You are a legend my friend! Your videos helped me retrofit my chinese cnc router with UCNC motion controller all the way to the last bit which is tool change. Very much appreciated from your neighbour Australia.
Thanks from across the ditch Peter - a very helpful video. I'm only just starting with CNC and your instructional style is excellent for helping others gain knowledge and experience.
Thanks Ted 007 For different cutter diameters you need to change the Gcode file. There is cutter compensation but this is for adjusting for cutter wear. Cheers Peter
Thank you for showing this . I had been doing tool changes the hard way. and now that I have some of the Tormach TTS endmill holders I needed to set my cnc mill up so my Mach3 controller could account for the offsets and tools.
Hi Peter, happy new year! Your spindle looks like mine but my spindle is water cooled, doesn’t yours require water cooling? Your videos are helping a lot, thanks mate Malcolm
Maybe you could show how to use the tool offset page in Mach (for when you want to switch from 'top-of-stock' reference to 'top-of-table' reference. Your T2 H2 would become something like T2 H12. You could set both of these at the time of the second tool change, thereby bypassing the need to stop to machine for the T2 H12 toolchange. This is how an ATC would function anyway, rather than resetting the G54 Z-offset every time. Again, another excellent video Peter. Thumbs up and best wishes for the New Year :)
+Keith Gree Thanks Keith. Interesting Idea but I think I will keep things simple. Never really thought about the tool offset tables as I knew they were there for ATC but I can see what you mean. Happy new year
Very nice I did not know you could move the cutter and that it would take off where it left off. Question if I have a auto z probe can that be run while MACH is waiting?
Hi Peter. Thanks fpr sharing all these videos. I have a questions regarding to find a Z0 spot after changing the tool. When you put the second tool, do you always need to put it down manually? Is it possible to program it to do it automatically?
Happy new year, Pete. Nice informative video. I have a question - My CNC uses Mach 3 running on an old Dell PC with Windows XP OS. My issue is I no longer have the Windows XP disk and life in the shed has been pretty hard on the old Dell. I would rather use a laptop that I can design on inside the house, then take it outside and plug it into the CNC. My new issue is that the laptop has windows 7 on it and it doesn't have a 25 pin serial port. What is your opinion on what is the best solution? Do I persevere with the old Dell (while she still has life), or is there a better way (either different software and / or hardware). I would appreciate your input. Cheers
Thanks and Happy New Year. You ask an interesting question and I can only offer my opinion on the matter. The Parallel port is a thing of the past in Laptops at least. Mach3 on Windows 7 64 bit version won't work with a Parallel port anyway so you are probably best to forget Parallel ports and move on. A dedicated motion controller is the most popular options and products from Smoothestepper and the UCCNC seem to be the most common. The Smoothstepper range work with Mach3 & 4 while the UCCNC products work with Mach 3, 4 & UCCNC software as well. My personal opinion is the UCCNC is the better of the 2 because it covers a wider range of motion control software. The fact that UCCNC make their own software and hardware should be an advantage as it should give the best compatibility unlike Mach3 which is the jack of all trades. Next problem Ethernet or USB. Here the answer is clear. Go for the Ethernet version. I personally dislike USB in the workshop and don't believe it has the required noise immunity that Ethernet provides. It is the worlds most common wired communications protocol and is very robust. I know that many people have no proble using the USB versions of the various products but I personally still don't like them. So if you want to take your laptop from the house and use it with your machine I would get a UC400 Ethernet motion Controller . If I needed more inputs and analogue I/O than a UC300ETH-5LPT Motion Controller would be my choice. I would keep using Mach3. This is just my thought and may be entirely wrong for your setup or budget but it will give you something to think about. Cheers Peter
Have a look at this video. ua-cam.com/users/edit?o=U&video_id=rzsuPMN7U94 I install UCCNC complete with my pendant. It will give you an idea of how it works with the screenset provided by UCCNC. Check under the video for a link to my pendant setup info as well as where you can get a pendant like mine. Let me know if you need more info Cheers Peter
Sir how to set z zero when we use three tools for portrait designing because I use one tool for roughing , second for semi Clea and third final finish,so where we set z zero for semi clean and final finish tool after roughing tool, complete
hello, I found your video is very good, I have art cam pro, i have named different tool number, but when I am going to save the project, it tells me that the postprossero does not support tool changer. and it does not have the output file that you sho on your video, for tool change. can i use any other one?
