Ok I'm a complete newbie to CNC turning and I have some questions before I spend money. I have done some reading and some things I do understand, while some things I don't.
In Mach3 turn I understand about the tool X and Z offsets for tool changes and wear offsets, but what I don't understand is how to position the toolpost for a tool change. Say I'm turning a part (55 degree insert) that is 1" long by .75" diameter and want to switch to a cutoff tool, and minimize the distance the cross slide travels to make the tool change. I will not be using limit switches.
Most of my work would be done without the tailstock, but eventually I will try turning between centers.
If someone can shed some light on things in a simple format, I would appreciate it. I often suffer from migraine headaches, so things take a while to sink in sometimes.
Michael