Iconic4 tool change in mid-job does my 0/0 stay intact?

[windcrest77]

I'm doing my first project (Vetric) that will require 4 tool changes and 4 tool paths. When I try to save my MMG file I get an error in Vectric saying that my machine doesnt support tool changes. I understand that its not automatic changes. But I do need to know where the gantry will stop between tools so I can change them manually and use the sensor puck, and most importantly not lose my 0/0 X/Y in the process. So how do I manage this? Is the checkist below what I can expect at run time? What happens at step 5?

1) Create 4 separate MMG files one for each tool
2) Home the machine to machine home, set the material, move gantry to lower left of material, and set X/Y 0/0 to there
3) Set Z of my first tool
4) Run my first tool path

5) Where will the gantry stop so I can change to my next tool? Will it stop at the material 0/0 I set or will it go back to machine home? Ideally I'd like it to stop at material 0/0 so I can simply puck out my next tool there and go with the next tool. If it goes to machine home, does that mean I lost my real material home?

6) Set Z of tool #2 and run tool #2
7) Set Z of tool #3 and run tool #3
8) Set Z of tool #4 and run tool #4

Sorry for the newby question but my confidence of doing a mid-job tool change is low until I've done it at least once. 

[gerry]

It doesn't matter where the gantry stops. When you set the Z height for the first, MARK IT. Make sure it is not a point that will be cut away at some later time. You ALWAYS want to set your Z height from the same exact spot. That way there is no difference in the material height between tool changes.

Example: You initially set the first rough cut pass @ Spot1. You set your next tool change @ Spot2. The numbers say both tools are at zero. The problem is that the Spot2 material is 0.05" thicker than Spot1, because the lumber is not perfectly flat. Tool2 now leaves a ridge 0.05" high in relation to Tool1. And.... there will be a time when you cut away material from Spot1.. because you picked the wrong spot.   Don't worry, make the best of it, because we all do it from time to time. 

[Mezalick]

If you choose to set your Z Zero from the spoil board and you have run your surfacing toolpath so the spoil board if flat, you can then use anywhere on the spoil board to set your Z Zero..

[windcrest77]

Thanks all,

I ran my job to cut an 11 x 11 inch sheet of .125 inch aluminum with 4 tools. It went pretty good, I'm learning. Going forward I'll probably use 3 flute, center cut, 45 degree tools for drilling. And then go to either 1 or two flute 45 degree tools for the pocketing. I made the mistake of using a 4 flute 43 degree tool for aluminum and that was a disaster for both drilling or pocketing, all dust no chips.

Feeds and speeds and proper tooling seem to be a black art though. I wish Axiom had a class that simply concentrated on learning what all the different tools are, how to determine best feeds and speeds for all possible materials, tips on setting material in the machine clamping, etc. In other words a class on machining. I really don't need a class to learn the Vetric software as I do that all day long at work learning dozens of new software every year and Vetric is pretty easy so far. I'd definitely drive to Ohio though for a good tools and machining class to understand chip rates, etc. to get the most efficient cutting. My 4 flute bit on aluminum sounded like a monkey was being tortured with a dull pocket knife, I'd rather have learned that one in a class!

[johnb]

Jul 11, 2020 15:03:25 GMT -5 windcrest77 said:

Thanks all,

I ran my job to cut an 11 x 11 inch sheet of .125 inch aluminum with 4 tools. It went pretty good, I'm learning. Going forward I'll probably use 3 flute, center cut, 45 degree tools for drilling. And then go to either 1 or two flute 45 degree tools for the pocketing. I made the mistake of using a 4 flute 43 degree tool for aluminum and that was a disaster for both drilling or pocketing, all dust no chips.

Feeds and speeds and proper tooling seem to be a black art though. I wish Axiom had a class that simply concentrated on learning what all the different tools are, how to determine best feeds and speeds for all possible materials, tips on setting material in the machine clamping, etc. In other words a class on machining. I really don't need a class to learn the Vetric software as I do that all day long at work learning dozens of new software every year and Vetric is pretty easy so far. I'd definitely drive to Ohio though for a good tools and machining class to understand chip rates, etc. to get the most efficient cutting. My 4 flute bit on aluminum sounded like a monkey was being tortured with a dull pocket knife, I'd rather have learned that one in a class!

You probably want to be using single flute aluminum-specific bits.  Here's what Axiom offers (Amana has a bigger selection)  www.axiomprecision.com/accessories/router-bits/axiom-2pc-cnc-alluminum-bit-set.html

[Mezalick]

Windcrest77,
Do you realize what you're asking for when you wished you learned "how to determine best feeds and speeds for all possible materials, tips on setting material in the machine clamping, etc. In other words a class on machining".

First off,,,All possible materials....That's an endless list..who would be willing to sit thru the entire list ?
Or are you only looking to learn about the materials you're working with?

And the huge number of type of bits only adds to the possibilities.

That doesn't include the possible option with toolpathing..

I do go over the basics of feeds and speeds and give out a Chip Load Calculator to the attendees of the class, but there's no way to offer All possible solutions.
That's part of the trial and error that everyone goes thru.
If you need specific suggestions we're more than happy to help, but I can guarantee you'll get a variety of answers for the same question.

Michael