Hi, excellent video ! You may have covered it somewhere, but I'll try anyway. So I add a tool change in my setup, but I cannot Jog the tool. I have to hit Stop to be able to jog. Any ideas? rgds
I cannot imagine why it would do that. Mach3 and UCCNC have always behaved as shown in the video when it comes to a tool change. Which controll software are you using? Cheers Peter
Any chance you know how to do a tool change using the tool table offset in mach3? this would prevent from having to zero each time Im thinking zero out at the first tool of the run then the next tool changes dont need to be zero, maybe it does not work that way not sure, Im not having any luck, my spindle wants to crash each time I get to N230 G49 G0 Z0 it starts to go down in to the part. N100 G20 N110 G0 G17 G40 G49 G80 G90 (1/8 drill) N120 G49 T3 M6 N130 G0 G90 G54 X-.61 Y.61 A0. s2139 M3 N140 G43 H3 Z2. N150 Z.1 N160 G99 G83 Z-.55 R.1 Q.1 F4.11 N170 X.61 N180 X-.61 Y-.61 N190 X.61 N200 G80 N210 Z2. N220 M5 G230 G49 G0 Z0 any help in pointing me in he right direction would be appreciated
I haven't used the tool table in Mach3 because that is for auto tool changers with measured tool heights that don't alter each time you put the tool in place. The tools are in holder's. Line 230 tells the cutter to rapid down to z0 which is why they head in that direction. If you are using an auto tool changer you need to get your supplier to sort out the issue. If you are manually changing the tool it needs to be measured each time. Gerry has the 2010 screenset for Mach3 that does that automatically if I'm not mistaken. Check it out and see if I'm right. Gerry will be able to answer your questions and here is a video I found that seems to show what I mean. ua-cam.com/video/Ysw7qevPG-g/v-deo.html Cheers Peter
Hellow, Peter your video is so clear, I've done exactly what you explain, and it's perfect, the axes follow the path, perfect, but when it is already finished, i can't put the Z axis in 0 it keeps the hight of the piece I cut. ¿ how can I solve this? thank for the answer.
Hi Alan, Not really sure what you mean by tool offset in this instance. The only thing you need to do is zero the cutter height using whatever method you like, manual or auto. The X&Y do not change. Only the Z. Cheers Peter
Hi, Thanks for the help. I tried exactly what you said. the circle cuts and wait for the tool change, when I change the tool for square, then the square is cutting from the different location, did I missed something? I tried some other videos but they are playing with Macro kind of things which is not my kind, I don't understand a single bit of coding. Please Help me Spiderman
Make sure you're only zeroing the Z-axis after a tool change. X and Y-axis should be left so the position isn't lost in the middle of the project. Hope that makes sense :)
Hi Michael. Downcut bits are what you want for plywood followed by straight flute bits if you can't find the downcut. Note that you cannot drill holes with either of these bits as you risk a fire. For holes use either drills or upcut bits but these will give you chipout on the top of the ply. Cheers Peter
Thanks for the video. I was hoping that you would have information about the same, but with a touch plate script running at tool change. I use a touch plate with a script that does height, or x y and z to corner. I want to be able to have an m6, change the tool and then run the touch plate script and then start the cycle again. Can you run a touch plate script while the job is paused and then go back to the job?
+M W When the machine stop for the tool change you can use your touch plate to reset the Z height as you usually do then hit cycle start and the machine will continue from where it left off. Cheers Peter
I have done what you are asking. I just copied my touch plate script in the M6Start macro, now when I start my tool path. The router does its touch off (I have mine at a specific Location) then returns to my start offset which is a G54, then i hit the cycle start and off it goes to the next change.
+M W I think there is a tool changer location in Mach3 that you can configure. Not sure it will automatically move to that spot but it might. Cheers Peter
An idea for a video: I have had problems with my work materiel moving while the CNC is machining it. How do you decide where you need clamps/braces for cutting something?
