MASSO Documentation

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Lathe

MASSO Lathe uses the same MASSO hardware as other MASSO controllers, but it runs different software.

Because Lathe software is separate from the other machine types, it does not support combined lathe and mill functionality.

MASSO Lathe supports:

2 axes only: X and Z
1 spindle only
The number of axes cannot be expanded in Lathe software

If required, you can switch your controller to another machine type by downloading different software from myWorkshop and installing it on the controller. Once changed, the controller can run as a 5-axis Mill/Router, Plasma, Laser, or Waterjet system.

Note: MASSO cannot be used to run a combination lathe/milling machine.

C-axis

No, MASSO does not support C-axis operation.

Spindle

Yes, MASSO can control spindle speed using:

0–10V
PWM
STEP/PULSE and DIRECTION

However:

The spindle cannot be indexed
There is one spindle speed control output
The spindle speed control output cannot be used to control a live tool

Gearboxes and pulleys

No, MASSO does not support gearbox or pulley range switching.

There is no option to change gear ratios within the control, and commanded spindle speed does not automatically adjust for gear changes. Any gear calculations must be handled manually.

If a spindle encoder is fitted, the RPM display will still show the actual spindle speed, as it is measured directly from the encoder.

Live tooling

No, MASSO does not support live tooling.

If you have an auxiliary tool that only needs on/off control (for example, a die grinder), you can control it using M64 and M65.

Threading

Yes, MASSO supports threading using G32.

For threading, the spindle must have an encoder fitted with:

Quadrature A and B
A Z pulse (index)

Encoder wiring details are available here: https://docs.masso.com.au/wiring-and-setup/setup-and-calibration/spindle-rpm-encoder

Lathes with manual speed control can still perform threading, because threading is based on the encoder feedback (actual spindle rotation), not the commanded speed. This means the thread pitch remains correct even if the spindle speed changes.

Tool changer

Yes, MASSO supports a wide range of lathe tool changers, including manual tool change.

Compare your tool changer with the supported types here: https://docs.masso.com.au/wiring-and-setup/tool-changers/lathe-tool-changers

If your tool changer does not match one of the built-in tool changer logics, you can contact support to discuss whether a new logic can be created. You will need to provide: