XY axis direction

[400bird]

I purchased a early 1990's CNC knee mill. Taiwanese important.

The ways are in great condition. The balls screws are mostly good (the Z axis may need to be replaced later)

The 1990's CNC electronic components were all useless. I've installed an Acorn controller, replacement servos, etc.

So, Z is the spindle. X and Y are the table.

I read that the axis movement is spindle relative to the work piece. Meaning that while X + is pointing to the right, I need to move the table left to move the spindle in the correct direction, relative to the work piece.

Thoughts? Any input on best practice?

It feels weird to push the left arrow on the manual controls (or spin the jog wheel left) and have the table move right. I'm getting used to it, but want to make sure that I'm developing the right habit.

 

[extropic]

 

[400bird]

Yup, I've seen it.

The arrows all originate at the tool. I guess that verifies that I need to move the table left for X + even though the arrow points right

 

[extropic]

Yes, it would be intuitive if we were talking about a bed mill, with the spindle on a gantry.
Another image that might help is to think of an NC router or plasma table, where the tool is moving relative to the workpiece.

 

[400bird]

For sure, I get it. I just wanted some confirmation that I was doing it right. If I'm going to engrain some "weird" operation, I thought I should make I'm not learning the wrong operation!