Hi Raymond, A interesting question. I am limited as to where I can put my holddowns as the tracks determine where I can put them. I generally put them where they won't get hit (I hope) and if I can see an area that is raised because of stock warping I will put a holding clamp there as well. If I can't get a clamp there I sometimes resort to a nail or screw for additional fixing but try and avoid itif I can. To make sure I don't hit a clamp I bring the file to be cut up on the screen and tehn jog around to watching the screen to make sure the clamps are outside the cutting area. I will add your suggestion to the list of video ideas. Thanks Peter
If you re-zero to the top of the spoil board then you must be setting the top of part a positive number in your toolpath say something like "top of part 0.75" rather than saying top of part 0. Also, I assume you must be zeroing the axis's somewhere off the part in order to not drive the cutter into the workpiece when you go to zero. These are questions I'm not criticizing. BTW what does the To Go button do?
You misunderstood Jim. The spoilboard is - 0.75 the top of the material is 0 ish. In CAM the z0 point is the top of the stock. Have a look at the video below. It will explain better. GOTO Zero moves the X, Y & Z to 0 Cheers Peter ua-cam.com/video/1MHyDKkRN0Q/v-deo.html
@@cncnutz Ok, I think I'm getting a better idea of what you're doing. Normally I've been using 0 as the top of my material, what I seem to be needing to do for generating g-code is call out the nominal thickness as the top of my material for and set the target depth as 0 which is the top of the spoilboard. This now leaves me with G-code that needs to be edited (I use Cam-Bam). In order for me not to crash into my stock before the spindle is raised to a start position, I have to make an edit that raises the cutter at least as high as the nominal part height. Not that hard to do since I edit a lot of start and end code to my G-code anyway (such as G28 and G30 and G4's for spindle run-up). Also, I get the "Go To Zero" button. It's the button between go to zero and machine co-ordinates button I'm wondering about. The one called "To Go". Thanks for your reply. I think this is going to be helpful to me.
I propose to somewhat lower the sound level on start of the videos? We all appreciate your videos w/o getting an ear blust into headphones ;) Just humble proposal.
Thanks for the suggestion, I do boost the opening music a bit at the opening so I will try it next time set to the same level as the rest of the audio and see that is better. Cheers Peter
Hi Peter, Not sure if you can help, but, I just purchased an Auto Tool Change spindle JGL-80/2.2R30-20 to replace my basic 2.2kW spindle from www.jian-ken.com/automatic-pneumatic-tool-change-spindle-motor/jgl-80-1-5kw-2-2kw-2-5kw-24000rpm-40000rpm.html and the problem is that there is no Screen set for Mach3 to run it (now I find out). I will be using an 8 tool rack, not a rotary changer. Would you have a screen set or macro that would run this, or be able to point me in the right direction? There is one i can purchase for USD100 but would prefer the less expensive option (free). I have no idea how to write code so this is not an option for me. Thanks, Kind Regards, Dean
Can't help you Dean. I have never played with a tool changer and if there isn't a suitable screenset available from the Mach3 website all I can suggest is you ask on the CNCzone website. Cheers Peter
I've never looked at a tool changer, not having one, but are you sure you need a special screenset? Surely the logic is all part of Mach3. I don't know as I have never looked. A screenset could have special scripts etc for the tool changer I suppose. Now you have me wondering. Cheers Peter
@@cncnutz Not sure so much that I need a screenset but more the macro, but having a screenset would be much easier to use. Mach3 doesn't have anything for ATC as part of its settings. There is one that I can download form Mach3 website which someone has uploaded, but it is in German. This is the screenset I am looking at which is USD100. See here ua-cam.com/video/gdekoAPNO6A/v-deo.html&gl I contacted this guy and asked a few questions, but he advised me to wait until his next release in Mid Feb, but in the meantime, I am seeing what else I can find.
You are a legend my friend! Your videos helped me retrofit my chinese cnc router with UCNC motion controller all the way to the last bit which is tool change. Very much appreciated from your neighbour Australia.
Thanks N O S
Glad it helps.
Cheers Peter
New to Mach3 & learned something new. Thank You!
thank you Peter for that tip, im new to mach3, 9 days ago, your videos are helping out alot. cheers mate.
