Problem- tool library...or is it?

[brooklynmetal]

Has any one been able to successfully add a variety of tools to various features of a single part.
For instance I need to use two different center drills. The BCC center drill default is .25". I want three different holes in one part the smallest being #50 for a 2-56 tap hole. The material thickness is .125 so the .25" center drill is no good. If I change the center drill parameters for a #1 center drill I'm stuck
with it for the larger holes.
The tool change option is virtually impossible. I was instructed by tech support to "trick" the program using radius variations to use different endmills. ex. - .25" 3FL rougher is .0001 R, .25" 4 FL rougher .0002 R, etc.
In addition if I want a profile cut using a chamfer mill I cannot even choose it
as an option. Is there any option for a 45 degree chamfer other than a 3D tool path? In the year I've had the program, the more I advance even more hassles evolve. If it's a basic one drill, one end mill part, no problem. beyond that it's very frustrating.

[orizaba]

I understand your frustration.
It took a while for me to learn the tool change stuff. I dont know if this is specific to my machine, of if its a BCC thing, but this is how I have to do it

First thing I do is set the XY edges
Then retract the spindle to the tool change position I want. (Tool 0)
Set the TLO from the tool 0 position (the last program had 8 tool changes).
Then set the Z zero (touch the top of part)
Then select the program you want to run. If the program I am going to run is already selected I have to select another program, then reselect the one I want.

If I do it in any other order than that, it dosent work properly. But when I do it in the right order it works great.
For the center drill operations I write the code by hand in the predator. I havent had time to play with the point pattern operation for drilling yet.
Not sure if this related to your problem, but I hope it helps

[orizaba]

How do you attach the thumb nails?