Newbie- tool change & tool control questions

[Garage Elf]

if running a diy cnc, using a laminate trimmer as the spindle:

1) when you plan a tool change in the toolpath, does Gcode automatically raise the spindle and await manual input that the tool has been changed, or is that something the operator enters into the Gcode...or is this handled on the Mach3 end if it, not the Gcode?

2) are folks just manually plugging the trimmer in and turning it on, or running it through a router speed control?

3) related to #2 - are diy machines normally controlling the spindle/tool through the driver board or simply running it manually?

Thanks for any input

[ger21]

1) It can be all of the above, or any one of the above.

You can have the g-code move it wherever you want. Probably not the best, as you'll need to modify all your g-code.

Generally, you use an M6 in your g-code for a tool change. In Mach3, you have 3 options for dealing with an M6.
1) Ignore it.
2) Mach3 will stop the spindle and wait for you to change the tool. (You'll need Mach3 spindle control or you'll need to stop it yourself)
3) Automatic toolchanger.

Option 2 is the most used option for a DIY router. You can jog to wherever you want to change the tool, and Mach3 will return after the tool change and resume cutting. You'll also need to zero the Z axis for the new tool.

Options 2 and 3 utilize the M6 macro's in Mach3. These can be modified (using vb code) to do just about anything you want during a tool change.

2) are folks just manually plugging the trimmer in and turning it on, or running it through a router speed control? 3) related to #2 - are diy machines normally controlling the spindle/tool through the driver board or simply running it manually?

Again, both. You can run and control it any way you want.

The best way imo is to use a Super PID, but it's not cheap. www.SuperPID.com - Super-PID Closed-loop Router Speed Controller

Here's how I do it, using a Super-PID to turn the router on/off and a custom Mach3 screen and macros to handle the tool changes.

Mach3 2010 Screenset Tool Change - YouTube

Mach3 2010 Screenset Tool Change - YouTube

[Garage Elf]

Thanks for the answer and the video...great setup you have too!

[Mountaincraft]

I can vouch for Gerry's screen set.. It is way worth the 20 bucks he asks... Made my life a heck of a lot easier fer dang sure...

[sherif aje]

MACHINE TOOLS
MACHINE NAME
GSK 980TDa CNC LATHE
MODEL CK6132
YEAR OF MANUFACTURE 04/2009
CONTROL GSK
MADE IN CHINA
THE PROBLEM OF ABOVE MACHINE IS THAT THE SPINDLE IS WARBLE.HELP ME OUT PLEASE.

[sherif aje]

MACHINE TOOLS
MACHINE NAME
GSK 980TDa CNC LATHE
MODEL CK6132
YEAR OF MANUFACTURE 04/2009
CONTROL GSK
MADE IN CHINA
THE PROBLEM OF ABOVE THIS MACHINE IS THAT THE SPINDLE WARBLE.KINDLY HELP ME OUT