Thanks Anthony
Thanks from across the ditch Peter - a very helpful video. I'm only just starting with CNC and your instructional style is excellent for helping others gain knowledge and experience.
+justcruisin109
Thanks justcrusin glad it helps.
Cheers
Peter
Hello Peter,
time for a big Thank You!
I have learned a lot watching Your great videos.
many greetings from Germany
Harald
Thanks Harald
Hi Peter, Thanks for your time and effort in making these videos, I found this very usefull.
Thanks John
Happy New Year Peter. That will save me making separate files for each tool.
+Dave Bassett
Thanks Dave and a happy new year to you.
Cheers
Peter
I love you man! You saved the day! Shout out to Peter!
Thanks
A brilliant start to the new year Peter, that was really interesting thank you very much and happy new year to you.
Thanks Bernie
Hi nut...im hsving issues with recently upgradrd mach3 cnc not making round circles ...pre mach3 the cnc did circles perfect.
Loved the video !
How does one adjust ( compensate ) for a different diameter cutter??
Thanks Ted 007
For different cutter diameters you need to change the Gcode file. There is cutter compensation but this is for adjusting for cutter wear.
Cheers Peter
wonderful you tells every thing very clearly
Thanks
Wow thanks a lot for this one. I was searching a bit, but wasn't fully sure. Your video are just perfect for ! great
Thanks JF, I'm glad it helps
Cheers
Peter
well done Peter - concise....
Thanks Dan
Thank you for showing this . I had been doing tool changes the hard way. and now that I have some of the Tormach TTS endmill holders I needed to set my cnc mill up so my Mach3 controller could account for the offsets and tools.
Glad it helps.
Cheers
Peter
Great! I have learned a lot from your videos. Keep up the good work.
+Jimmy Ricard
Thinks Jimmy
Hi Peter, happy new year! Your spindle looks like mine but my spindle is water cooled, doesn’t yours require water cooling? Your videos are helping a lot, thanks mate
Malcolm
+Malcolm Daly
Mine is an an air cooled spindle so is a much simpler setup than having to mess around with coolant.
Happy new year
Peter
Maybe you could show how to use the tool offset page in Mach (for when you want to switch from 'top-of-stock' reference to 'top-of-table' reference. Your T2 H2 would become something like T2 H12. You could set both of these at the time of the second tool change, thereby bypassing the need to stop to machine for the T2 H12 toolchange. This is how an ATC would function anyway, rather than resetting the G54 Z-offset every time. Again, another excellent video Peter. Thumbs up and best wishes for the New Year :)
+Keith Gree
Thanks Keith. Interesting Idea but I think I will keep things simple. Never really thought about the tool offset tables as I knew they were there for ATC but I can see what you mean.
Happy new year
Very nice I did not know you could move the cutter and that it would take off where it left off. Question if I have a auto z probe can that be run while MACH is waiting?
Yes it can Neil.
Hi Peter. Thanks fpr sharing all these videos. I have a questions regarding to find a Z0 spot after changing the tool. When you put the second tool, do you always need to put it down manually? Is it possible to program it to do it automatically?
Yes you can have automatic tool setter. Check out my videos 203 - 205
Great video Peter, I've been using the M00 for a change tool comment. I like your method much more thanks.
+Andy Stark
Thanks Andy
Easy enough. Thanks for the video!
Thanks Frank. Glad it helps.
Cheers
Peter
A true legend🤝🇿🇦
Thanks for useful video 🙂
Happy new year, Pete. Nice informative video. I have a question - My CNC uses Mach 3 running on an old Dell PC with Windows XP OS. My issue is I no longer have the Windows XP disk and life in the shed has been pretty hard on the old Dell. I would rather use a laptop that I can design on inside the house, then take it outside and plug it into the CNC. My new issue is that the laptop has windows 7 on it and it doesn't have a 25 pin serial port. What is your opinion on what is the best solution? Do I persevere with the old Dell (while she still has life), or is there a better way (either different software and / or hardware). I would appreciate your input. Cheers
Thanks and Happy New Year.
