Purpose: Synchronizes Spindle and Auxiliary Axis to produce a sharp-pointed reciprocating pattern along the circumferential surface of a cylindrical workpiece (typically around the Z axis):

It works by alternately reversing the Z, X, M3, or M4 axis direction whilst the spindle continues rotating in the same direction. The result would be a pattern "wrapped around the object" as it rotated.

Usage Notes: It is important to develop a rhythm of steps which are constantly followed. Skipping one of the steps will cause unwanted cuts to be added to your piece.

Be sure to setup for the first series of cuts to allow the backlash to be absorbed before beginning the cuts. This is the location where the cutter will return to after each series, so giving a little space is recommended.

After setting up for the first series of cuts,

1. Start the cutter (e.g., the overhead drive)
2. Engage the cutter to the desired depth. Record the setting for this so it can be repeated.
3. Start the first series, using either the or button.
4. Retract the cutter from the piece.
5. Return the cutter to the start position using the button.
6. Index the cut using either the or button. The one used is not relevant; however it is best to stay with the same one for each set of indexes.
7. Continue on to the next cut by returning to step 1.

Indexes	These buttons are used to move the Z or X axis to the next pattern starting position. The amount of movement is set on the Move Screen. After one indexing is executed, that direction's button will be "lit" (the arrow will change to red). This makes it easier to index again in the same direction. The value shown in gray indicates the number of times the axis has been indexed. It is decremented each time the stepper motor is moved counter clockwise, and incremented when moved clockwise. Note: the speed for the indexing movement is set on the Move Screen.
Radial	Used to produce the pattern on the circumferential surface.
Axial	Used to produce the pattern on the longitudinal surface.
New in version 19 is the ability to select from some pre-set patterns:
1 This is the original pattern. 2 This gives a square wave pattern. 3 This gives a sawtooth pattern.
Waves	This sets the number of individual waves to be cut along the cylinder.
Spindle Degrees	This sets the circumferential distance around the cylinder for the total pattern. Entering 360 would wrap the pattern all the way around the cylinder; entering 90 would condense the whole pattern around just 90° of the cylinder.
Axis Amplitude	This determines the height for the entire pattern (amount of M3 or M4 axis movement) and is dependent upon value entered in the Configuration Screen for Distance/360 for the axis you are using.
Synchro   Sync %	This option is used to run the spindle and M3 stepper motors synchronously at the specified percentages. Negative numbers run the spindle and M3 in opposite directions. This option only works if the Synchro function button is enabled (not red). This function is useful for activities such as having the spindle and the rosette(s) run at different revolutions per minute (i.e., a second stepper motor is driving the rosette's rotation).
Speed	The controls on the left and right side of the screen are for controlling the respective stepper motor's speed and acceleration. To change the Max Speed, touch the number, and you will be presented with the Number Pad Screen. The slider is a red bar that can be moved up to increase the speed, or down to decrease it. Want to understand this better? More details about the stepper motor speeds are on this page.
Acceleration	The bottom number (5500 on the left; 6123 on the right) is the acceleration for the stepper motor. To change this value, touch the number, and you will be presented with the Number Pad Screen.

Limit Switches

Limit switches can be used with this function. The pins used for this are configured on the Limit Switches Configuration Screen. (More information about the implementation of limit switches is on that page.)