[cd_edwards]

I have a quick question about the zero tool setup. I've got two plates, one fixed and one movable. Currently I've got a 0.1115" plate setting but I'm getting a paper thin layer left behind in the cut. I *think* I need to increate the plate thickness slightly, so correct me if I'm wrong please. It's not a whole lot, but still annoying.

[ger21]

I *think* you want to decrease the plate thickness. When the tool touches the plate, the DRO is set to the thickness. If you increase the value, the DRO will be set higher. You want it lower.

[bjm323]

Pretty sure you want to increase the thickness of the plate so it thinks the z axis is further away from the top of the part than it really is.

[ger21]

Say you have it set to cut .75" deep, but it leaves .003". Now, raise the Z zero even higher, and it'll leave .003" + the amount you raise it.

[bjm323]

But let's say you are zeroing on a .125" touch plate and telling Mach it's .128" therefore you are already .003 closer than what the machine thinks it is.

[ger21]

You guys are right. I'm doing too many things at once right now.

[Analias]

Gerry - I'm starting to use my BobCAD licenses, and I noticed that V24 has a tool length associated with each tool in its tool library. I'm not sure if or how the tool length compensation in BobCAD works, or how it would interact with your screens. Doesn't the automated Z zeroing in your screens always compensate for tool wear? What is the best approach? Do I just set the tool length to zero in BobCAD?

[ger21]

I don't use BobCAD, so I'm not 100% sure, but I think ideally you'd want to modify the post to not use G43 Length offsets. If you can't do that, you can try setting the length to 0, or set all the tools to the same length?

[FannBlade]

Count me in! Finally got my machine going so thought I better get a copy.

"you got paypal"

Thanks for all your work.

[HelicopterJohn]

Hi Fanblade,

This will be the best money you ever spent.

Great Product! Great Support!

I am sure you will be pleased.

John

[ger21]

Thanks. Sorry for the delay, I was at Ikea for the last 4 hours.

[LouF]

I used the tool change routine and after tool change I hit spindle start and it would not move anyone know why?




Lou

[ger21]

Spindle Start, or Cycle Start? Were there any error messages displayed?

If, not, reboot the PC and see if it works then.

[LouF]

Spindle Start, or Cycle Start? Were there any error messages displayed?

If, not, reboot the PC and see if it works then.

No error messages displayed I will try that in the Morning thanks Gerry..

[Arbo]

Ok, a dumb question because I haven't used it in so long....

How does the tool change and zeroing work? What code is needed in the file, and what is the 'process'?

I put down my work piece, clamp it.

It seems it should go to the tool change position (it does), I change the tool, then what should it do? Go to the copper piece on the table, get that, then go back to where it was when I started the routine and tap copper there and do the calculations for where zero is??

Sorry for being so forgetful... but it's time to start using this bit again.

[ger21]

The process, is to first use the Initial Auto zero, which should zero to a movable plate, and then go and touch a fixed plate for reference. If g-code is loaded when you do this, it will start running it immediately

Once you do that, whenever there is an M6 in the code, Mach3 will go to the tool change position, and wait for you to hit cycle start. It will then go to the fixed plate, zero the new tool, and continue cutting.

[Arbo]

Ok, that's the double down arrows (or chevrons) for the initial auto zero, right?

[ger21]

Yep.

[beluga282]

Hi Gerry,

I've installed my first 'Home Switch" on the Z axis tonight, and tested the "Z reference" button for the first time...

Everything worked very well, but I still have a question. After the reference process, the macro set the "Z coordinate" (value 1 on the picture) to 0.000. But the left value (#2 on the picture) is set 0.12 ...

Why the reference macro didn't set both values to 0.000 ??

Thanks !!

[ger21]

Because you have an offset set. Go to the offsets tab, and set all your offsets to 0.