You ask an interesting question and I can only offer my opinion on the matter.
The Parallel port is a thing of the past in Laptops at least. Mach3 on Windows 7 64 bit version won't work with a Parallel port anyway so you are probably best to forget Parallel ports and move on. A dedicated motion controller is the most popular options and products from Smoothestepper and the UCCNC seem to be the most common. The Smoothstepper range work with Mach3 & 4 while the UCCNC products work with Mach 3, 4 & UCCNC software as well. My personal opinion is the UCCNC is the better of the 2 because it covers a wider range of motion control software. The fact that UCCNC make their own software and hardware should be an advantage as it should give the best compatibility unlike Mach3 which is the jack of all trades. Next problem Ethernet or USB. Here the answer is clear. Go for the Ethernet version. I personally dislike USB in the workshop and don't believe it has the required noise immunity that Ethernet provides. It is the worlds most common wired communications protocol and is very robust. I know that many people have no proble using the USB versions of the various products but I personally still don't like them. So if you want to take your laptop from the house and use it with your machine I would get a UC400 Ethernet motion Controller . If I needed more inputs and analogue I/O than a UC300ETH-5LPT Motion Controller would be my choice. I would keep using Mach3.
This is just my thought and may be entirely wrong for your setup or budget but it will give you something to think about.
Cheers
Peter
I’m saddened I didn’t get my Chip fix. Ha ha. Great information as usual Peter
Thanks Ryan,
Been doing that for years. One of these days Im going to add some script to male the spindle to go to a pre defined place..
Good one John. All you need to get is a round Tuit.
Happy new year , great info as always
+MegaTopdogs
Thanks Geert
Hi Peter
The pendant you use. Does it work with uccnc?
Thanks
Have a look at this video.
ua-cam.com/users/edit?o=U&video_id=rzsuPMN7U94
I install UCCNC complete with my pendant.
It will give you an idea of how it works with the screenset provided by UCCNC.
Check under the video for a link to my pendant setup info as well as where you can get a pendant like mine.
Let me know if you need more info
Cheers
Peter
Thanks a lot sir
Massive help, thank you very much
Glad it helps.
Cheers
Peter
Sir how to set z zero when we use three tools for portrait designing because I use one tool for roughing , second for semi Clea and third final finish,so where we set z zero for semi clean and final finish tool after roughing tool, complete
Appreciate the video 👍
Thanks
Cheers Peter
hello, I found your video is very good, I have art cam pro, i have named different tool number, but when I am going to save the project, it tells me that the postprossero does not support tool changer. and it does not have the output file that you sho on your video, for tool change. can i use any other one?
I do not use Artcam but if I had to guess I would say you are using the wrong post processor. You will need to check with Artcam.
Cheers
Peter
Hi Peter,
Is this procedure applicable in masso controller?
Thanks in advance
Rex
Great video, but at 12:12 you scare me, do you have some spindle up delay?
Yes I use a spin up time on my spindle to allow it to get up to speed before starting to cut.
Cheers Peter
Thank much for another great video Peter! And Happy New Year!!!
Thanks Lyle and a Happy New Year to you and yours.
Hi, excellent video ! You may have covered it somewhere, but I'll try anyway. So I add a tool change in my setup, but I cannot Jog the tool. I have to hit Stop to be able to jog. Any ideas? rgds
I cannot imagine why it would do that. Mach3 and UCCNC have always behaved as shown in the video when it comes to a tool change.
Which controll software are you using?
Cheers
Peter
Hi, its Mach 3, i suppose thats all that matters.. Version 3.043 something.I am puzzled too, google seems inconclusive.
I'm pretty sure that is the one I am running. Please email me if you want and e can investigate it further.
Cheers
Peter
I will ! There might be a minor tick of box somewhere that does this.
Also..i notice during your tool change the z doesnt raise up ?...it should raise up so you csn change tool.
Any chance you know how to do a tool change using the tool table offset in mach3? this would prevent from having to zero each time Im thinking zero out at the first tool of the run then the next tool changes dont need to be zero, maybe it does not work that way not sure, Im not having any luck, my spindle wants to crash each time I get to N230 G49 G0 Z0 it starts to go down in to the part.
