Results 1 to 9 of 9

Thread: Understanding swapping tools for a job

  1. #1
    Registered
    Join Date
    Apr 2003
    Location
    Paris, Texas
    Posts
    401
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0

    Understanding swapping tools for a job

    I am a newb at all this and just a hobbysit trying to understand all this. I have a job that I cut with a 1/8" end mill. I comes out great. At the end I need to drill 4 2.5mm holes in it. I swap the end mill holder, and put on my chuck and my 2.5mm bit, and start my machine and it slams down into my work. I pretty it has something to do with the machine/CAM software does not know the bit is 2" longer. How do I do this correctly? Should the CAM software compensate for it, or should mach 3. Not sure on how all this works.

    Sorry for the stupid question, but just trying to learn.
    Donald


  2. #2
    Registered
    Join Date
    Apr 2005
    Location
    bih
    Posts
    462
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0
    you specify tool lengths in your CAM software so that's where you need to look. Look at the tools and "shorten" the 2.5mm bit by 2". And that's it!

    hope this helps!


  3. #3
    Registered
    Join Date
    Apr 2003
    Location
    Paris, Texas
    Posts
    401
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0
    If the drill bit is hitting my work surface before it gets to 0(top of work surface) shouldn't it be lengthened 2"?
    Donald


  4. #4
    Registered
    Join Date
    Apr 2005
    Location
    bih
    Posts
    462
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0
    erm yes, sorry, lenghten it by 2"


  5. #5
    Registered
    Join Date
    Apr 2003
    Location
    Paris, Texas
    Posts
    401
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0
    Ok, thanks.

    As for as the added lenght of the Chuck how do I account for it over the end mill holder? Is this in the tool setup screen as well?
    Donald


  6. #6
    Registered
    Join Date
    Aug 2005
    Location
    USA
    Posts
    1,622
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0
    Quote Originally Posted by dneisler
    If the drill bit is hitting my work surface before it gets to 0(top of work surface) shouldn't it be lengthened 2"?
    Doesn't the machine software have a tool library that you can set each tool off the top of the material?

    I would look in tool offsets or some other location of the control to define each tools attributes. Cam packages can take the diameter into account to follow a path, but more than likely the length of the tool must be set at the control on the machine in reference to the Z-axis. AKA tool1, tool2, toolxx. This will relate Z zero to the end of each tool and the top of your material.

    DC
    Learn cause and effect through experience. Mastering those relationships is the "Common Sense" ability within the art of any trade.


  7. #7
    Registered
    Join Date
    Apr 2003
    Location
    Paris, Texas
    Posts
    401
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0
    I am using Mach 3 demo, and using MCX and VM5 at school to do this. Considering buying OneCNC but the price really has me put off. I would like a full 4 axis setup for my sherline, but .....WOW
    Donald


  8. #8
    Registered
    Join Date
    Apr 2005
    Location
    bih
    Posts
    462
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0
    The best thing would be to do some measurements. Take out the chuck and put back the end mill holder. Lower the Z axis so your router touches the work surface. Set Z to 0. Then lift the Z axis, put the chuck on, put the drill bit in the chuck, and then lower the Z axis and see what number you get at the point where the drill touches the work surface. The number you get should be input as your tool length. And you're done!


  9. #9
    Registered
    Join Date
    Apr 2003
    Location
    Paris, Texas
    Posts
    401
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0
    Thanks guys, I will give this a shot and see what happens.
    Donald


Posting Permissions


 


About CNCzone.com

    We are the largest and most active discussion forum from DIY CNC Machines to the Cad/Cam software to run them. The site is 100% free to join and use, so join today!

Follow us on

Facebook Dribbble RSS Feed


Search Engine Friendly URLs by vBSEO ©2011, Crawlability, Inc.