GmoccaPY first steps

I found this video very informative.

Rodw,

Thank you for your reply. I did find this video very informative. I believe this video is geared toward those who have the ability to use preset tools. In my circumstance I am trying to leave the R8 collet in the spindle and change the end mill only; then retouch-off zero.

What I think I need is some sort of M6 remap sub-routine or macro to be run during the time of tool change. I can then incorporate an electrical touch off plate to re-zero my tool offset. Then proceed to the next operation.

There are videos showing this function working but they do not explain how to make it work.

Again thank you for your time and your efforts to help.

Very Respectfully,
swalts

I currently work the way you do with my manual Seig SX3 mill. A friend has the same mill that is CNC'd and he has a number of R8 collet holders already pre-set up. I've seriously thought of of buying a few more collet holders so I can save time when milling. I think multiple holders is really a cost you need to accept if you are doing CNC as it will make life so much easier. I think I could set up a tool library in my DRO to works the way the video does.

They are not expensive from China via eBay

All,

I found this on the net. This seems like where i am trying to go, but i am not certain how to implement.

<filename>tool-length-probe.ngc

(this program demonstrates how to measure tool lengths automatically using)
(a switch hooked to the probe input. this is useful for machines without)
(tool holders, where the length of a tool is different every time it is)
(inserted.)

(g30 should already be set to a position safely above the switch)

(start with the first tool loaded, and g54 work offsets set with it)
(when you touch off the work with this reference tool, be sure length)
(comp is off {use g49})

g20 g90
g49
g0 x0 y0 z1

(measure reference tool)
g30 (above switch)
g38.2 z0 f15 (measure)
g91 g0z.2 (off the switch)
#1000=#5063 (save reference tool length)
(print,reference length is #1000)
g90 (done)

(cut with first tool...)
g0 x0 y0 z1
g1 z0 f20
g2 x0 y0 i0 j.05

g0 z2
(msg,insert another tool)
(use TxM6 here if you want to be able to use radius comp too)
m0

(measure next tool)
g30 (above switch)
g49 (measure without the last tool's offset)
g38.2 z0 f15 (measure)
g91 g0 z.2 (off the switch)
g43.1 k[#5063-#1000] (set new tool offset)
(print,new length is #5063)
g90 (done)

(cut in the same place with this next tool...)
g0 x0 y0 z1
g1 z0 f20
g2 x0 y0 i0 j.05

g0 z1

(exit with tool length offset still in effect, in case we want to use MDI)
m2

Can anyone make sense of this?

Thank you.
-swalts