GovasIndustries
Plastic
- Joined
- May 7, 2018
Hey everyone, long time lurker and first time poster. I want to just say that this thread will be an ongoing project as those contribute, i'm far from an EZ path expert but having run all versions of the EZ path (EZ Path 1, S and SD) I feel I should try to give back anyway I can. Many wont need this info or already know, but if this thread gets one person out of a jam then it is worth writing.
I have noticed that the Bridgeport Romi EZ path threads are, at best, scattered with info. So I have decided to make a thread with all the knowledge everyone can gather, so in the future anyone can reference this "database" of real world experience to help solve some EZ path problems.
I would like to update this OP and the following few posts with info over time as we compile information, to keep information easy to find.
I would like to start with, that ROMI supports the iron on these and a place called EMI bought this control from BP, and so they support all the software/boards/control side of these machines. They are extremely helpful and have a killer service department. 15/10, would recommend
These lathes came in many configurations, but one of the better setups you could get was an EZ PATH S/SD with an AIRDEX tool turret and a pnumatic chuck. It was nearly a slant bed that had manual capabilities. The airdex changers had alot of problems though, and so they are very hard to come by these days (speaking out of experience). The S/SD's had CSS, a VFD driven spindle motor, and a few extra M codes to support the extra features. The chip guard was also higher-up for the operator, with the handles on an apron that slid on a track, allowing the tool post to be at Z0 and the controls at Z34.
Most EZ Paths were the EZ Path 1, which had a manual gear driven speeds and no capability to add an automated turret or pnumatic chuck. Solid iron, but limited for larger runs. The controls were attached to the table, so unlike the S/SD, they'd get soaked in chips/coolant and if you needed to operate with the door open, you could forget using the coolant.
There was a slew of other features between the two, but thats not what this thread is here for
The last software version released was 2.5, and floppy drives with the reboot software is available through EMI. 150 bucks gets you the latest version, plus two extra copies on disc, as well as software to reboot in case of a hard drive crash.
You can view your programs in G code if you so wish. Its available in the utilities menu, I'll grab notes from the shop and post here how to do so.
Through this same DOS menu you can access backlash parameters, system errors, and fault logs. Helpful to diagnose those pesky "following error limit exceeded" codes (more on these later)
Programs on the EZ path are saved as PGM files, however you may import a written CAM file as a txt file. No real need, the control is intuitive enough to make writing at the machine faster than camming and exporting to the machine.
COMMON PROBLEMS, culminated among users:
-EZ Path S/D:
-Tailstock out of alignment. Common, cant speak as to why. Most have shimmed to overcome this
-EZ Path 1 -
Tips, Tricks and other EZPath nuances
Radius... EZPath uses IJK BS to do radii. The easiest way to get your number is simple trig to find your Z arc center. I'll post examples in the coming days.
Homing - There is a way to move the table before homing the machine (in case of power outage, etc). Disclaimer, I have only done this on an S, I dont know if it will work on an SD or EZpath 1. More notes to be added.
I know there is much much more to add, this is only the start. Anything someone can add is welcome, and as you all see much of this is still blank. So any questions, fire away. I have more to add once I bring home some notes, but in the meantime, it'll be posted.
-Chad
I have noticed that the Bridgeport Romi EZ path threads are, at best, scattered with info. So I have decided to make a thread with all the knowledge everyone can gather, so in the future anyone can reference this "database" of real world experience to help solve some EZ path problems.
I would like to update this OP and the following few posts with info over time as we compile information, to keep information easy to find.
I would like to start with, that ROMI supports the iron on these and a place called EMI bought this control from BP, and so they support all the software/boards/control side of these machines. They are extremely helpful and have a killer service department. 15/10, would recommend
These lathes came in many configurations, but one of the better setups you could get was an EZ PATH S/SD with an AIRDEX tool turret and a pnumatic chuck. It was nearly a slant bed that had manual capabilities. The airdex changers had alot of problems though, and so they are very hard to come by these days (speaking out of experience). The S/SD's had CSS, a VFD driven spindle motor, and a few extra M codes to support the extra features. The chip guard was also higher-up for the operator, with the handles on an apron that slid on a track, allowing the tool post to be at Z0 and the controls at Z34.
Most EZ Paths were the EZ Path 1, which had a manual gear driven speeds and no capability to add an automated turret or pnumatic chuck. Solid iron, but limited for larger runs. The controls were attached to the table, so unlike the S/SD, they'd get soaked in chips/coolant and if you needed to operate with the door open, you could forget using the coolant.
There was a slew of other features between the two, but thats not what this thread is here for
The last software version released was 2.5, and floppy drives with the reboot software is available through EMI. 150 bucks gets you the latest version, plus two extra copies on disc, as well as software to reboot in case of a hard drive crash.
You can view your programs in G code if you so wish. Its available in the utilities menu, I'll grab notes from the shop and post here how to do so.
Through this same DOS menu you can access backlash parameters, system errors, and fault logs. Helpful to diagnose those pesky "following error limit exceeded" codes (more on these later)
Programs on the EZ path are saved as PGM files, however you may import a written CAM file as a txt file. No real need, the control is intuitive enough to make writing at the machine faster than camming and exporting to the machine.
COMMON PROBLEMS, culminated among users:
-EZ Path S/D:
-Tailstock out of alignment. Common, cant speak as to why. Most have shimmed to overcome this
-EZ Path 1 -
Tips, Tricks and other EZPath nuances
Radius... EZPath uses IJK BS to do radii. The easiest way to get your number is simple trig to find your Z arc center. I'll post examples in the coming days.
Homing - There is a way to move the table before homing the machine (in case of power outage, etc). Disclaimer, I have only done this on an S, I dont know if it will work on an SD or EZpath 1. More notes to be added.
I know there is much much more to add, this is only the start. Anything someone can add is welcome, and as you all see much of this is still blank. So any questions, fire away. I have more to add once I bring home some notes, but in the meantime, it'll be posted.
-Chad