Newbie question - setting up a 4th axis

[Chris Barfoot]

Hi,

I am trying to use a cnc milling machine with a 4th axis to cut brass clock gears. When I post a gcode with 4th axis and involute selected it says to set the machine up with the tool at the top of the workpiece. Ideally I want to set it up with an involute cutter on an arbor in the mill spindle at the side of the gear and then cut longitudinally.

What do I need to change to achieve this?

Thanks
Chris

[Douglas Jones]

Saw something in this post. Might help get you started. http://gearotic.com/ESW/FavIcons/index.php?topic=822.0

[ArtF]

Yes, I think all youd need to do is edit all the Z's to Y's and then zero all when tool it touching side. I think Id change X to Z as well. That way you can use a straight slit saw as a tangental cutter or an invlute saw as a fly cutter output.

Art