MASSO Documentation

 
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Thread Wizard

The Thread Wizard is used to machine threads on a lathe.

 

The wizard supports:

 

  • External threads and internal threads

  • Right-hand and left-hand threads

 

 

 

Parameter Descriptions

 

Name

 

 

This is the name used to describe the wizard.


It is displayed on the F5 – Conversational page.

 

Tool No

 

 

This is the tool number used to cut the thread.

 

CAUTION: This wizard does not manage safe tool change positions for lathe automatic tool changers. When using an automatic tool changer, the generated G-code must be reviewed before running to ensure the tool moves to a safe position before the tool change occurs. This is not an issue for manual tool changes, as the operator moves the tool to a safe location before changing tools.

 

Spindle Spin-Up Delay (ms)

 

 

This sets a delay, in milliseconds, after the spindle starts rotating and before threading begins.

 

Spindle Direction

 

 

This setting determines whether the spindle rotates clockwise or counter-clockwise.

 

Spindle RPM

 

 

This is the spindle speed used while cutting the thread.

 

Depth of Cut

 

 

This is the amount of material removed on each threading pass.

 

The total number of passes is calculated by dividing the total thread depth by the depth of cut.

Pitch

 

 

This is the thread pitch and can be specified in metric or imperial units.

 

Thread pitch values can be found in standard threading charts or machinist handbooks.

 

Spring Passes

 

 

 

This sets the number of spring passes to perform.

 

A spring pass repeats the final cut to remove any remaining material caused by tool deflection under load, which can result in an undersized thread.

 

Thread Type

 

 

This determines whether the wizard is configured for:

 

  • Internal threads, used for threading holes

  • External threads, used for threading shafts or bolts

 

 

The selected type also determines which wizard drawing is shown on screen.

 

Thread Direction

 

 

This determines whether the thread is right-hand or left-hand.

 

  • A right-hand thread starts cutting at the tailstock end and moves toward the chuck.

  • A left-hand thread starts cutting at the chuck end and moves toward the tailstock.

     

WARNING: When cutting a left-hand thread, the lead length moves toward the chuck end of the stock. There must be sufficient clearance at the chuck end to prevent a collision.

 

Minor Diameter

 

This is the smallest diameter of the thread.

 

  • On internal threads, the minor diameter is measured from crest to crest.

  • On external threads, the minor diameter is measured from root to root.

 

The minor diameter is always smaller than the major diameter and can be found in standard threading charts.

 

Major Diameter

 

 

This is the largest diameter of the thread.

 

  • On internal threads, the major diameter is measured from root to root.

  • On external threads, the major diameter is measured from crest to crest.

     

The major diameter is always larger than the minor diameter and can be found in standard threading charts.

 

Z End

 

 

This defines the Z-axis end position for the threading operation.

 

Z End is a smaller value than Z Start.

 

The total threading length is determined by the difference between Z Start and Z End.

 

Z Start

 

This defines the Z-axis starting position for the threading operation.

 

Z Start is a larger value than Z End.

 

Lead Length

 

 

This is the distance the tool travels in free air before it begins cutting the thread.

 

This allows the Z-axis to accelerate to the correct feed rate before engaging the material.

 

WARNING: When cutting a left-hand thread, the lead length is positioned at the chuck end of the stock. There must be sufficient clearance to allow the tool to accelerate safely.

 

 

Tool Clearance (Return Clearance)

 

 

This is the distance the tool moves away from the stock when returning to the start position for the next pass.

 

  • For external threads, the tool moves away from the stock centre.

  • For internal threads, the tool moves toward the stock centre.

 

CAUTION: When cutting internal threads, there must be sufficient clearance inside the bore to allow the tool to retract without contacting the opposite wall.

 

Infeed Angle

 

 

This angle controls how the tool is fed into the material during threading.

 

  • An infeed angle of 0° produces a radial infeed, where both sides of the tool cut equally.

  • An angled infeed causes one side of the tool to cut more than the other on each pass.

 

Different infeed angles affect chip control, surface finish, and tool life, but the final thread form remains the same.Infeed Angle

 

Tool Clearance (Start Clearance)

 

 

This defines the starting clearance position before the threading cut begins.

 

The clearance distance allows the tool to reach the required feed rate before contacting the material and is applied in the X-axis direction.

 

Clearance is always a positive value.

 

QR Code Help

 

 

The QR code opens this documentation page for quick reference.

 

Save

 

 

This saves the wizard parameters and returns you to the F5 – Conversational page.

If any parameters are missing or incorrect, MASSO will display and highlight the affected fields.

 

 

Cancel

 

 

This cancels all changes and returns you to the F5 – Conversational page without saving.

 

Tab Key Navigation

 

 

On MASSO G3, users with an external keyboard can use the Tab key to move through parameters one at a time, reducing the need to use a mouse.

 

 

 

 

Last Updated On 19 January, 2026

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