LatheEngraver
Overview
The LatheEngraver is a CNC embellishment tool designed specifically for woodturning applications. The integrated controls are based around plugins for the very popular OctoPrint system used for years in 3D printing. The system was designed by Paul Paukstelis.
The LatheEngraver can be mounted directly onto a woodlathe with an additional pulley and stepper motor used for controlled movement of the lathe spindle. Alternatively, a stand-alone platform has been devised to replace the lathe entirely.
Key Features:
- 4 axis system (XZAB)
- B-axis rotates the cutting tool, allowing the cutter to be normal to any accessible surface of the workpiece
- Software allows "on-the-fly" coordinate changes to put any existing 3-axis (XYZ) G-code template onto the surface of the workpiece.
- Workpieces can be probed/scanned with a touch probe, including scanning for ovality of the piece (which can be compensated for by other software components)
- Surface profiles from scanning can be used for:
- Automated burning of basket illusion lines
- Creation of facets, scallops, and flutes, all with arbitrary rotation of the spindle axis during cutting
- Mapping 3-axis G-code onto the surface
- Threading tools (including multi-start thread)
- Software to emulate a suite of ornamental turning functions, including:
- Rose Engine that follows digital (user-created) rosettes
- Simulatenous rocking and pumping
- Simple numeric amplitude adjustment
- Rosettes created from parametric wave functions (sine, triangle, square, sawtooth)
- Eccentric offset and ellipitical chuck features for rocking rosettes
- Curvilinear slide based on SVG profiles
- Multi-stage geometric chuck
- User-selectable number of stages
- Save geometric parameters for later recall
- Change sampling points to create linear patterns from curved designs
- Real-time control
- The user drives the machine as the ornamental pattern is being followed, this mimics the controls of a mechanical ornamental lathe
- G-code from real-time control can be recorded and played back
- G-code can also be written directly for use with other machines (including axis re-mapping)
- Rose Engine that follows digital (user-created) rosettes
More Information
Web Sites
- LatheEngraver web site
Presentations
- Using CNC to produce ornamental patterns, an OTI meeting in October, 2025. The recording of that meeting is on the OTI Website.
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Disclaimer: eMail comments to me at OTBookOfKnowledge @ Gmail.com. The process of woodturning involves the use of tools, machinery and materials which could cause injury or be a health hazard unless proper precautions are taken, including the wearing of appropriate protective equipment. |