I am working on a combination rotary/non-rotary combination project on my Altmil.
Basically I want to build a table with spindle legs. The legs will not be 90° to the table. I want them at an angle. My plan is to use the Vortex rotary to do the spindle part of the job. After the rotary job, I want to keep the part in the rotary. run a traditional toolpath to make one side of an angled tenon, then rotate the rotary 180° and run the second side of the angled tenon. I am pretty sure this will work, however I wonder how I can keep the rotary’s closed loop stepper locked out so it will not move while machining the traditional part of the job.
I have not tried this but in theory, the Vortex spindle will stay locked in any position based on the model/carving needs and you can then flatten or carve on the item.
I think the trick would be in the design itself - even if the Vortex turned, if the work to be done it flat (perpendicular to the axis of the work) then it will still be using the Vortex.
Rotary operation would have to be turned off in order to have the normal X and Y movements. I would think that power and any control to the stepper on the rotary would be turned off in normal operation. I was wondering if there may be some sort of work around.
It will not be an issue. I have cut multiple pockets in spindles and found that going from rotary to cutting the pocket is simple with no detectable movement of the chuck.