N100 G20
N110 G0 G17 G40 G49 G80 G90
(1/8 drill)
N120 G49 T3 M6
N130 G0 G90 G54 X-.61 Y.61 A0. s2139 M3
N140 G43 H3 Z2.
N150 Z.1
N160 G99 G83 Z-.55 R.1 Q.1 F4.11
N170 X.61
N180 X-.61 Y-.61
N190 X.61
N200 G80
N210 Z2.
N220 M5
G230 G49 G0 Z0
any help in pointing me in he right direction would be appreciated
I haven't used the tool table in Mach3 because that is for auto tool changers with measured tool heights that don't alter each time you put the tool in place. The tools are in holder's. Line 230 tells the cutter to rapid down to z0 which is why they head in that direction. If you are using an auto tool changer you need to get your supplier to sort out the issue. If you are manually changing the tool it needs to be measured each time. Gerry has the 2010 screenset for Mach3 that does that automatically if I'm not mistaken. Check it out and see if I'm right. Gerry will be able to answer your questions and here is a video I found that seems to show what I mean.
ua-cam.com/video/Ysw7qevPG-g/v-deo.html
Cheers
Peter
Hellow, Peter your video is so clear, I've done exactly what you explain, and it's perfect, the axes follow the path, perfect, but when it is already finished, i can't put the Z axis in 0 it keeps the hight of the piece I cut. ¿ how can I solve this? thank for the answer.
Hi Alejandro
Sorry I can't quite understand the issue that you are having.
Cheers Peter
Thanks for the info. I am sure it will come in handy soon.
+Saw Dust Maker
Thanks SDM
On the second tool . Do you need the set the tool offset too? Thanks
Hi Alan,
Not really sure what you mean by tool offset in this instance. The only thing you need to do is zero the cutter height using whatever method you like, manual or auto.
The X&Y do not change. Only the Z.
Cheers
Peter
Great video... thank you.
Thanks Warren
Your a life saver. TY bud!
Thanks Mark
Hi, Thanks for the help. I tried exactly what you said. the circle cuts and wait for the tool change, when I change the tool for square, then the square is cutting from the different location, did I missed something? I tried some other videos but they are playing with Macro kind of things which is not my kind, I don't understand a single bit of coding. Please Help me Spiderman
Make sure you're only zeroing the Z-axis after a tool change. X and Y-axis should be left so the position isn't lost in the middle of the project. Hope that makes sense :)
What's a good bit to use for plywood so it won't Splinter all the pieces
Hi Michael. Downcut bits are what you want for plywood followed by straight flute bits if you can't find the downcut. Note that you cannot drill holes with either of these bits as you risk a fire. For holes use either drills or upcut bits but these will give you chipout on the top of the ply.
Cheers
Peter
Thanks for the video. I was hoping that you would have information about the same, but with a touch plate script running at tool change. I use a touch plate with a script that does height, or x y and z to corner. I want to be able to have an m6, change the tool and then run the touch plate script and then start the cycle again. Can you run a touch plate script while the job is paused and then go back to the job?
+M W
When the machine stop for the tool change you can use your touch plate to reset the Z height as you usually do then hit cycle start and the machine will continue from where it left off.
Cheers
Peter
I have done what you are asking. I just copied my touch plate script in the M6Start macro, now when I start my tool path. The router does its touch off (I have mine at a specific Location) then returns to my start offset which is a G54, then i hit the cycle start and off it goes to the next change.
Thanks for the tip, I'm going to try that. I wonder if I can set a position at the beginning of a job as the position to go to during that call.
+M W
I think there is a tool changer location in Mach3 that you can configure. Not sure it will automatically move to that spot but it might.
Cheers
Peter
An idea for a video: I have had problems with my work materiel moving while the CNC is machining it. How do you decide where you need clamps/braces for cutting something?
Hi Raymond,
A interesting question. I am limited as to where I can put my holddowns as the tracks determine where I can put them. I generally put them where they won't get hit (I hope) and if I can see an area that is raised because of stock warping I will put a holding clamp there as well. If I can't get a clamp there I sometimes resort to a nail or screw for additional fixing but try and avoid itif I can. To make sure I don't hit a clamp I bring the file to be cut up on the screen and tehn jog around to watching the screen to make sure the clamps are outside the cutting area. I will add your suggestion to the list of video ideas.
