TL 1 Turret

[Radian Racing]

Ok now 1 month into TL1. From total Newbie to now really knowing that I know nothing!

Doing the G-code programming only.

Have made no of parts. Lots of tool changes on the Dorian toolpost.

And I realise i need the automatic tool turret.

Please tell me how do you set the height of tools in this turret? No adjustments? So back to shims to get tooltip at exact height?

Chris

[Geof]

Shims if necessary although I think you can shim the entire turret assembly to get the bottom of the tool pocket at 0.750" below center so most standard good quality insert holders will put the tip on center.

Just a hint: Retrofitting the Servo driven Turret is not a simple operation and needs new software and modification to Parameters. Make sure your local Haas dealer is up to speed on this, if they have not done it before make sure they are not charging you for all the learning time. I had one installed and the actual installation running cables and aligning and bolting the turret down takes about 3 to 4 hours; however, it then took several hours of fooling with software and talking to the service people at Haas Automation to get the software loaded and running.

[Radian Racing]

Thanks Geoff,
However tonight again spent so much time on tool changes.
Worked around to get a minimum by using the Iscar HELI 2020 multipurpose tool. That is the 4mm unit with which you can turn and face and part. Struggling a bit to optimise the feed to prevent fluff forming and whilst pushing the feed up and up I eventually damaged the tool. Had to file and fix and now running along on one leg.

Our Haas guys are quite up to speed (yes and they do contact Haas USA regularly to solve their problems). I am sure they will not charge extra time.

However please advise me if you found value for money by fitting the unit and would you recommend it.

[Geof]

.....However please advise me if you found value for money by fitting the unit and would you recommend it.

I would not be without it; I cannot imagine how anyone puts up with manual tool changes on a CNC machine.

The tool change time is less than 2 seconds and the repeatability is excellent.

[BobWarfield]

FWIW, I am pretty sure I have seen a gang tool setup for a TL-1 somewhere. Regrettably, I can't find the link (DOH!).

The gang tooling would likely be cheaper, and you could leave your QCTP in place on one of the gang positions. The downside is no tailstock unless you remove gang tooling that might interfere. The upside is it is dead simple and you can't find a faster toolchange (LOL!).

Just another thought.

Cheers,

BW

[Radian Racing]

Have already used the tailstock no of times and would continue to need it so I will have to go for the Haas ATC.

Only remaining problem would be reduced swing over saddle I think but will live with that in case of a large part will see how much work it would be to remove the ATC for such work if at all possible.

Thanks so much for advice.

[Geof]

The tool turret does not alter the swing over the cross slide.

It is not easy to remove, actually I think it is not practical to consider removing it because the cable harness does not detach.