Thread: Tool chnge

Without re-zeroing z, or having a removeable tool holder unit fitted, then the only option is to use cutters that have a ring fitted, that way all the tools will have the same projection

With the addition of a fixed auto zero plate, my 2010 Screenset automates the setting of Z zero during tolchanges.
The Big Tex version of the Mach Blue Screenset will zero the Z after a toolchange, but it's not automated.

I did once see somebody else who had a plate which swung out beneath the spindle and the the tool was allowed to fall to the surface of that swing out plate and then tightened in the chuck. All tools were adjusted in the same manner so that once one tool was zeroed, all other tools were also auto zeroed to the swing out surface.

Hi Nick,

Two things made my tool changes easier... both manual, but super simple to use -

First, a fixed collet for 1/8" bits. A solid collet that fits into the ER20 holder with a grub screw for the tool. Just drive a couple of mm above the work and drop the bit down until it touches and lock up the grubby (similar to what Bob suggested and could easily be used for Steve's suggestion of the rings). It's much quicker and easier to just change the tool without unlocking the collet.

Second is getting the auto tool zero function running on mach 3. So much easier and accurate to push the button and have it all zero itself. I re-wrote the screen set to have individual X,Y and Z zero functions and then a bit of VB script for each button

Hope this helps...

Originally Posted by Malibu

Second is getting the auto tool zero function running on mach 3. So much easier and accurate to push the button and have it all zero itself. I re-wrote the screen set to have individual X,Y and Z zero functions and then a bit of VB script for each button.

Gerry's 2010 screenset does use the Autozero function in Mach3, but it does it a lot better than Mach on its own.
After first telling the machine where the zero at the top of your work is by using a movable zeroing plate, the machine sets itself to work co-ordinates zero and then runs off to a fixed plate that sets machine zero for the tool as well. From then on, all you need to do is change the tool and then ask the machine to setitself up via the fixed plate and the script then automatically allows for the work co-ordinates offset.

It really is the next best thing to an ATC, unless, like Malibu, you have a fixed collet and only use one size of shaft etc.

Thanks to all for answering my question, there are some easy solutions to the problem, I think I will try the Mach 3 and plate method, and see how it will work out, this is a very good forum for information seeking, ever since I have decided to build my cnc router table I have asked a lot of questions via this forum and the result is the machine is working fine and I am up to the stage of learning to use the software and start making some shapes all thanks to the answers to my questions.

Many Thanks to All.

" ALL THE BEST FOR CHRISTMAS AND A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL"

Hi Nick,
Let me know if you want me to post the VB Script I used for the plate. It might not be exactly what you want, but it would probably be a good starting point and might be helpful

Originally Posted by Malibu

Hi Nick,
Let me know if you want me to post the VB Script I used for the plate. It might not be exactly what you want, but it would probably be a good starting point and might be helpful

Thanks Malibu, that would be greatly appreciated, I will tinker with it and see if it will work for me.

Regards
Nick

Hi Nick,
Give this a try - remember to enable/define your probe in the input pins and when you try it first time, be sure it won't drive the tool into your table.
To edit the button, click on the menu "Operator", "Edit button script" and then you'll see the Z-axis button flashing. Click on that and it will open the script editor.
I've added a few comments to (hopefully) make it a bit easier to follow.
You should be able to cut and paste all the code from here on...



Sub Main()

Dim ZaxisDRO As Integer 'Define variable
Dim Plate As Double 'Define variable

ZaxisDRO=802 'Z Axis DRO address
Plate=7.6800 'Default Plate thickness <<--- Change here to suit your plate thickness

Message "" 'Reset message to nothing
Plate = InputBox$("Enter the Plate Thickness","Tool Diameter Entry",Plate) 'Option to change thickness
If Plate = "" Then GoTo 9 'Trap for cancel and nul entry

1: 'Marker
Message( "Auto Zeroing Z..." ) 'Display message box
SetOEMDRO(ZaxisDRO, 1.6000) 'Reset the DRO to a nominal value
Sleep 1000 'Wait for 1 second
If IsSuchSignal (22) Then 'Check for a defined probe
code "G31 Z-10 F15" 'Straight Probe, Z Axiz -10mm, Speed 15 <<--- change here to suit speed/distance
While IsMoving() 'In process?
Sleep 100 'Wait a bit
Wend 'Still moving? do it again
SetOEMDRO(ZaxisDRO, plate) 'Reset DRO to plate thickness
Sleep 1000 'Wait 1 second
code "G1 Z15 F500" 'Travel Z-Axis 15mm high at 500mm/second
Sleep 1000 'Wait 1 second
End If

Message "Tool zeroing complete. Check the results on the DROs." 'All done, show it
GoTo 10 'Step to end

9: 'Marker
Message "Error in Z-Axis Zero function." 'Cancel or nul was entered, show an error

10: 'Marker
End Sub 'All finished