Thread milling

[MikeM]

I'm busy planning the wiring to my AXBB controller.
I have only 1 input available before needing an expansion board.
If I add a spindle index sensor would I be able to do thread milling?
Or would I need an encoder with A, B and index channels to be able to do thread milling?

[Robertspark]

AB and Z encoder

[dhanger]

Do you mean rigid tapping or thread milling? Thread milling does not require any inputs, I do it all the time without encoders. Just depends on your cam software generating the correct code.

[MikeM]

I'd like to do thread milling, similar to single point threading on the lathe.
Not rigid tapping, using for instance a spiral flute tap. I do understand the need for presice spindle position to z-axis movement to be able to do rigid tapping

I will be using Fusion360 for CAD/CAM.

[dhanger]

Okay, yeah for thread milling you do not need any additional hardware I/O's or the like. I'm not familiar with Fusion360 but I just googled thread milling for Fusion and got a lot of returns on it. Here's one that looks like a good run-through of it:

https://support.bantamtools.com/hc/en-u ... Strategies

Dan

[MikeM]

Thank you Dan!
Delighted that I don't need to buy an expansion card and encoder yet.