Changing tools - newbie question-

rogwabbit · June 5, 2016, 12:15am

Luckily I added tool change positions into my software, so I have not even tried to do this in Carbide Motion. I like the Carbide create functions but the motion I think needs a lot of work to be more useful to me.

ChiknNutz · August 18, 2016, 2:48am

@rogwabbit
I see this is possible with your software, but how do you go about opening a file not created within your software…or is that even possible?

rogwabbit · August 18, 2016, 11:35am

Yes it runs any standard gcode file. I am working to integrate even more features, I’m thinking about being able to make it produce gcode to engrave .svg files soon and may add even a get more options. If I can decipher .stl files, 3d machining may come into it as well but that is huge effort and a bit premature at the moment.

gnlweirdness · September 30, 2016, 4:47pm

so Rich posted something I think might be of use for this thread. Please let me know if I am mistaken, but it looks to be exactly what you are all aiming to do. I am also a COMPLETE n00b so I have not had a chance to toy around with this yet. Please to spend the weekend getting to better know my machine.

How to make a box similar to this

Ok, take out your note pad and pay attention. It is very easy, and very easy to screw up. You should be using the latest version of Carbide Motion, and have at least 2 programs (one for each tool) to machine the part using the same XY&Z0 position.

Step 1. Home the machine
Step 2. Clear the offsets. The machine coordinates should read XYZ = 5 mm
Step 3. Find the part that you want to machine XY and Z0.
Step 4. Click on Zero ALL.
Step 5. Run your first program with the first tool. Ready for a tool change? Read on:

Tool Change:

Step a) Stop the spindle, and Jog the machine X, Y and Z to a position that is comfortable to access the tool. (I like to click on the pre-set rapid position Front Center)

Step b) Change the tool.

Step c) Raise the Z almost to the top.

Step d) Click on Rapid X and Y position. (The machine will remember the XY and Z positions even if you turn off the machine, but since you have changed the tool, the Z0 needs to be reset.

Step e) Carefully lower the machine, so that that the Z is a sheet of paper off your part.

Step f) Click on Zero Z

Step g) Raise the Z and start your next program

Feel free to ask any questions. but read this first (Maybe 3 or 4 times)

http://carbide3d.com/docs/tutorials/tool-change/

urbanwoodcrafters · October 24, 2016, 1:04am

Hey Everyone, Noob here… I think I figured out the solution to this tonight while messing around in Carbide Create and getting my hand-made layout drawings converted into CAD files for use with my new SO3 XXL.

Under the “Job Setup” (gear symbol) tab, there is a box right below the drop down for which model machine you are running, it appears to be defaulted to 12mm. After running a few tests, I determined that that is the height the z axis retracts from zero for tool changes.

I set mine to 25.4mm, which is the conversion to 1", and made a 1" wooden cube. When it comes time to do a tool change, the carriage will lift up, I simply remove the existing tool, then insert the new one. After I insert the new tool, I let it rest on the wooden cube while I tighten the collet.

Perfect every time I’ve tried it!

RichCournoyer · October 24, 2016, 1:24am

Steve,

I’m glad this works for you, but when you tighten the collet, the tool is drawn up off the block (upwards of 0,025"), but if this level of precision works for you, go for it.

urbanwoodcrafters · October 24, 2016, 11:46pm

Rich,

I’m mainly using the machine for cutting out wood pieces and engraving signs, so that level of precision does work for me. I can see where that may not be the case for users who are machining precision parts, but if the machine is only being used for basic cutting, I think it’s an easy solution.

Thanks

TheWoodNymph · January 22, 2017, 9:27pm

Adding the ability to re-zero the z axis would be extremely helpful. Running a separate job for each tool change is a very inelegant way to deal with a multi-tool job (which most of mine will be). This is my first post, so let me say this: thanks for a great product! Best addition to my woodworking arsenal ever.