Old EZ-Path Bridgeport lathe

[Guayaco]

We have an older (circa '94) Bridgeport EZ-Path lathe for which our tool shop wishes to begin programming offline using Mastercam. I've asked my reseller if he has a post, but I can’t tell him enough about the controller to pin one down. The only manual available is the Programming and Operations Manual (Feb. 1994, Code number 11865457) which describes the local programming sequences but says nothing about the controller software or what the controller expects to see coming out of a post. My reseller said if it is a ‘Boss 9’ controller, he may be able to scare up the post. There are no markings on the controller other than ‘EZ-Path’. I’ve emailed Hardinge but haven’t received and answer yet. Is there another source of information about ‘Boss 9’ or other valuable facts? I’d much rather buy a post than to reverse engineer one myself.

 

Thanks

[Roger Martin from CNC Software]

I recall EZ-PATH and EZ-PATH SX (not that I recall what/if there was any difference in the 'SX' model!)

 

# Post Name : MPLEZPTH

# Product : LATHE

# Machine Name : BRIDGEPORT

# Control Name : EZ-PATH SX

# Description : ABSOLUTE POST FOR SINGLE TURRET EZ-PATH LATHE

 

 

Sample output (It makes a .PGM file) ->

code:

---

0000 EZPATH|SX 0000 MODE|INCH MON MAR 03 18:08:00 2008

0001 RAPID ABS X10.0000 Z10.0000

0002 TLCHG I1 T01 01

0003 SETRPM S0511

0004 RAPID ABS X1.4943 Z0.1000

0005 AUXFUN M8

0006 LINE ABS X1.4943 Z0.0000 F.01

0007 LINE ABS X1.4943 Z-1.9322 F.01

0008 LINE ABS X3.0524 Z-3.2816 F.01

0009 ARC|CNTRPT CW ABS X3.4313 Z-3.3910 XC3.4313 ZC-3.1722 F.01

0010 LINE ABS X4.9936 Z-3.3910 F.01

0011 LINE ABS X5.1350 Z-3.3202 F.01

0012 RAPID ABS X10.0000 Z10.0000

0013 AUXFUN M5

0014 AUXFUN M9

0015 AUXFUN M0

---

[Colin Gilchrist]

Hi Mark,

 

I think we should be able to get the EZ-PATH post from Steve Kidd. I've got a lot of experience with the EZ-PATH mills.

 

I think there is a Post library CD that is available from CNC Software. You might give Steve a jingle and see if he can get you a copy.

 

How is life in Auburn? I'll be coming down for that NCPPMB meeting on Thursday. See you then.

[Guayaco]

Colin;

 

Thanks for the response. The lathe is a bit of a mystery, with even Maintenance scratching their heads over the controller. The sensible solution would be to upgrade or replace the lathe, but then I wouldn't have the excuse to fiddle with the post. Thank goodness for tightly managed budgets!