[LEARN]

I am not new to machines at all just the small machines like my IH cnc. Now I have seen so many videos and read forums and post .


this is what I have done and still not correct !!


1 .Measure all tools with height gauge and enter them into tool table and set each cutter style on the left then SAVE
2.Home out machine
3.using my master holder ( with indicator ) tool #1 come down to work piece zero and set Z zero
4.check each cutter on my 4 inch tool setter ( )

I have noticed that one of my cutters was off by 1/4" now I have double and triple checked my lengths and still not sure what's going on.


QUESTION
do I need to run a program with a T and a H value for it to correct its self ?

[ger21]

Are you using G43 length comp in your code?

[LEARN]

I have not ran a program yet . maybe I need to cycle a program first ?

I was trying to MDI the tool change but with little success . I don't have a set position set to do a M6 at this point .


normally I would do m6t# to do a tool change at work. and it would go to home position and grab # tool and automatically switch the H and T values.


Maybe I will try the G43 H# in the MDI and see if that switches it

[ger21]

Yes, you need to use the G43 H# for the length offsets.

[LEARN]

Ok when I get back home I will try it out. Cutting some stuff with multiple cutters and would like to have all set at once .


Will post up my results asap

[LEARN]

Tha KS it was quite simple . I was thinking that the T# would do it like on big mills .

Simple fix was to MD I G43 H# then manually switch T# . Everything worked out good .

Also I made sure all the cutters were reading the same 4" by calling g each out and going down to my 4 " setter then adjusting lengths and saving tool offsets each tool. My height gauge was close but I made darn sure they were right at the mill. Making injection mold inserts and want then right on. I even made sure I came down on the setter each time and set zero not coming down and adjusting up. This will help with any back lash I would guess.

Big thanks

[LEARN]

Here is a a simple way for anyone to add tool length to their tool table.

Do all the steps below after how establish a z home .

1. Using a 1,2,3 block or any thing that you know the exact size bring the head of your machine down to the top of the block ( can be on the vise or on the table it doesn't matter )
Be sure the to be able to slide the block in between the spindle face and the surface your using . Once you establish that zero out your Z.number .

2. Install tool of choice in your spindle . Pick up your cutter on top of that block . And record your Z.number in your tool offsets and APPLY and SAVE.

3.take that tool and pick it up on the block and set your z 3"(76.2mm)( or what ever height your block you are using is )

4. From here on out the set up will be the same .

Change cutters and Tool # bring that tool down to the pick up block and go to your tool offsets. Change your tool off set length to zero 0.0 now if you look at your Z in you DRO it will be larger than your pick up block. You need to take that number and subtract your pick up block and then enter that into your offset length . APPLY AND SAVE.
IF you did this correctly you will have the DRO Z.number the same as your pick up block .


change tool # and repeat.