MDF Rose Engine Lathe 2.0

Preferences Screen

Touch the buttons on the screen image to the right to see the details for the that screen.

Purpose: Set (Teensy) pin numbers to be used for limit switches.

The use of a specific pin for Min or Max for any given axis is not critical. However, using the same pin # for Min and Max is not recommended. The reason is that, if the limit is tripped for one direction, movement in that direction is halted. However, movement in the other direction is not. Note though that tripping the EStop limit will halt movement in all directions.

The Teensy microcontroller allows for pins 18, 19, and 25 - 39 to be used. These need to match the ones wired to your board.

Recommendation:

Teensy Pin	Purpose
18 or 19	EStop
25 - 39	Limit switches; lower numbers for "Min" and higher numbers for "Max".

Limit switches can be used for all screens except Index and Greek Key.

The values shown in a tan box show values on the Nextion. Touching one of the text boxes allows you to edit that value using the Number Pad screen.

The values shown in a gray box show the ones stored on the Teensy controller. These are read only and should match the settings on the Nextion.

Min

Z axis

The Min pin on this axis is used when moving in the direction towards the headstock

X axis

The Min pin on this axis is used when moving in the direction towards the spindle's axis

M3 axis

The Min pin on this axis is used when moving in the direction towards the spindle's axis

M4 axis

The Min pin on this axis is used when moving in the direction towards the spindle's axis

Max

Z axis

The Max pin on this axis is used when moving in the direction away from the headstock

X axis

The Max pin on this axis is used when moving in the direction away from the spindle's axis

M3 axis

The Max pin on this axis is used when moving in the direction away from the spindle's axis

M4 axis

The Max pin on this axis is used when moving in the direction away from the spindle's axis

If the limit switch is engaged when using any function, the action button for that direction's limit switch will turn red. No further action can be taken until the Stop button is touched.

Max Limit Switch Triggered on Sync Screen

Min Limit Switch Triggered on Sync Screen

To reset, touch the stop button. Once that is done, the opposite direction action button can be touched even though the limit switch may still be triggered.

EStop

designates the pin number used to immediately stop all movement on the stepper motors.

This is different from the limit function which performs a slow, controlled stop. The EStop is typically implemented as a big red switch like to the right.

Wiring multiple EStop switches?

These are the directions for wiring them.

Key Notes:

This function is not a kill switch. When triggered, this function does not de-energize the lathe by disconnecting the power in-feed. It simply stops all movement driven by the stepper motors.

Also, this function does not stop the overhead drive so the cutter will still be operating as it was before this was engaged.

If the EStop is engaged when using any function, all the movement buttons will turn red.

EStop on Main Screen

EStop on Sync Screen

To reset:

Ensure the EStop switch is not closed, and
Touch one of the stop buttons.

The EStop function was implemented with version 26.

Stop Spindle with Axis

This option determines what happens when the limit is triggered.

= Stop motion on both the axis (i.e., Z, X, or B) and the spindle when the limit is triggered.

= Stop motion on the axis only when the limit is triggered (the spindle remains turning).

Type

This option tells the system which type of switch is being used.

NC = normally closed (NC) / momentary open switch

NO = normally open (NO) / momentary close switch

The ability to use normally closed switches was implemented with version 26. Prior versions only allowed for the use of normally open switches.

Version	How It Works
17+	When the limit is triggered, the system stops. To reset after a stop, touch the stop button (shown to the right). You will have to do this for both the spindle and the axis in use. The system is setup this way to prevent damage to the machinery if it left unattended for a while, but also to allow the artist to get to the next operation quicker.
Prior to 17	When the limit is triggered, the system stops. To restart after a stop, power down the system, and then power it back up. The system is setup this way to prevent damage to the machinery if it left unattended for a while.

3.5 mm Plug

The 3.5 mm (¹/₈") jack used on the MDF Rose Engine Lathe 2.0 has the plug's tip connected to the respective pin on the Teensy, and the sleeve is connected to ground. Shorting across these two will cause the limit condition to trigger.

Using the sleeve for the ground is key for many reasons, and that is the design outlined in "Instructions for Building the Stepper Controls".

Limit Switch

With the MDF Rose Engine Lathe 2.0, we have tested using the Miniature Snap-Acting Switch with a Lever Actuator, from McMaster-Carr, p/n 7779K13.

This can be attached to a magnetic base stand, especially one with a Noga arm, to position it where needed. We have a mounting bracket which can be 3D printed to attach this switch to the Noga arm.

Diagnostics: If you are experiencing issues using limit switches, below are some diagnostic steps I've found useful.

Limit Switches don't stop spindle movement

Ensure the option on this screen, "Stop Spindle with Axis", is enabled.

Recommended Action: Unless you need to not stop the spindle, leave this option checked as the default for how you use your machine.

Limit Switches don't stop axis movement

Ensure you have connected you limit switch to the pin configured for the respective axis.

Recommended Action: If you are only going to use one limit switch, set all of these to 34, and connect your limit switch to that pin.

If you are going to use two limit switches, set all the Mins to 34 and all the Maxes to 35.

Stepper Motors won't run on Main or One Screens

One or more limit switches may be "engaged". This can happen if they are not wired correctly or there is a short in the limit switch wiring.

You can confirm that this is or is not the case by trying to drive the stepper motor motion from the screens which don't use limit switches.

Recommended Action: Read the instructions regarding limit switch connections in "Instructions for Building the Stepper Controls".