth, number of passes, compound infeed, run-in and run-out, multi-start, left-hand and internal threads, common mistakes.
· ~11 min read
- Which CNC controls Turn G-code works with: 90% of controls and one exception
Why G-code from Turn G-code fits most CNC lathe controls: only basic ISO codes, no canned cycles, configurable G7/G8, G32/G33, pitch letter and M-codes. Which controls are supported, and why Fanuc System A, Haas, GSK and KND are not.
· ~9 min read