Thanks
Peter
thank you peter
+Tom S
No problem Tom
Hi , I am following you video step by step , but I am loosing the Z position ! The second tool start to high , I am getting frustrated ! please help
I'm sorry you are having issues with getting this going. If you can please email me I will see what I can do to help you out.
Cheers
Peter
If you re-zero to the top of the spoil board then you must be setting the top of part a positive number in your toolpath say something like "top of part 0.75" rather than saying top of part 0. Also, I assume you must be zeroing the axis's somewhere off the part in order to not drive the cutter into the workpiece when you go to zero. These are questions I'm not criticizing. BTW what does the To Go button do?
You misunderstood Jim. The spoilboard is - 0.75 the top of the material is 0 ish. In CAM the z0 point is the top of the stock. Have a look at the video below. It will explain better. GOTO Zero moves the X, Y & Z to 0
Cheers
Peter
ua-cam.com/video/1MHyDKkRN0Q/v-deo.html
@@cncnutz Ok, I think I'm getting a better idea of what you're doing. Normally I've been using 0 as the top of my material, what I seem to be needing to do for generating g-code is call out the nominal thickness as the top of my material for and set the target depth as 0 which is the top of the spoilboard. This now leaves me with G-code that needs to be edited (I use Cam-Bam). In order for me not to crash into my stock before the spindle is raised to a start position, I have to make an edit that raises the cutter at least as high as the nominal part height. Not that hard to do since I edit a lot of start and end code to my G-code anyway (such as G28 and G30 and G4's for spindle run-up). Also, I get the "Go To Zero" button. It's the button between go to zero and machine co-ordinates button I'm wondering about. The one called "To Go". Thanks for your reply. I think this is going to be helpful to me.
I propose to somewhat lower the sound level on start of the videos? We all appreciate your videos w/o getting an ear blust into headphones ;) Just humble proposal.
Thanks for the suggestion,
I do boost the opening music a bit at the opening so I will try it next time set to the same level as the rest of the audio and see that is better.
Cheers
Peter
Nice, thanks. I like (Milford) Sounds and your videos very much! ;)
Is there a way to make tool change in AutoCad and then make gcode ?
Sorry I'm not familiar with Autocad .
Cheers
Peter
Hi Peter, Not sure if you can help, but, I just purchased an Auto Tool Change spindle JGL-80/2.2R30-20 to replace my basic 2.2kW spindle from www.jian-ken.com/automatic-pneumatic-tool-change-spindle-motor/jgl-80-1-5kw-2-2kw-2-5kw-24000rpm-40000rpm.html and the problem is that there is no Screen set for Mach3 to run it (now I find out). I will be using an 8 tool rack, not a rotary changer. Would you have a screen set or macro that would run this, or be able to point me in the right direction? There is one i can purchase for USD100 but would prefer the less expensive option (free). I have no idea how to write code so this is not an option for me. Thanks, Kind Regards, Dean
Can't help you Dean. I have never played with a tool changer and if there isn't a suitable screenset available from the Mach3 website all I can suggest is you ask on the CNCzone website.
Cheers
Peter
@@cncnutz Thanks Peter, Just thought I would ask in case you or Chip had one tucked away. Will check the CNCzone website as suggested. Thanks again
I've never looked at a tool changer, not having one, but are you sure you need a special screenset? Surely the logic is all part of Mach3. I don't know as I have never looked. A screenset could have special scripts etc for the tool changer I suppose. Now you have me wondering.
Cheers
Peter
@@cncnutz Not sure so much that I need a screenset but more the macro, but having a screenset would be much easier to use. Mach3 doesn't have anything for ATC as part of its settings. There is one that I can download form Mach3 website which someone has uploaded, but it is in German. This is the screenset I am looking at which is USD100. See here ua-cam.com/video/gdekoAPNO6A/v-deo.html&gl I contacted this guy and asked a few questions, but he advised me to wait until his next release in Mid Feb, but in the meantime, I am seeing what else I can find.