Machsupport Forum

Mach Discussion => General Mach Discussion => Topic started by: skylane on August 20, 2013, 11:22:39 PM

Title: Tool change info
Post by: skylane on August 20, 2013, 11:22:39 PM
Hi, I am new, I have the g code to a sign, it calls for 3 different tools, there are 3 M6 tool change lines, I assume the machine will stop at these, do I just jog away from the work, change the tool with an equal length one and hit cycle start? I realize there are macro settings etc. etc. but for my first multi tool cut I would like to keep it simple.
Thanks for any help.
Terry
Title: Re: Tool change info
Post by: Hood on August 21, 2013, 02:54:17 AM
There are 3 options for tool changes in General Config. One is ignore and that is exactly what it will do. Another is Stop spindle and wait for cycle start and the last is auto tool changer.
 The stop spindle option will do that and then wait for you to change the tool and then press start. The Auto will do whatever is in your M6 Macro, so you would need to have a macro written.

For you the best option may be to use the Stop Spindle option however it uses the M6 End macro which may or may not cause issues.
 What I would suggest you do is  try the have your code call the machine to move to a safe location before a tool change so that you can change your tool, that way you are not having to manually move.
 Best also to maybe run without a tool whilst initially testing things just to make sure the M6 End macro does not cause you issues.

Hood
Title: Re: Tool change info
Post by: skylane on August 21, 2013, 01:21:12 PM
Thank you hood for the reply.
Terry