- Joined
- May 3, 2020
- Messages
- 229
I am desperately short on time and I have heard that quick tool changes and a tool library really speed things up in the shop. So this post is my beginner questions about setting tools and using a DRO to keep track of cutters length on a mill.
I purchased a 5-axis import DRO labeled ToAuto. It came with 4 glass scales cut for the table, column, and quill of a G0755. The tool-library buttons are not on this model, which is a surprise. I assumed models with additional features had all of the features of models with 2 or 3 axes. So I'm trying to work around this mistake. I may be forced to buy a different readout but maybe it's not necessary.
Several people on the youtubes have shown how to use SDM settings to approximate the tool library. I gather SDM points are work offsets and the Z length is simulated by moving the work closer or farther from the spindle. For example, you set up a 1/2" endmill as Tool 1. You zero the ABS coordinate system on the corner of the work (x, and y) and use paper to find the top of the parallels. Now, with the Master Datum, established, other tools can be set up relative to this position, right? So change to 2nd tool and find the top of the parallel with paper and save the result for Tool 2, setting the z-value in SDM 2. Is that all that's required?
Should I also set X and Y for the tools saved in the SDM quasi library? It would take a little longer to drive the mill around to x=0, y=0 but maybe it would be worth the effort. That way, no matter what SDM you're using, the x-y position would be clear. To use sub-datums in the normal way, can you temporarily set x and y for that tool? After the operation you can return them to the origin.
Can I speed things up with a Haimer 3D probe? What if I use the Haimer 3D to set (0,0,0) in the ABS coordinate system? I suppose that would work but all the tool lengths would be relative to the length of the Haimer...
I'd like to avoid using paper to find the top of the parallel. It takes me a while to drive the table around and get everything set up. Also, I'm not convinced that it's very repeatable---depends on feel that I haven't developed yet. One possible solution is the Shars 2" tool setter. Obviously there's no point in probing the top of the tool setter with the Haimer because they're both moving parts. But the setter plunger can be compressed to be flush with the top. It reads reads -0.0554 when flush. What if I probe the top ring of the setter to establish z=0 in the ABS coordinate system. Then I can use the setter to establish z offsets of each tool but driving them down until the setter reads -0.0554 and teaching the z height for each tool. Then, after tools are entered, use the Haimer to probe the corner of the work (to establish x and y) and find the top of the parallel (z=0) in ABS mode. Once those new values are set, SDM positions will automatically shift, right?
Obviously I'm struggling with the basics here. Is it a good idea to deal with tools thisway? What's your routine? Is this even a good way to save time?
I purchased a 5-axis import DRO labeled ToAuto. It came with 4 glass scales cut for the table, column, and quill of a G0755. The tool-library buttons are not on this model, which is a surprise. I assumed models with additional features had all of the features of models with 2 or 3 axes. So I'm trying to work around this mistake. I may be forced to buy a different readout but maybe it's not necessary.
Several people on the youtubes have shown how to use SDM settings to approximate the tool library. I gather SDM points are work offsets and the Z length is simulated by moving the work closer or farther from the spindle. For example, you set up a 1/2" endmill as Tool 1. You zero the ABS coordinate system on the corner of the work (x, and y) and use paper to find the top of the parallels. Now, with the Master Datum, established, other tools can be set up relative to this position, right? So change to 2nd tool and find the top of the parallel with paper and save the result for Tool 2, setting the z-value in SDM 2. Is that all that's required?
Should I also set X and Y for the tools saved in the SDM quasi library? It would take a little longer to drive the mill around to x=0, y=0 but maybe it would be worth the effort. That way, no matter what SDM you're using, the x-y position would be clear. To use sub-datums in the normal way, can you temporarily set x and y for that tool? After the operation you can return them to the origin.
Can I speed things up with a Haimer 3D probe? What if I use the Haimer 3D to set (0,0,0) in the ABS coordinate system? I suppose that would work but all the tool lengths would be relative to the length of the Haimer...
I'd like to avoid using paper to find the top of the parallel. It takes me a while to drive the table around and get everything set up. Also, I'm not convinced that it's very repeatable---depends on feel that I haven't developed yet. One possible solution is the Shars 2" tool setter. Obviously there's no point in probing the top of the tool setter with the Haimer because they're both moving parts. But the setter plunger can be compressed to be flush with the top. It reads reads -0.0554 when flush. What if I probe the top ring of the setter to establish z=0 in the ABS coordinate system. Then I can use the setter to establish z offsets of each tool but driving them down until the setter reads -0.0554 and teaching the z height for each tool. Then, after tools are entered, use the Haimer to probe the corner of the work (to establish x and y) and find the top of the parallel (z=0) in ABS mode. Once those new values are set, SDM positions will automatically shift, right?
Obviously I'm struggling with the basics here. Is it a good idea to deal with tools thisway? What's your routine? Is this even a good way to save time?