CNC Lathe Retrofit: Mach3 to Masso G3 Touch

I purchased an Intelitek Prolight Turning Center with the intent to retrofit a Mach3 Controller. I finished the initial retrofit and discovered that the particular Mach3 controller I purchased didn’t support an encoder. After researching viable controller options, I learned that they were all going to require a PC with an ethernet port, which I didn’t have. So I instead went with the all-in-one Masso G3 Touch controller.

Links to components used:

[ScottMcDonald-iv]

That was a little easy for you! Now add a sub spindle and live tooling to the lathe! Great video.

[smellslikeupdog]

no idea how I found your channel but I'm not dissapointed at all. This is an awesome project.

[juansalgado]

I cannot stress this enough, you’re retrofits are spectacular! There’s really an elegance when a job is don’t so neatly and professionally. I can’t do much more than congratulate you on your craftsmanship. Can’t wait to see what you makes with these guys. Ill also be very interested in those pullstuds 😊 keep up the amazing work!

[andrewbednar]

Great job, you're lucky you snagged a mill that had the tool changer. I have an older version that requires manual changes of an R8. I've upgraded it to the Tormach TTS holders but I'm still working on a quick change lever system. Maybe one day I can go full auto.

Acorn CNC from Centroid was what I used in my retrofit. I've had great success with it.

[rinseradstaak]

I am using the masso g3 controller for my cnc plasma table for one Year now. So far had no problems. Awsome customer support from masso, and super easy to use.

[Festivejelly]

Its crazy how old the available controllers are. With 3d printers adopting micro controllers. No one seems to be offering anything decent for microcontrollers. There is GRBL but it lacks lots of options.

Ive gone down the DIY route and im using a nano ELS h4 as a base, and ive added my own custom gcode options. It actually works great, its got backlash compensation, tool change tables, spindle control etc.

I took a look at the acorn controllers and the masso but I didnt want to spend that much for such a small hobby machine.

[threegreendown]

I am very impressed with your technical skills! I wish I had half the knowledge and talent you do. I have a Onefinity Elite CNC with the Masso controller and love it. I also have a Onefinity Woodworker with the Buildbotics controller but the Masso is so much better. I have had problems with the Wifi on my Masso too so seeing what you did inspired me to try and get a new Wifi module. I hate having to use the USB to transfer files. Again, thanks for the great video.

[blackdeathghostye]

Awesome video it’s criminal how little attention you get

[mrniceguy]

I run a masso with my home built plasma with clearpath servos. It was surprisingly easy to setup and get running. The clearpath servos remove the need for a separate driver too.

[gtcollection]

Has got to be one of the coolest 2AX I've seen. You're lucky and amazing work you've done. ps. Always plug your tailstock taper to prevent dust & chips to settle rent free. Dust particularly.

[Mikesukes]

I built a mill from scratch using the masso g3 I am using the dm-860 drivers on big nema23 running 65v out of a big toroid transformer. It is 26" x 18" y 10" z with A 2.2 kw water cooled spindle,
higher voltage makes the steppers run way better, and the 860 drivers made the motors very quiet.

[toddp]

Wow, nice. I have an all original prolight 3000 and a spectralight mill. Your a real trailblazer with your upgrades. Hope you do more content in the future👍

[raynfallz]

I am transitioning to a Masso G3 with Gecko 203Vs on a workbee. I am liking it so far. I love the no pc aspects and sending files directly.

[frijoli]

Interesting. I like the looks of the Masso interface. I built 2 Centroid Acorn CNC's for 1500 each including all the stepper drives, motors, and remanufactured PC's and touch screen monitors.

[BorisIoffe]

I though the original pic looked familiar. I remember that machine was for sale for quite some time. You've done a phenomenal job. Mine 3000 was born in 1997. It is not nearly as nice looking as yours but it works (btw I have original shield holding pieces). I couldn't stand windows 98 machine with ISA card that came with it and ditched it immediately. I use PCI card that came with my ProLight 1000(?), mine looks very different. It's a major pain in the ass to alternate between the two. But now you showed me the way. I am so impressed and inspired I might put an order for mine today.

[heerveerpatel]

This is perfect solution for low cost sir awsome work

[rexmundi]

I just received my G3 touch and I’m super excited to add it to my cnc router. Great video. Keep ‘em coming

[DuRöhre]

Loved the Video, good Workmanship all over the Project. I would've gone with the Centroid Control though.

[DR-brgb]

Great job with the build. I too bought a Masso touch back in the spring for my Emco F1 retrofit. Hoping to finish it soon. Just started a new job and almost have my workshop setup so shouldn't be too much longer. I have an emco lathe as well well with toolchange and might take a similar route in converting it to touch also. Coming from mach3 with all of its bugs, Masso just seems like a dream come true

[illustratedlefty]

I’m getting ready to implement a masso g3 touch on a tube plasma we bought at work. And it came with a jank android app software and ran by arduino and to say it doesn’t work well is an understatement