4th axis possible?

[QCDvacuum (Jeff Cable)]

I note that the cheapest version of Carveco (Maker at $18 per month) has just added the capability to run a 4th axis. Is there any possibility that Carbide 3D will provide such an upgrade and would it work with the Shapeoko 3 controller?

[WillAdams (William Adams (Carbide 3D))]

It would require a new controller.

[QCDvacuum (Jeff Cable)]

Is there a controller available now that would run the Shapeoko 3 and give me the additional ability to run the 4th axis?

[AndyP (Andy)]

You could try a 3rd party controller like Masso.

[WillAdams (William Adams (Carbide 3D))]

One such board has been discussed here in the past:

https://community.carbide3d.com/search?q=supergerbil

[QCDvacuum (Jeff Cable)]

@WillAdams

One such board has been discussed here in the past:

Thanks Will. That discussion looks to be a several years adrift (2019/2020) of the current situation so it may be somehwhat behind the curve. My SO3 machine is doing all I ask of it using gSender and Caveco Maker so I am reluctant to pull it asunder for a small gain.

@AndyP has suggested trying a Masso controller and I can hop over to Masso’s forum and see if anyone has a current setup or advice. I know that PwnCNC are able to plumb their 2.2kw air cooled spindle/VFD kits into Masso controllers and they know about the connections required.

[WillAdams (William Adams (Carbide 3D))]

One consideration which I don’t see brought up much is the work-holding tradeoff — a 4th axis inherently supports the stock at only the ends, while if one does flip-cutting of two or more sides, then the stock is fully supported for the first roughing operation at least and one can remove more material more quickly.

c.f.,

4 Sided Flip Frame Prototype

This is a design I made using Carbide Create for a 4 sided Jig that fits in the Carbide 3D Low profile vise channel, and allows 4 sided rotation. This design allows for a 3.25" long and 1.6" round part to be machined on 4 sides. [image] The Set screws that hold the stock conveniently sit inside the middle channel so if they stick out there is clearance. I have include the Carbide Create file below. Materials used: 2" x 2"x 5" aluminum tube with 3/16th walls. M6 Set screws 10mm- 16mm 1/8…

Another option is to convert the Y-axis motion into rotation — there are a couple of examples of that.

[RichCournoyer (Richard Cournoyer)]

There are several us who are running a 4th axis…just search for it.

[QCDvacuum (Jeff Cable)]

@WillAdams

while if one does flip-cutting of two or more sides…/

Yes, good point, @WillAdams. I will go back to seeing how well I can manage with two sided milling. I have many index pins which screw into my M6 holes anywhere on the baseboard. I was using an MDF baseboard with M6 inserts the last time I tried two sided millling and it was not accurate.

Now that I use the SMW aluminium sea of holes baseboard, it should not present any workpiece holding nightmares. It will also likely be far easier and cheaper than the surgery required to make my spindle and laser use a Masso controller.