[turbothis]

so if i use 2 tools in a manual tool change.
can i just m00 the program when its ready to swap?
then just input H2 in the code for the second cutter?

if the first cutter is longer by .805" can i just input 0 for tool 1 and .805" for tool 2 in the tool table?

matt

[greggv]

In most cnc machines, you'll have to set each tool's length to the controller. I think if you call tool 1 length's 0, you're gonna have problems.

[JEST]

As most machines use zero "0" by default, you should not need to set t1 to zero.
To answer your question, your "method" will work if you are using tool 1, to define part zero.
It is the wrong way to use the tool length register, but I've seen people have negative numbers for tool length (really!)

The tool length register should contain EXACTLY the length of the tool. (The length of the tool protruding from the holder, not the actual length...)
No math required. That is what the tool offset is for. To make the machine do the math. When you use the "H" word, the machine references, "how long is the tool?". If you are using the actual length, it is amazing how easy it is to confirm, at a glance, or with a pocket scale.

Try to keep things simple. I ask you this... If T1, breaks or dulls... So you change it... Do you realize that every other programmed tool length, is wrong now?
If you use the actual length of each tool, you only need to reset the length of T1. The other lengths are not related to each other, except, that the are all measured from the same point. You can change any cutter, drill... and it is the only new length you need to input. Hope you can follow this reasoning... Is exactly how the tool length table is intended to work.

[turbothis]

is there a simple video showing manual tool length input or a article on this? i am not a good reader but much better at learning from seeing.
thanks matt

[JEST]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PYUukknn7_8

[turbothis]

is there one like this for kmotion cnc?
right now i can set up the cutters with the same height or close enough. that way i just swap the cutter and hit cycle start again.

[stucapco]

Scrap paper, it's .003-ish, get in get out
I'm sure there's a simple TLO procedure.
I't will quickly become second nature.

[turbothis]

i just need a good hand holding. dont want to punch to much into the vice. lol

[JEST]

Sorry but not much video documentation out there... I can only explain the "goal" and that your table should have values that you can readily understand (or an experienced user would understand)

The video link I provided, is more about understanding the method/process of establishing the tool length. You must learn how to use your machine and measure your tools.

Here is from the DynoMotion web site showing the same "actual" tool length input
Attachment 269520
G Code Screen

[turbothis]

i think i will just put some wood in the vice and learn this the rocky way. lol
kinda story of my life....
i set my 2 cutters to the same length and cut some parts today though. i really like the M00 function. i do a lot of hand tuning my code so this is an effective manual tool change for me.
thanks of the help though!
matt

[stucapco]

Practice will very quickly turn into skill. <--- that

[turbothis]

yep, i am tenacious as hell too!