Left-Handed OD Threads | ProtoTRAK SLX | Lathe Programming

[@tadpoleshow]

Just watching your videos in 2024 trying to decide whether to purchase two proto trak cnc lathe to replace Harrison Alpha cnc that are old and worn out. Really liking the ease and your explanation on threading and thread repair. Most of our work in hydraulic repair and reman requires threading. I think I'm sold on proto trak systems mostly do to your channel. Thanks alot

[@patrickfitzsimmons5187]

Thank you for all the kind words...Our aim is to provide videos to help everyone understand the ease of use and power of our products. T.P.

[@gman11031]

I have a ProtoTrak SLX and it is a very good machine, simple to program and simple to use. I do a lot of threading, right and left handed. When doing left handed I flip the tool upside down like your first example. The one thing I do differently than your example is when I need to make the threads deeper (almost always) I move the X axis and the Z axis. If I need to go .005 in the X axis--I would adjust the X .005 (.0025 per side). The Z I would move -.0014 tan 29.5 * -.0025=-.0014 I find that you get a much better thread---your comments are welcome

[@sailingyemaya9781]

Good video, I’ll be doing this first thing Monday morning, thank you

[@nabilelbadri7686]

very good and simple explanation thank you

[@trakingpat2750]

Thank you for watching! T.P.

[@TheeMouldyZombie]

Thanks for tip,it’ll come in handy for me at work,though some will have a shoulder by end of the thread...shall nag boss for some tools :) Thanks again!

[@ccfoam]

So a few of the comments below mentioned using standard threading tool and feed away from the chuck. This is how I have been cutting threads forever on a manual machine. Is there a reason why it can't be done on a CNC machine? Thank you for you videos!

[@trakingpat2750]

So, you are correct and there is no reason for it other than that our engineers never it made it work that way. On our newest control, the RLX, you can program away from the chuck. Sorry I don't have a better answer for you. T.P.

[@ccfoam]

@@trakingpat2750 Thanks for the reply. Our programmer (MAZAK) was not aware that feeding away from the chuck in FWD spindle rotation made LH threads while using standard threading inserts.....Have a wonderful day!

[@machinists-shortcuts]

Cut left handed external threads with a right handed internal thread boring bar up side down at the front in reverse towards the chuck. R/H Internal threading inserts are basically L/H external threading inserts.

[@trakingpat2750]

Great point! Thanks for sharing! T.P.

[@mdmonroe82]

How does one set up left handed tools? Getting the X dimension is easy enough, but how do we set the Z when touching the tool to the end of the part would not be feasible?

[@patrickfitzsimmons5187]

As long as you know the distance between the tool and the part, you can enter that dimension. T.P.

[@MrJackandEmily]

Gday pat, is there a way use the same tool setup for left hand and right hand thread? Ie turning away from the chuck? I'm trying to make a ornamental knurl. Cheers mate!

[@patrickfitzsimmons5187]

Mr. Jack, the answer is yes because you have to use one of these two tricks in order to do left hand threads. This means that Z zero is still on the left side of the tool. If you try to do this on an RLX, you really don't change anything except that you can use the tool in it's standard position and program from left to right. I hope this helps and Cheers to use as well! T.P.

[@bostedtap8399]

Good info.

[@karldaweldor]

how does this work with a machine that has a turret ?

[@trakingpat2750]

You may need to make a special holder to get the upside down tool to the center height. Working from the back may be the better method. Unfortunately, this may not work for every instance. T.P.

[@pm3577]

Is the back side turning attachment an optional extra? My machine doesn’t have it?

[@trakingpat2750]

P M, It's noting special, I just put the tool in the holder backwards. T.P.

[@pm3577]

@@trakingpat2750 no I mean the attachment to hold the tool that you program negatively.

[@dbyrum8772]

Thanks Pat, I had a custom thread that wasn't a standard. And I really appreciate the tip. Unfortunately I didn't have the time to have a second tool made although I have a dorain smartdex 25 this method was a huge time saver. Despite what one pricks comment was, But you will always have someone who can't resist talking out there ass 😂🤣

[@trakingpat2750]

I think you are correct! Thanks! T.P.

[@fraymarin6587]

how can I use mastercam X5 with prototrak slx. how to get the mastercam codes for the cnc lathe i would really appreciate it

[@TRAKMachineTools]

TRAKing Pat answered this question here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qmbXpZ54gtBoopY

[@Stonywillis]

Am I the only one who just uses a right hand thread set up, but simply switch the start and finish positions? Feed towards the chuck = right hand thread, Feed away from the chuck = left hand thread.

[@michaelb4060]

I was thinking the same thing. I questioned whether the tool would rapid into the cut depth causing an issue if a relief cut was not performed first, which is what I need for my part. I tried it without material or tools and a warning popped up stating "Threading away from the chuck is not allowed." It may have been allowed with the original software on my 2009 SLX controller, but mine has failed a couple times and the refurbs have updated software. I think CAM software would provide the G-code needed for this process or I can manually program that myself with RPM and feed numbers if it were really needed. Flipping the tool over is a better option so I do not have to move the toolpost position to work with standard tool orientations and the thread bit on the back side.

[@frederickmyers4122]

You can buy tools as standard to use on these machines to cut a LH thread No cutting from the back or putting a RH tool upside down Tools are made to do this operation

[@trakingpat2750]

You are correct but in a lot of shops, this is not a common occurrence so they may not have one or want to invest in a special tool just for one or two jobs. This method shows a way to make LH threads with standard tooling. That's all it's intended for. T.P.

[@frederickmyers4122]

If the software programmers were any good they would have an option to cut a thread moving away from the chuck like a decent cnc machine does

[@trakingpat2750]

Sounds like you need a job here to show us all the things we are doing wrong. You're obviously smarter than all of us! If you don't like ProtoTRAKs, then don't use one! T.P.

[@quadtraxxx]

Brilliant! Thanks Pat!! Keep on Traking!!! 👍😉

[@trakingpat2750]

Thanks for the feedback! T.P.