MASSO Documentation

 
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Setup MASSO Lathe

Quick Start Guide – MASSO G3 Lathe Configuration

These notes have been created to assist new users in setting up key configuration properties in MASSO. This guide is not intended to be a complete configuration manual but instead provides guidance on the recommended configuration sequence, highlights common pitfalls, and includes helpful hints for first-time users.

 

Some items must be configured in the correct order or the system will not work as expected. While it is natural to want to see motion as quickly as possible, progressing slowly and carefully in small steps is usually far quicker than rushing ahead and troubleshooting issues later.

 

This guide does not explain how to physically connect the various hardware devices that will be connected to MASSO.

 

Getting Started

To begin configuring MASSO, you must connect, at a minimum, a power supply, monitor, keyboard, and mouse. It is recommended that you also connect your E-Stop switch, motor drives, limit switches, auto touch-off, and VFD, although these can be connected progressively as each system is configured.

 

Download Your Software

Your software is downloaded from the myWorkshop portal. Login details are emailed to you when you purchase your MASSO, and step-by-step instructions for downloading the software are available at the link below.

 

 

Power

A 1 amp fuse must be installed in the power feed supplying MASSO G3. Accidental short-circuiting of the auxiliary power terminals built into MASSO can cause permanent damage to the main board if this fuse is not installed.

 

 

Powering up MASSO

 

Safe working Practices when wiring MASSO

 

Load Your Software

Follow the instructions in the links below to load software onto your controller.

 

 

INFORMATION: Most software loading issues occur because the F1 key is not pressed repeatedly within the first four seconds after powering on MASSO. If the software load screen does not appear, power off the controller and try again.

 

Loading software to MASSO G3 instructions

 

Loading software into MASSO Touch Instruction

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Default Password

The default User and Admin password for MASSO is HTG. Instructions for changing these passwords can be found at the link below.

 

 

Password

 

Emergency Stop (E-Stop)

An E-Stop switch is mandatory, and MASSO will not operate without one. Ensure the E-Stop is connected before continuing.

 

 

EStop Wiring

 

INFORMATION: The method used to wire the E-Stop depends on whether a pendant is installed.

 

WARNING: E-Stop wiring must be carried out in accordance with the safety regulations applicable in your country or region. When the E-Stop is pressed, MASSO will place the machine into feed hold and stop the spindle; however, all drives and actuators must be disabled directly by the E-Stop circuit. The E-Stop input on MASSO is designed only to indicate that an E-Stop has been pressed and must not be relied upon as a primary safety disconnect.

 

INFORMATION: When the E-Stop is pressed, axes decelerate to a stop rather than stopping instantly. If an immediate stop is required, the drive enable circuits must be wired through an E-Stop relay. MASSO provides a TTL output labelled ES that can be used to drive a relay to disable external hardware such as motor drives and VFDs.

 

 

 

 

Axis Wiring

Motor wiring depends on the type of motors being used. Examples for stepper and servo motor wiring are provided at the link below.

 

 

https://docs.masso.com.au/wiring-and-setup/setup-and-calibration/axis-servo-stepper-examples

 

 

 

 

 

Axis Configuration

 

 

Axis calibration instructions

 

Distance per revolution: How far your axis travels in one revolution of the motor.

 

Pulses per revolution: How many steps it will take for your motor to complete 1 revolution

 

Maximum feedrate: Defines your axis rapid speed.

 

Acceleration setting: Determines how quickly your axis accelerates to your chosen feedrate.

 

Travel Minimum: This value determines the extent of travel for the axis in the negative direction

 

Travel Maximum: This value determines the extent of travel for the axis in the positive direction

 

Invert direction: If your axis travels in the wrong direction, put a check in this box to reverse it.

 

Backlash: Enter your axis backlash. Note that it must not exceed 10mm or 0.3937”

 

 

INFORMATION: The most common mistake made by new users is leaving the minimum and maximum travel values set to zero. These values are part of the MASSO soft limit system, and leaving them at zero will prevent axis movement. Disabling soft limits under General Settings only affects machining, and jogging is still restricted by these values. It is recommended that large temporary minimum and maximum values are entered until final limits are configured. The maximum travel value must always be greater than the minimum travel value, or the axis will only move in one direction.

 

 

Understanding the MASSO Lathe Coordinate System

It is important to understand the MASSO lathe coordinate system and how it behaves with front and rear-mounted tools.

 

 

  • The Machine coordinate system is fixed no matter whether your tool is front or rear mounted.
     
  • To assist with setting up Machine coordinates the MASSO G2 the +X, -X, +Z & -Z axis are marked on the screen. X0 is located at the center.
     
  • There are no markings on the G3 Screen so please be aware that Machine +X is at the top of the screen furthest from the operator , -X at the Bottom of the screen closest to the operator, -Z to the left and +Z to the right. X0 is at the center
     
  • When defining your tool in the tool table you need to specify if the tool is front or rear mounted. If the tool is front mounted MASSO will automatically perform the necessary working coordinate calculations to machine your workpiece correctly. This means you can use the same Gcode file to machine with both a front and rear mounted tool.
     
