On Sun, 31 Mar 2013 03:44:01 -0400, you wrote: >> I've seen some vertical milling setups that have a touch block for >> automatically setting the tool length. I assume the surface of the >> block is insulated from the machine and has a wire to a controller >> input to sense when it's grounded by the tool.
>Actually, I use a touch block to zero mine for both x & z, z first, then x. >It sets on the ways, and is backed left up against the workpiece mounted in >the chuck, so it establishes the Z zero by using an offset such that I >write code that runs in the -Z range, very repeatable, a thou or so. The x >is somewhat less accurate because I need to rig a single point rest where >it sits on the flat back rail of the bed now, with so much area sitting on >the bed that I can wipe the vactra off & move the x home 1 to 3 thou. A >single point rear contact should help with that. Oh, and be sure to blow >the swarf off the cutter tip. Don't ask how I know. :) Gregg, Gene I have used automatic tool touch off devices, and to be honest I find it easier and quicker to manually set my tools. Particularly so on the lathe. It needs only be done occasionally if you use quick change tool holders. I have 10 holders, 8 of those have tools permanently installed and the other two are for the odds and sods I "may" need to use. I also have an auto changer but never managed to get that to work under Linux. Tool 1 is my reference tool, a standard right hand tool with a CNMG type insert. It's offsets are 0,0 - all other tools have offsets referenced to that one in the tool table. The offsets only change if you replace an insert. An essential item is missing in LinuxCNC tool tables, that being wear offsets entry. Editing main entries is a PITA and unless you remember what they were originally you have to go through the process of re-referencing the tool when you eventually replace the insert rather than just zeroing the wear offset!! The end of the work is always Z0 - all cuts are made in the -Z range. The centre of the work (C/L of X axis) is X0. Easy and quick to define both, take a facing cut off the end of the work, call that Z0. Take a cut along the work, then measure the diameter. Ender that as current X position (in diameter mode) and your done. You have both X and Z zero's - takes much less time to do than type :) Steve Blackmore -- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Own the Future-Intel(R) Level Up Game Demo Contest 2013 Rise to greatness in Intel's independent game demo contest. Compete for recognition, cash, and the chance to get your game on Steam. $5K grand prize plus 10 genre and skill prizes. Submit your demo by 6/6/13. http://altfarm.mediaplex.com/ad/ck/12124-176961-30367-2 _______________________________________________ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
