See the Sub-spindle topic for full information about setting up the sub-spindle and also the quick reference table.
If you are having trouble, check the following:
- Sub-spindle dialog:
- Is the correct solid selected? (It should be the sub-spindle chuck)
- Specify Movement dialog:
- Have you selected Moves as Turn spindle for the main sub-spindle solid? Do not select any other movement options for this solid.
- Have you set the chuck to rotate (as table) about C?
- Parent/Child Relationships dialog:
- Is the chuck a child of the main sub-spindle solid?
- Are the jaws children of the chuck?
- Local Coordinate System dialog:
- Is the UCS specified for the sub-spindle chuck correct for the rotational motion of the chuck?
- Is the UCS specified for the main sub-spindle correct for the sub-spindle to move in Z?
Note: The distance between the two spindles is specified within the CNC file.
Tailstock or steady-rest
You can control tailstocks and steady rests using the Part Handling Movement dialog.
Alternatively, you can use UDF macros to simulate them as a sub-spindle. If you are using these, you must specify that the tailstock or steady-rest is the sub-spindle in the MD file. You may need to provide a BASIC script to control the movement.