Okay I now have both the bit setter n probe. I’m running the new version of CM. Is there any place with updated directions for how to use both?
All that is needed is to set the Post Processor to Carbide 3D Shapeoko in Carbide Create and to configure the BitSetter as noted in the installation instructions.
Bit Setter is checking your tool length against the last time you set Z zero. The last time you set Z zero may be the last time you run our machine yesterday.
So when your machine initializes it will come to the front and ask for a “Tool” any tool including the one you may already have in your router. After you hit “Resume” the bit will travel to the BitSetter and CM is comparing the current bit to the last time you set zero and setting the current bit to the last Z Zero.
So then you will set up your stock and jog to set your X Y and Z zero either manually or with the BitZero. If you use the BitZero there are two ways to use it. The first is X Y and Z zero. That has you place the BitZero over the corner of your work and part of the BitZero will overhang the corner. You are prompted for what bit you are using and then probe and X Y and Z are set to Zero. The second way to use the BitZero is just Z. With the second way you put the whole BitZero on top of your stock and do not let it overhang the edge. Pick Just Z and you are prompted to probe and your Z zero is set on your stock.
Then load up your gcode and you are ready to run. The machine remembers your last time you set X Y and Z and is ready to run a job.
Anytime you want to change a tool you must use the CM interface to “Change Tool”. If you just jog over to the front and change the bit the machine does not know how long your bit is sticking out. So always go through the CM interface in “Run” to change a tool manually. Using CM to change the tool will keep you out of trouble.
When you have multiple tools in a job just create the tool paths and order them so the least invasive cut is made first and make sure the cutouts are in the last position. Then just save the gcode and all tool paths will be saved in to a single gcode file. When you start the job you will be prompted for the first tool and it will cut that tool path. If the second tool path uses the same bit you will not be prompted to replace the bit. If any other tool paths have different bits you will be prompted to change the tool and the tool will be taken to the BitSetter and the comparison is made from the last time you set Z zero and a new zero for that tool is set automatically. When the job is finished the router will move to the back. If you have a BitRunner the router will turn off and on automatically. If you do not have a BitRunner you will be prompted on the screen to turn on and off the router. Always make sure you have turned the router off before trying to make a tool change.
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