  • Working coordinates change depending on whether your tool is rear of front mounted. The Z axis is always -Z to the left and +Z to the right. The X axis always is 0 at the center. For a front mounted tool + X is towards the operator and for a rear mounted tool is +X towards the rear. MASSO manages the X axis orientation depending on whether you select a front or rear mounted tool if the F4 tool table shown below. Gcode must be written for a rear mounted tool.
     
  • MASSO Lathe works in diameter mode

 

 

CAUTION: A post processor designed for a rear-mounted tool must be used regardless of whether your tool is physically front or rear mounted. Failure to do this will cause unintended results.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lathe Tool Management

All lathe tools must be calibrated using the F4 tool table. Calibration sets the tool reference in relation to X0, which is the centre of the spindle. During calibration, all tools should use the same Z reference point. Using a fixed reference point, such as the chuck, makes it easier to set tools in the future without machining a new Z reference surface.

 

MASSO uses the homing sensors to establish the X axis reference because X0 is a fixed point at the spindle centre. When setting up a tool to the stock, only Z0 needs to be set because the X axis is automatically set based on machine home and the calibration values stored in the tool table. When changing tools, MASSO uses the stored X and Z calibration data to position the selected tool correctly. Tool changes must be performed using the M6 tool change command.

 

 

Lathe Tool Calibration

 

Jogging

 

Jogging can only be performed from the F3 Jogging screen. Jogging can be done using a mouse, touchscreen, keyboard, or pendant.

 

 

Keyboard key shortcuts page

 

INFORMATION: If jogging does not work, use the mouse to click the jog buttons. This is the most reliable way to rule out issues with keyboards, pendants, or touchscreens.

 

INFORMATION: If the axis DRO does not show movement, the physical axis will not move. Axis settings should be checked, particularly the minimum and maximum travel values. When a travel limit is reached, the jog button will turn red and display a limit warning.

 

INFORMATION: If an axis does not move, ensure none of the following values are set to zero: distance per revolution, pulses per revolution, maximum feedrate, or acceleration. Any axis not in use must still be configured with valid dummy values.

 

 

Pendant

No software configuration is required for the MASSO MPG pendant. Once connected, the pendant will operate immediately.

 

To enable the E-Stop button on the pendant, the E-Stop must be wired in accordance with the E-Stop instructions. When the E-Stop is wired through the pendant, removing the pendant will trigger an E-Stop alarm, and the pendant must be reconnected to clear the E-Stop condition.

 

 

MPG pendant wiring instructions

 

Wiring only one e stop on MPG pendant instructions

 

 

The biggest problem new users have with pendants come from using 3rd party pendants with incompatible MPG's built into them. They may look the same but internally they use different components. The MASSO Pendant can be purchased from here: MASSO MPG pendant

 

 

INFORMATION: USB pendants of any type are not supported by MASSO.

 

Homing Switches and Setting Up Homing

Homing switches can be mechanical, optical, magnetic, or proximity sensors. Each axis must have a homing switch fitted, including any software-slaved axes used for auto-squaring.

 

Homing inputs must normally display a Low state on the F1 screen and change to High when triggered. If the logic is reversed, the input logic can be toggled using the spacebar.

 

 

INFORMATION: If the homing speed is set too high, the axis may overshoot the homing sensor and be unable to back off. If the sensor cannot be cleared within 10 mm or 3/8 inch, a homing alarm will be generated.

 

Homing setup instructions

 

 

 

 

 

Hard Limits

After the machine has been homed, the homing inputs also act as hard limit inputs. For hard limits to operate correctly, switches must be positioned outside the usable travel range of the axis. Soft limits should be configured first, with hard limits used as a final safety measure.

 

When a hard limit is triggered, the axis will decelerate to a stop rather than stopping instantly. Hard limits can be disabled under General Settings if required.

 

 

INFORMATION: If homing sensors or switches are mounted on the moving carriage with triggers at each end of travel, a single sensor or switch can be used for both homing and hard limit detection at each end.

 

Soft Limits

Soft limits prevent motion beyond the physical limits of the machine and help avoid crashes caused by incorrect G-code commands. If configured incorrectly, soft limits can restrict machine travel or prevent the machine from moving entirely.

 

 

Minimum and maximum travel setup instructions

 

 

 

 

 

Spindle

Spindle speed is normally controlled using a 0–10 V signal, typically via a VFD. If your spindle does not support speed control, threading can still be performed because the spindle encoder allows MASSO to track spindle speed during threading. Constant surface speed will not function without active speed control.

 

 

 

Spindle Encoder

A spindle encoder is required for threading cycles. Ensure you read and understand the information on the spindle encoder page before installation, and ensure the encoder frequency remains below the maximum permitted value.

 

 

Spindle Encoder

 

Lathe Tool Calibration

Further information on the tool calibration process is available at the link below.

 

 

Last Updated On 29 January, 2026

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