SPIRAL HOLE ENLARGEMENT

This program creates a gcode file that can be loaded into linuxnc to run a spiral hole enlargement program. It is for cases where a hole that has already been made needs to be slightly enlarged for whatever reason.

The machine should be X and Y zeroed at the center of the hole to be enlarged. This can be done manually or by using the probe utility.

Machining will begin at the current radius of the hole and will then proceed to spiral outward to the desired final radius.

The parameter units are set to whatever mode the machine is currently in, either metric or imperial.

Validation of Inputs

• checks that the tool number is > 0
• checks that the tool diameter is > 0
• checks that the spindle RPM is within operating range and adjusts if necessary
• checks that the start diameter > 0
• checks that the final diameter > start diameter
• checks that the number of spiral loops > 0
• checks that the cut depth > 0
• checks that the Z safe travel height > 0
• checks that the feed rate > 0

PREVIEW PROGRAM

• checks for valid input fields
• creates a gcode program according to the parameter setting and the checkboxes
• displays the calculated toolpath in the preview pane

SAVE AS PROGRAM

• checks for valid input fields
• creates a gcode program according to the parameter setting and the checkboxes
• opens a dialog window to get a filename to save the program

SEND TO LINUXCNC

• checks for valid input fields
• creates a gcode program according to the parameter setting and the checkboxes
• creates a temporary file and loads it to linuxcnc
• the temporary file is automatically deleted when linuxcnc exits

If the parameters contain invalid fields, that field is shown with a red border.