Machsupport Forum

Mach Discussion => General Mach Discussion => Topic started by: Geoffcncmilling on November 20, 2025, 06:21:09 AM

Title: Probing and tool change macros
Post by: Geoffcncmilling on November 20, 2025, 06:21:09 AM

Hi All,
Just new here, I have an old round column mill, 3d touch probe and tool setter. I am struggling to find a macro to probe z of part then reference the tool setter height then touch off tool setter with cutting tool and calculate tool length. I have tried my hardest with AI generated codes but no success.
Please....

Title: Re: Probing and tool change macros
Post by: blazeeastern on December 03, 2025, 11:19:44 PM

I wonder what control system you're using? Fanuc 0i / 16i / 18i / 21i?

Title: Re: Probing and tool change macros
Post by: Geoffcncmilling on December 04, 2025, 06:08:45 AM

I am using Mach3 with the generic red break-out board

Title: Re: Probing and tool change macros
Post by: JohnHaine on December 08, 2025, 02:07:14 AM

Assume table surface is z zero. Use stylus probe to find the surface.  Then probe the top surface of the work.  Difference of the two readings is the height of the work above table, call it H.  Then mount tool and height setter and probe the top of the setter which should have a known height, say S. Now the tool is S - H above the work. Unless you can set each tool precisely in the spindle you have to repeat the tool height setting at each tool change.

Does that help?