Newbie- I need to know exactly how to touch off a tool

[boognish75]

Hi peeps, I am starting a new job at a really nice shop, I have operated cnc mills and lathes in the past, making offsets and tool changes mostly, and it has been a couple years since I have been in a shop as I tried to pursue a different goal that didnt work out so well, if I could please ask someone to post exactly how to touch off a tool so I can refresh myself on it I would greatly appreciate it, LOL, I dont wanna have my first day totally disasterous. Thank you in advance.

[LeeWay]

I.m not familiar with any pro machines, but from what I have seen in video's, the controllers vary in steps to do it as well as different types of touch off tools.
Youtube shows several different machines being touched off.

[boognish75]

from what i remember, you handle the tool in manually, using a 10 thou shim wigling it until the tool just touches the shim, stopping the shim from wiggling, you then go into (this is where i cant remember exactly) offsets or is it something else and add the 10 thou and enter it into the offsets, or is it tool settings, this is where i get a bit fuzzy, .
This stuff is like riding a bike to me, I love it, and cant wait to get back into it and absorb all I can like a sponge, but if I stay away for a few years like I did, hopping back on is a wobbely ride at first, lol, im sure I'll be riding a straight path in no time though,
ty for any advice you guys give, you seem to be a great community here.

[LeeWay]

Oh. Manually.
I was thinking you meant using table mounted touch off or probes in the spindle.

It's not great for accuracy, but easy on tools the way I use now.
I use a phone book page and the wiggle method. I slow my jog down to about 2% of 300 IPM rapids. That gets me as close as I need to get. Hard to do if you have a wet surface.
I plan on making a touch plate for mine to use with Mach 3. There are a few examples of those.

Just be forward with the guys or foreman on the job. Ask them what they use. They would likely prefer you to use a particular method or tool anyway on some nice fine machinery.

[boognish75]

thank you leeway for all of your help much appreciated.

[LeeWay]

By the Way, Welcome aboard and stop back by often. Sounds like you will be able to answer some questions too.
Good luck with the new job.