James & co., Thank you for the detailed instructions. However I am not sure how that is different from what I did. Here is a simple question: If I have a tool table set up as per my initial email, should the Z readout in Axis change when I change tools? Here is what I did last night:
1. Insert stock in vise 2. Call M6 T0 G43 and remove tool from spindle when prompted (I use Tormach tooling FYI) 3. Touch off the spindle nose to set stock surface as Z=0 4. Call M6 T1 G43 and insert center drill 5. Jog down to stock surface and touch off to tool table 6. Call M6 T2 G43 and insert .250 endmill 7. (repeat step 5) This resulted in the tool table in my initial email, which was within .001" or so of the offline tool length measurements I'd done. NB, my tool offsets are positive, in case that's a problem. I have always been set up so that movement down into the stock is Z-, i.e., at Z=1, the tool tip is 1" above the stock surface. Now, let's say that, with tool 2 in the spindle, I jog up so I can just slide a 2" 123 block under the tool. This would give me Z2. If I execute M6 T1 G43, the Z-axis DRO should change to a value like 2.250" to reflect that T1 is about .250" shorter (less stickout) than T2. This is exactly what happens on my lathe. It doesn't happen on my mill. I don't know whether that is my fault or if something weirder is going on here. I feel like I want to get this all working properly in the MDI first, then I'll worry about getting BobCAD to post the proper g-codes.... Thanks again -cwk. On Wed, Jul 20, 2011 at 8:47 AM, James Louis <james.lo...@gastechnology.org>wrote: > Colin, > > First of all welcome to EMC2! Your G-code looks correct to me, so maybe > it's something in your setup. I use tool presetting for my CNC mill too, so > here's how I do it: > > 1) Home the spindle gauge point to the positive Z limit and/or home. > 2) Use a master tool (mine is 3.6000 inches long) to touch off the part > surface. > Note: "no tool" should be displayed during this type of touch off. > 3) Enter the master tool length in the Z axis touch off window (mine is 3.6 > relative to Z0.) > Now the negative distance from home to Z0 is stored as the work > offset in *.var file. > 4) Use G43 with multiple tools as needed. No more touch off required for > that part. > > Cutter comp G41 is a separate issue. I hope this helps! > Jim > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 10 Tips for Better Web Security Learn 10 ways to better secure your business today. Topics covered include: Web security, SSL, hacker attacks & Denial of Service (DoS), private keys, security Microsoft Exchange, secure Instant Messaging, and much more. http://www.accelacomm.com/jaw/sfnl/114/51426210/ _______________________________________________ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
