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Post by andyinlongbeach on May 23, 2018 14:51:10 GMT -5
My axiom pro+ 6 is my first cnc router so I have had a lot to learn. I purchased the machine with Aspire 9.0xx. Two question:
1) In order to change bits I loosen the collet nut and then the collet stays in place and the bit remains in place and is so tight that I have to take a plier to get the collet out to change the bit. That cant be right. What am I doing wrong?
2) I have done some simple projects with a single toolpath. If I have a project with multiple toolpaths do I run each toolpath as a separate job and change the bit before I start the next job or is there a better approach?
Thanks in advance for your help!
Andy in Long Beach CA
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Post by stevem on May 23, 2018 16:04:12 GMT -5
Hi Andy: Welcome the the forum
To answer your questions, 1st: The collet does hold the bit in very tight, but you shouldn't need a pliers to remove the bit from the collet.
My collet is very tight as well. The one thing is it has to be kept very clean and just sliding the bit in and out several times while in your hands should make it loose enough to slide out the bits. Just keep working on it. it will loosen up.
2nd: If your project has different tool pathes, you will need to change bits, providing the other tool path is using a different cutter.
When I have a project with several tool pathes, and use different cutters, you will need to change bits.
If you have multiple tool pathes that use the same cutter you can combine them when cutting.
Hope this helps.
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Post by andyinlongbeach on May 23, 2018 16:53:49 GMT -5
Steve,
Good to meet you and thanks for your help. Regards your suggestion for the tight collette I will try your suggestions. I thought possibly a light lubricant might be called for. Any thoughts on that?
Regards the multiple toolpath issue, I was wondering if I need to simply run each toolpath separately and in the proper order or will the machine sequence through the multiple toolpaths on its own with a query to change bits as needed. Hope that make sense.
Thanks
Andy in Long Beach
Learning how to use this app as well!
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Post by gerry on May 23, 2018 16:58:55 GMT -5
My axiom pro+ 6 is my first cnc router so I have had a lot to learn. I purchased the machine with Aspire 9.0xx. Two question: 1) In order to change bits I loosen the collet nut and then the collet stays in place and the bit remains in place and is so tight that I have to take a plier to get the collet out to change the bit. That cant be right. What am I doing wrong? Thanks in advance for your help! Andy in Long Beach CA I don't think you've turned the collet nut loose enough. It will first come loose, the about 1-2 turns later it will release the collet. If you're not sure, take the collet nut off all the way. If it still doesn't release then you have another problem. The collet should snap into the collet nut. If it falls out when you turn it upside down, then it isn't in correctly. It should easily snap in and out with your fingers. Collet Installation |
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Post by savannahdan on May 23, 2018 17:13:10 GMT -5
Let me add to this. Don't insert the bit all the way inside the collet so that it sort of bottoms out. I usually stick it in all the way and then pull it out just a small amount. The recommendation to keep the collet clean is spot on. I use Collet Care from PreciseBits. They also have an excellent line of bits and precision collets you can get for your cnc. I clean my collets frequently and it's surprising how much gunk you get out of them. There are times that I have to use a small amount of force to free the bit. I usually grab a piece of scrap hardwood and tap it on the side of the bit.
Aspire has the feature in the Save Toolpaths section in which you can click on those toolpaths that use the same bit and save it in one file. Caution: you may want to create and run a toolpath using V-Bits or Ballnose bits before you run a toolpath for cutting out the project piece with an end mill. Tabs are nice but unexpected things can happen and it's usually when you've had a long running 3d or vcarve project and the board moves at the last minute or so. Enjoy!
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Post by ricphoto on May 23, 2018 22:26:15 GMT -5
Hey Andy...Agree with what Gerry and Savannahdan said above and will just add one thing...I always take the nut/collet fully off the spindle during bit changes so I can clean it out...everytime
After seeing the buildup of sawdust/gunk inside it I knew that to get the accuracy I needed I had to do whatever I can to insure noting impacted the performance of the high end bits I use (all Amana) or the precision collets Dan talks about above...
Loosen it all the way and inspect the inside of the collet before "snapping" in your next bit...takes an extra few seconds clean it out and insures that any mistakes will (usually) be operator/programmer error and not machine out of spec...
re: tool paths...I group all similar bits and run them as one operation...I also make sure that my heavier/roughing cuts are done first no matter which "release" method (tabs etc) I'm using...my release cuts will always be last even if it means going back to a tool I've already run...
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Post by andyinlongbeach on May 23, 2018 23:30:31 GMT -5
Gerry, Savannahdan and ricphoto. Thank you all so much for your support. I took the suggestions: cleaned the collette, followed the instructions on the provided linked video from Gerry and made sure I inserted the collette in the collette nut properly, didn't insert the bit to the complete depth of the collette and ran the bit up and down the collette and few times and am now able able to remove the bit from the collette from the spindle though with some force.
ricphoto: "re: tool paths...I group all similar bits and run them as one operation...I also make sure that my heavier/roughing cuts are done first no matter which "release" method (tabs etc) I'm using...my release cuts will always be last even if it means going back to a tool I've already run..."
When you run similar bits as one operation do you get a prompt from the pendant to do a tool change? How do you know when to do a tool change and do you change the bit safely when the controller is still turned on?
Very helpful all of you.
Thanks
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Post by ricphoto on May 24, 2018 9:08:11 GMT -5
No prompts...the machine cycles down and stops allowing you to change bits and load the next tool path...
One handy thing I was shown early is naming your tool paths so they come up in order and reflect the bit needed...
something like:
1-.25EM_roughing
2-.125BN_finish
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Post by andyinlongbeach on May 24, 2018 9:49:35 GMT -5
Very helpful.
Thank you rickphoto!
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Post by redwood on May 25, 2018 14:04:15 GMT -5
I don't think I've seen it mentioned, but after every tool bit change, you need to re zero the Z axis. If not, you will have big problems.
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